A Finnish city is set to be the European Capital of Culture for 2026.
Oulu, located in northern Finland, will hold events over this year to shine a spotlight on its culture – with a focus on climate change, sustainability and Sámi culture.
Last weekend, the city held its official opening festival, with a winter theme and events both indoors and outdoors.
Oulu will take the role, following title-holders Nova Gorica in Slovenia and Gorizia in Italy, as well as Chemnitz in Germany, from last year.
It will hold the coveted title alongside the city of Trenčín in Slovakia.
For the rest of 2026, the programme is set to be jam-packed.
The Arctic Food Lab, the official brand of the Oulu2026 region, brings to light the gastronomy in the region, with hundreds of food-centered events planned.
There will also be a public art trail featuring world-renowned artists, including Climate Clock – one of the most significant productions of the year.
A sunset panoramic view of the Finnish city of Oulu, the European Capital of Culture for 2026
Hupisaaret Central Park in Oulu is the perfect place to relax in nature
The aim is for art to combine with science and nature to inspire environmental awareness.
Six permanent artworks will be located in Haukipudas, Kiiminki, Oulu city centre, Oulunsalo, Yli-Ii, and Ylikiiminki.
Alongside these is the ‘Most Valuable Clock in the World’, a new artwork co-created with the local communities by renowned artists.
The clock combines 120 personal video moments from residents in the region with 12 precious moments in nature, advised by scientists.
The ‘electromechanical-digital hybrid marvel’ clock, to be unveiled this year, will tour the region.
There will also be a photography exhibit, Fotografiska Tallinn, as well as a light festival called the Lumo Art & Tech Festival.
Plus, it will bring to light the culture of the Sámi people, an Indigenous group that traditionally lives in the region, through theatre and traditional Sámi handicrafts.
Oulu’s tourism website says: ‘This is a home of people who like to choose their own path and do things differently.
Kauppatori square in Oulu, a popular hangout spot with bars and restaurants
‘We are the ones who created the modern mobile technology and are forerunners in 6G.
‘The ones who made up the peculiar Air Guitar World Championship to promote the message of world peace, and are now nominated as European Capital of Culture 2026.
‘In Oulu, life is an adventure, filled with rich tones of creativity and the magic of pure northern nature.
‘We welcome everyone like an old friend, so please come and enjoy the laid-back, creative atmosphere of our beautiful seaside city.’
