Oulu
Region: North Ostrobothnia | Founded: 1605 | Population: ~214,600 | Area: ~187 km² (urban)
About the Coat of Arms
The coat of arms features a salmon and a castle, symbolizing Oulu's fishing history and its 16th-century fortress.
Town Highlights
- Historic trade hub with 1590s castle
- Air Guitar World Championships
- University and tech innovation center
- Clean air, riverside city on Bothnian Bay
- Landmarks: Market Square, Tietomaa, Koitelinkoski
Nature & Climate
Coastal with rivers and forests. Subarctic/humid continental climate. Long winter nights, near-24h daylight in midsummer.
Fun Facts
- Name may derive from Sámi word for 'floodwater'
- One of Europe’s cleanest-air cities
- Hosts quirky festivals and rich science culture