The 2026 European Capital of Culture has been announced: the city of Oulu! The Northern Finnish city has been selected for next year, alongside the Slovakian city of Trenčín. We got to experience Oulu’s dynamic cultural scene firsthand during our production of Boys Won’t Be Boys at Oulun teatteri last year and we can’t wait to see what the city has in store for the year ahead.
European Cultural capitals have existed since 1985, as an initiative from the European Union. Cultural capitals represent European unity and diversity, highlighting a shared identity across the continent. The selection process is managed by the European Commission. The city of Oulu was selected on the basis of its strong cultural scene and commitment to innovation. To name an example, Oulu’s Frozen People festival — an outdoor celebration of electronic music and the arts set on the frozen sea — perfectly showcases the city’s creative edge.
Oulu, the Northern Finnish Cultural Capital – how to get there?
The city of Oulu is located around halfway between the northernmost and southernmost points of Finland. Considering Finland is a similar length in comparison to Italy, this is quite a distance. To get to Oulu from Helsinki Central Station, you can take a 5-hour train or alternatively, experience an overnight train that takes around 8 hours. Choosing the train isn’t just a comfortable and scenic way to travel—it’s also the more sustainable option. If you’re on a tight schedule, there is also an option to fly.
If you choose to take a train from Helsinki to Oulu, you can also make a visit to one of the cities on the way, like Tampere, Seinäjoki or Kokkola. Tampere is known for its rock music, Seinäjoki for its cultural events and Kokkola for its charming old town.
Sámi art & culture take centre stage at Oulu2026
The 2025 Dálvemánnu Festival (translates to winter month) celebrates Sámi arts, culture, and heritage in the lead-up to Oulu2026. It will even include a children’s disco and an adults’ party, Sámefeasta!
The indigenous Sámi people live in Sápmi, a region spanning northern Norway, Sweden, Finland, Russia’s Kola Peninsula. The Sámi culture is rich and distinct with deep connections to nature, traditional livelihoods and a vibrant artistic heritage. The festival will feature films, exhibitions and discussions on Sámi politics. The event caters both to international and Sámi audiences.
In January 2026, the Sápmi Triennale will highlight Sámi contemporary art as a part of Oulu2026. The exhibition features 25 artists selected from nearly 100 applicants. It will showcase duodji (traditional Sámi crafts), video, and literature, to name a few. The triennale has travelled across the Nordic countries and the Sápmi territory, starting in Bodø, Norway, in August 2024 and arriving at the Oulu Art Museum in 2026. The triennale will open in the Sámi Center for Contemporary Art in Karasjok (or Kárášjohka), Norway this Thursday.
Want to be part of Oulu2026? Apply now!
The Oulu2026 Open Call invites artists, performers, and cultural professionals to contribute to the programme. Applications are open until the 31st of August 2025.
This is a unique opportunity to take part in one of Europe’s most exciting cultural celebrations — whether as a visitor or a participant. See you in Oulu in 2026!
For more information, visit the Oulu2026 website.
Text by Maija Lindström.