Your flight to high-tech coastal Oulu takes you to Finland’s sixth-largest city, and the capital of Oulu province, founded in 1605. See the 18th-century neo-classical Oulu Cathedral and the City Art Museum. Explore times gone by in Oulu at The Northern Ostrobothnia Museum with its multimedia themes exploring tar and shipping, town planning and traditional cooking and clothing. Mix with the locals of Oulu along the pedestrian shopping street of Rotuaari. For some quiet time out, explore the extensive City Park Ainola or the 19th-century Finnish homes on the artist-colony Pikisaari Island, over the bridge. Or sail further afield around the many islands at the mouth of the River Oulu. The people of Oulu love their meat. Sample makkara (sausage) or smoked reindeer meat, the latter often served on rye bread with Finnish cheese, butter and hard-boiled eggs. Coffee is drunk by the gallon. |