Oulu tourist information

Oulu is a city and municipality of about 130,000 inhabitants in the province of Oulu and the region of Northern Ostrobothnia, in Finland. It is the largest and most important city in Northern Finland and the sixth biggest city in the country. Its population growth rate is almost comparable with that of the Helsinki Metropolitan Area.

Oulu was founded on April 8, 1605 by King Karl IX of Sweden opposite the castle built on the island of Linnansaari. This took place after favourable peace settlements with the Russians, which removed the threat of them attacking the region via the main east-west waterway, the river Oulu (the surrounding areas were populated much earlier). Oulu is situated by the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of Oulu River, which is an ancient trading site. One source for the name Oulu is a word in the Sami language meaning floodwater, but there are other suggestions. Oulu has been the capital of Oulu province since 1776. In 1822, there was a fire in the city.

From being a town known for wood tar and salmon, Oulu has evolved into a major centre of competence in the field of high technology, particularly IT and wellness technology. Other prominent industries are wood refining, paper and steel industry. The University of Oulu is located 6 km north of the city center. The Oulu Airport, located in neighbouring municipality of Oulunsalo, is the second busiest in Finland.

The best known cultural exports of the city of Oulu are Air guitar World Championships, Mieskuoro Huutajat (also known as the Screaming Men), and the now de-funct metal band Sentenced.

Things to do * Tietomaa * Ainola Park, a former University botanical garden * Rotuaari pedestrian street * The Market Square with the City Library, the City Theatre and old salt storehouses * Mannerheim Park * Hupisaaret * The F. M. Franzen memorial * The North-Ostrobothnia Museum * The Pateniemi Sawmill Museum * The Vehicle Museum * The Linnanmaa University Botanical Garden * The Oulu Art Museum * The Arctic Gallery * Teknopolis, the technology village

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