Oulu Is the First Place in Finland to Test 5G
4G? That’s so last year. We do things in 5G over here. VTT (a Finnish technical research centre) and University of Oulu will be testing an open 5G network at the University of Oulu. This means that we can get the taste of what comes in the future (provided we have 5G-capable devices)! After testing, the actual commercial 5G network is set to be implemented full-scale by 2020.
The Air Guitar World Championship Is Held in Oulu
If you think that playing an air guitar is only for shower or mirror indoor performances, you are so wrong. Oulu inhabitants took it to the next level. The Air Guitar World Championship has been held here annually since 1996. People from all over the world come to Oulu just for this event. The winner of the competition gets a very generous prize – an original Flying Finn guitar handmade by Matti Nevalainen. And anyone can take part in it, you too! All you have to do is to get through the qualifying round. Visit www.airguitarworldchampionships.com for more details.
Pancakes!
Do you like pancakes? Silly question… of course, you do! Oulu is one of the only 4 (soon to be 5) locations of the famous Pannukakkutalo (literally Pancake House). Located near the Toripoliisi (Oulu Policeman Statue) in the Market Square, it is a place of pure bliss. Freshly made sweet or salty pancakes will stimulate your taste buds and send you straight to Finnish heaven. Just remember to make a reservation if you go in a big group or if you want to skip the queue. The place is pretty small but cozy, warm and filled with the smell of freshly baked pancakes… Mmmm.
Music Festivals
If watching people pretend to play imaginary instruments is not your thing, there is a wide variety of music festivals to choose from: Jalometalli for the metalheads, Qstock with a bit of everything, Oulu Music Festival for those into classical music and jazz, The Irish Festival of Oulu to give a taste of traditional Irish music, the Haapavesi Folk Music Festival and Rotuaari Piknik to see Finnish artists. There is also a bunch of electronic music happenings (just ask around or search online). In Oulu you are sure to discover which sounds make your skeleton shake.
Get Your Two-Wheel Best Friend
They say you never forget how to ride a bike. And if you don’t know yet, I would say it’s high time you did. Oulu has one of the best cycling roads in the world, and since the land is relatively flat, it makes the ride much more pleasant. All you need is a pair of wheels, and you are able to explore this beautiful city in all its splendor. Just remember to always lock your bike with a sturdy U-lock (and lock it by connecting the back-wheel to the frame), so you can be sure that your new best friend is safe.
