At the mouth of the Oulujoki River on the Gulf of Bothnia, Oulu pairs its northern Finnish setting with a distinctly inventive character. The city has played a notable role in the development of modern mobile technology, while its creative culture takes center stage as a European Capital of Culture in 2026. Oulu hosts the Air Guitar World Championships, an internationally known celebration of its playful side. Along the waterfront, Kauppatori market square offers a more traditional gathering place, while museums and galleries share the art, history, and culture of Northern Ostrobothnia. Forests, rivers, lakes, and the shores of the Gulf of Bothnia shape the landscape surrounding the city, while Oulu’s extensive cycling network is part of everyday life year-round. It is this combination of northern setting, technological innovation, and unconventional creativity that makes Oulu such an intriguing introduction to this part of Finland.