Oulu is the largest city in Northern Finland and is located at the mouth of the Oulu River. The main purpose of establishing a connection was mutual acquaintance between the two kindred peoples, as well as the exchange of organizational, healthcare, and cultural experiences. Over the years, numerous group and personal visits have taken place. Personal friendships have developed between the citizens of the two cities, and the Lutheran congregation visits each other several times a year. The majority of the wood used in the construction of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in Siófok's Oulu Park was provided by the sister city.
It is located 600 kilometers from the northernmost point of the country. The city is situated at the mouth of the Oulu River, which has long been an important location for trade. With approximately 210,000 inhabitants, Oulu is the fifth most populous city in Finland. The city was officially founded by King Charles IX of Sweden on August 8, 1605, and in 1776, it became the seat of the Oulu Province of the same name.
The twinning agreement between Siófok and Oulu was signed on September 9, 1978, making 2023 the 45th anniversary of the jubilee.
Today, the city of Oulu is a center of cutting-edge technology, particularly in the fields of information technology and wellness. The traditional industries in the region are also significant, including wood processing and the paper industry. Europe's largest paper mills are located in the Bay of Bothnia.
The city center of Oulu is known as Rotuaari and encompasses the main shopping district with its department stores and boutiques. The nearby market square is home to the bronze statue known as Toripolliisi, which commemorates the patrolling policemen who once served in the square and is considered one of the symbols of Oulu. Cultural events are organized in Rotuaari Square throughout the year.
Oulu is home to Finland's first science center, the Tietomaa Science Museum, which has been welcoming visitors since 1988. The thematic exhibitions contain over 100 interactive displays and demonstrations in the fields of science and technology. New exhibitions are opened every year, and the highlights of previous exhibitions become part of the permanent exhibition.
The Botanical Garden of the University of Oulu is one of the northernmost scientific gardens in the world. The pyramid-shaped greenhouses house approximately 1,200 plant species from different climatic regions around the world. Adjacent to the botanical garden, there is a small zoo where visitors can see reindeer.
On an island near the city, there is the half-kilometer-long Nallikari Beach, which is accessible all year round. In addition to swimming, the resort offers opportunities for sports and camping, as well as a spa hotel.
Notable people:
Frans Michael Franzén (1772–1847), Swedish poet and bishop, founder of Swedish Romantic poetry. Zacharias Topelius (1814–1898), renowned Swedish-Finnish writer, who played a significant role in Finnish historiography and describing rural environments. Sara Wacklin (1790–1846), a significant figure in Finnish-Swedish cultural history and a pioneer for women's equality.
Official website: www.ouka.fi
