US news network CNN has included the Finnish city of Oulu in its list of 20 top travel destinations for 2026.
The listing coincides with the beginning of Oulu's year as the European capital of culture — an initiative which aims to "highlight the diversity of cultures in Europe," according to Finland's Ministry of Education and Culture.
CNN writes that Oulu will host about 200 events as part of its cultural capital celebrations, including the Frozen People electronic music festival.
The article also mentions the city's floating saunas and scenic nature, among other attractions.
"While landmarks like the Cathedral, which dates from the 18th century, and the Market Hall are not to be missed, one of the city’s most iconic sights is actually a bronze statue of a round policeman, nicknamed Toripolliisi, located in the Market Square," CNN's writers add.
The Toripolliisi, or 'Market Place Policeman', is one of the city's most well-known landmarks.
Oulu is the third Finnish city to be named European capital of culture, following in the footsteps of Helsinki in 2000 and Turku in 2011. It shares the honour this year with the city of Trenčín in Slovakia.
CNN's boost for the Finnish tourism industry comes in the wake of a similar mention by Lonely Planet last October, which included Finland in its "best destinations for 2026" list.
