Oulu, the most northerly major city in Europe, has a rapidly growing technology and IT economy. Also known as a “big city with a small town feel”, the city invites you to linger with its historic cityscape and proximity to nature.
Oulu is also known for its cultural affinity: recently named Capital of Culture 2026, the city is putting together a program on the topic of “cultural – climate change”. The project aims to bring residents and visitors together through surprising art and cultural projects and focuses on themes such as snow, ice holes, saunas, light and darkness and the four seasons.
At the same time, Oulu is a thriving center for art and culture, especially known for its numerous music festivals and the ‘Air Guitar World Championship’. From a media art perspective, the “Lumo Light Festival” is particularly worth mentioning – with its impressive light installations, it paves the way for Oulu as a Creative City of Media Arts.