In these pages you will find useful information about Oulu and the Oulu City Theatre, where the conference and exhbition takes place. Please take also look at the map of the city center.

OULU - YOUR HOST CITY
Oulu is the largest city in Northern Finland (population ca. 129 000). Founded in 1605 by King Karl IX of Sweden opposite the castle built on the island of Linnansaari, Oulu is situated by the Gulf of Bothnia, at the mouth of Oulu River, which is an ancient trading site. The name Oulu comes from a word in the Sami language meaning floodwater.

Oulu has been the capital of Oulu province since 1776. From being a town known for tar and salmon, Oulu has evolved into a growing modern centre of high technology. Oulu is known for its cooperative, competent people, active development, high-class services, versatile business structure, and strong economy. Oulu offers an excellent setting for study, work, research, and development.

Through the years Oulu has established its position as an attractive host city for many international congresses. Apart from its variety of tourist attractions, the city also has enough capacity to host large-scale events. The exotic light nights at midsummer and the subarctic ice, snow and darkness in winter are memorable experiences for visitors. Proximity to the sea, the fine parks, museums and art galleries, the colourful market place and the great variety of shops and restaurants make Oulu an interesting destination for congress participants, while the surrounding countryside is within easy reach for wonderful excursions.

CLIMATE
Oulu is located on the western coast of Finland ca. 150 km South of the Artic Circle. Thanks to Gulf Stream, the weather is very temperate. The average daytime temperature in June is usually +15...+25 ºC, but the weather may vary from warm (ca. 30 ºC) and sunny to cold (ca. 10 ºC) and rainy.

CURRENCY AND BANKING
The currency units in Finland are Euros. Banking hours are usually from 10.00 am to 4.30 pm from Monday to Friday. Banks are closed on Saturdays and Sundays.

CREDIT CARDS AND SHOPPING HOURS
Most major credit cards are accepted in hotels, restaurants and shops. Shopping hours are usually from 9.00 am to 6.00 pm on weekdays and from 9.00 am to 3.00 pm on Saturdays. Some larger department stores remain open until 9.00 pm on weekdays and until 6.00 pm on Saturdays.

oulu

city theatre

hotel accommodation

how to get there

map of the city center

USEFUL LINKS:

city of oulu

oulu tourist information

pictures of oulu #1
(Finnish text)

pictures of oulu #2

a short film of the city and it's people