Accommodation statistics for April 2025 confirm Oulu’s position as a growing tourist destination: registered overnight stays by foreign visitors increased by 16%, even though the number of registered overnight stays by domestic visitors fell by 14%.
A total of 37,800 registered overnight stays were recorded in Oulu in April, which is 11.5% less than a year earlier.
Germany stands out as a clear growth market, with visitors from Germany accounting for 940 overnight stays – an increase of almost 40%.
Lapland Hotels Oulu reopens – expansion increases capacity
Oulu’s accommodation capacity is getting a much-needed boost with the reopening of Lapland Hotels Oulu. The hotel is still undergoing expansion, which will increase the total number of rooms to 256. This will improve the city’s ability to serve the growing domestic and international demand.
Nallikari expects its busiest summer in ten years
The summer also looks exceptionally promising in Nallikari, Oulu’s most famous tourist area. Sirpa Walter, Managing Director of Nallikari Seaside Oy, is up to speed on the situation.
– We are eagerly awaiting the coming summer – the housing fair area is right next door, and we have made several accommodation agreements with event organisers. In addition, the area is now in good condition after many years of development work. I believe that Nallikari and its services will delight both domestic and international visitors, says Walter.
The booking situation also supports the forecasts.
– Demand is particularly high during events, so those looking for summer holiday accommodation should be quick off the mark and contact our reception directly. Thanks to our new apartment hotel, we now have more and more varied accommodation on offer. In the summer, our customers are mainly individual holidaymakers, but we also welcome international groups. However, we are best able to serve groups outside the high season, says Walter.
Oulu’s summer is happening – the Kuninkuusravit horse race, the Asuntomessut housing fair and festivals fill the city
Oulu’s summer 2025 is full of attractive events. The city hosts the Kuninkuusravit horse race, the national Housing Fair and several major cultural and music events such as the Varjo Festival, Qstock, Suomipop and the Oulu Festival. These events attract tourists from all over Finland and Europe.
– This summer, Oulu is an event city with a capital E. We have been working on our visibility for a long time, and now our efforts are paying off. Oulu is an interesting place, and it is easy to get here – especially now that there is a new direct flight connection from Central Europe, says Yrjötapio Kivisaari, CEO of Visit Oulu.
Discover Airlines launches direct flights from Frankfurt to Oulu
The region’s accessibility has been significantly improved with the launch of direct flights from Frankfurt to Oulu by Discover Airlines. The first flight arrived on 9 June, and the connection is expected to further increase the number of German tourists in particular. The direct connection from one of Europe’s largest airports makes Oulu an even more accessible option for international travellers.