blossomingcoastal European city, acclaimed as a vacation destination for all seasons, forecasted as the prime travel location in 2026.
Nestled on the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia, Oulu, Finland, has been named by Intrepid Travel as a destination to watch in their Not Hot List 2026. Known as the "quirky northern city by the sea," Oulu offers a unique blend of innovation, culture, and outdoor adventure that appeals to travellers from around the globe.
One of the city's most popular spots is Nallikari Beach, a long sandy beach with shallow waters that becomes a hub of activity during the summer months. Visitors can enjoy a variety of water sports, or simply relax and soak up the sun.
Oulu is also renowned for its innovative tech scene, with phone brand Nokia calling the city home. Tech enthusiasts can explore the Tietomaa Science Centre, which features interactive exhibits and a large 3D cinema. For those who prefer a more active approach, Superpark offers a Freestyle Hall for skateboarding and scooting, an AirTrack tumble track, and a number of ramps and trampolines.
Culture vultures will find plenty to enjoy in Oulu as well. The city is home to the Oulu Cathedral, a major landmark of its skyline, and the Oulu Market Square, which contains a variety of restaurants and craft shops. In September, the Irish Festival takes place in venues across the city, featuring Irish music and dance. Another highlight is Taste Adventure, a local food festival that celebrates the best of Finnish cuisine.
Outdoor enthusiasts will be in their element in Oulu during the summer months, when bike tyres and hiking boots traverse mysterious swamps, and the Baltic waters are dotted with swimmers in wetsuits and floating saunas. For those who prefer winter activities, come winter, fat bikes and snowshoes crunch across snow-blanketed silence in Oulu.
Getting to Oulu is easy, with direct, return flights from the UK to Helsinki Airport costing as little as £44 in October and November, and a return flight from Helsinki to Oulu Airport costing from £98. Alternatively, one can take a five-hour train from Helsinki to Oulu, which costs from around £85.
Accommodation in Oulu is also super affordable, with hotels costing from £56 per night. For those looking to experience the city's vibrant nightlife, Uleaborg 1881, rated the best restaurant in Oulu on TripAdvisor, offers dishes made from Finnish fish. The cost of a starter, main course of fish of the day, and dessert is €63.80 (£55.36).
In addition to the city's many attractions, Oulu also hosts the annual Air Guitar World Championships, attracting competitors from around the world. The Lumo Light Festival, which showcases different light art in Oulu in November, is another highlight of the city's cultural calendar.
Whether you're a tech enthusiast, culture vulture, or outdoor adventurer, Oulu, Finland, offers something for everyone. So why not plan your next trip to this emerging travel destination and discover all that it has to offer?
