Oulu

Oulu is a city and municipality in Finland, located in Northern Ostrobothnia on the Gulf of Bothnia at the mouth of the Oulujoki river. It is the largest city in Northern Ostrobothnia and serves as a regional center for northern Finland. As of 2023, the city has about 210,000 inhabitants.

Oulu's history begins with its foundation in 1605 by King Charles IX of Sweden, who named it Uleåborg and granted town rights in 1621. It developed as a trading post and gateway to the north. A major fire in 1822 destroyed much of the town, and it was rebuilt in a planned grid. After Finland's cession to Russia in 1809, Oulu continued as an important regional center and later expanded in education and industry.

Oulu hosts a strong education and research sector. The University of Oulu, established in 1958, together with the Oulu University of Applied Sciences, anchors a technology-focused economy. The city hosts research institutes and a growing start-up ecosystem, particularly in information technology, life sciences and health technology.

Transport and geography: Oulu lies on the coast of the Gulf of Bothnia and is a rail and road hub for northern Finland. Oulu Airport provides domestic and international connections, and the city has a seaport on the Gulf and extensive road and rail links.

Culture and living: Oulu offers cultural facilities including theatres and museums and hosts annual events and markets that reflect its regional role. The surrounding region features coastal archipelagos and boreal forests, contributing to outdoor recreation and tourism.