Pre-tour to Oulu, Kemi and Kalajoki and Midnight Sun Workshop 05.-12.06.2026

Oulu – Culture, Innovation and Arctic Character

Oulu is the European Capital of Culture 2026, highlighting the region’s creativity and new ways to connect people through art, technology and community. During the visit, guests will get a glimpse of Oulu’s local lifestyle, urban atmosphere and developing cultural scene.

HaparandaTornio - Borderless Twin-City

Nestled at the edge of the Bothnian Bay where Sweden meets Finland, HaparandaTornio lies on the Arctic Coast and is also a part of Lapland. In summer, you can paddle or raft from tranquil river landscapes out to the archipelago, take boat trips to islands, stroll charming streets with twin-city cultural flair, or explore the historic Torne Valley heritage. 

Border-crossing experiences—literally cultural and time-zone shifts—add unique storytelling angles for your packages. 

Importantly, the destination has engaged with the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme. This commitment ensures destination-level engagement in sustainable development, creating authentic, responsible tourism offerings that enhance both summer and winter packages. 

Kemi has a unique location both by the sea and in Finnish Lapland. The sweetest sea in the world, Gulf of Bothian, enables the most exciting experiences. The sea freezes in winter, creating a unique playground of activities such as icebreaker cruises (for visitors and locals). In summer, Bothnian Bay National Park can be visited by boat and its' flora and fauna together with former fishermen life can be observed and various sea related activites can be experienced. Kemi is a city where unique Arctic nature meets a rich history as a center of industry and maritime activities. Kemi is also a city of events and culture, where joyful living is celebrated year-round. Enjoy music and art festivals and savor the city’s unique atmosphere. 

Come and explore Kemi, the city where the magic of winter and the light of summer meet – and take you on an unforgettable journey!

Kalajoki – Coastal Beauty

Kalajoki is a true gem on the Bothnian Bay, where a 3.5 km stretch of golden sand dunes meets pine forests, a winding river, and a unique archipelago shaped by ongoing land uplift.

While summer is the crown jewel with sun-drenched beaches and unforgettable sunsets, Kalajoki is a year-round destination. Autumn brings ideal conditions for outdoor exploration, and winter transforms the sea into an exotic frozen landscape perfect for unique activities like wool sock walking, winter windsurfing, fat biking, and hovercraft trips.

Alongside its natural wonders, Kalajoki offers cultural highlights that enrich any itinerary: the historic fishing island of Maakalla and the charming Old Town Plassi, both steeped in coastal heritage.

A destination with broad appeal, Kalajoki combines nature, culture, and memorable experiences — ideal for building diverse travel packages.

Flight from Australia to Helsinki

21:35 Flight from Singapore to Helsinki 
 

06:00 Flight from Singapore arrives in Helsinki

9:10 Flight from Helsinki to Oulu

10:10 Arrival in Oulu

10:30 Transfer to Oulu city centre (20 min)

11:00 Check in at GreenStar Hotel Oulu. GreenStar Hotels offers smart and sustainable accommodation in a central location. The concept focuses on easy, comfortable stays with functional rooms, an organic breakfast, complimentary coffee and tea, and access to shared kitchen and laundry facilities. GreenStar Hotels is Finland’s first carbon-neutral hotel chain.

Time to refresh and rest at the hotel. For those who wish, there is also an opportunity to explore the nearby shopping centre Valkea.

13:00 By foot for lunch at Frans&Camille (150 m). During lunch presentation of Oulu region and Sokos Hotels. After lunch room inspection of Sokos Hotel Arina.

14:30 Get to know Oulu. Rock the City Adventure Game offers a fun and interactive way for groups to discover Oulu’s city centre. Working in small teams, participants explore key landmarks through a mobile game combining light activity, local stories and creative challenges. The experience can be tailored to different themes, such as city highlights or local food culture, making it a versatile and engaging program for groups. Supplier: Tapahtumatuotanto Voltti

16:30 Return to the hotel to refresh and prepare for the evening program.

17:00 Transfer to Nallikari

17:15 Visit to Nallikari

Nallikari is Oulu’s year-round seaside destination, located just minutes from the city centre yet surrounded by nature. During the visit, participants will be introduced to the area’s diverse offering, including various accommodation options such as cottages, villas, a campsite, apartment hotel and spa hotel, as well as restaurants and a wide range of activities for groups. Nallikari also features a weekly activity programme and a summer amusement park for families, making it a versatile destination for different traveller segments.

18:00 Transfer

18:15 Hotel inspection and Dinner at  Lapland Hotels Oulu

Optional evening: Opportunity to explore Oulu’s relaxed nightlife, with a selection of bars and cafés located within walking distance from the hotel.

07:00 Breakfast

Check out

08:00-10:00 Transfer to Tornio

10:00 –11.30 Introduction of Kukkolankoski and Nordic Safaris

12.00 Toranda introduction and lunch
We are an event center located on the beautiful banks of the Tornionjoki River. Our area allows us to provide a wide range of services, both outdoors and indoors. Our services include guest boat harbor maintenance, restaurant and catering services, sauna and meeting facilities, and the magnificent Merilinna (accommodation)

14.00 Borderless city tour in Finland and Sweden, Rajalla shopping center - introduction of Victoriantori, Candyworld, Green Zone golf. Coffee at the golf club

16:30 Transfer to Kemi

17:00 Arrival in Kemi  

Check in at the Seaside Glass villas and Gemstone exhibition visit

SnowCastle area in Kemi is open all year round.
SnowCastle concept has changed over the years introducing various services in the area from snow & ice experiences to restaurant, accommodation and sauna services.

In the SnowCastle area`s main building you can find SnowExperience365. In the SnowExperience365 exhibition room you can step into a winter wonderland any day of the year. You can walk on the snowy floors and admire the beautiful ice sculptures. The theme of the ice sculpture changes from time to time, now the theme is a Fairytale castle. SnowExperience365 consists of ice sculptures, ice slide, ice bar and ice tables.

The exhibition showcases jewelry and gemstones comprehensively from both Finland and around the world. The exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore Finland’s geological heritage at the same time.

17:45 Transfer to Arkadia, reindeer herding and a kota dinner (both groups together)

21:00/22:00 Return to SnowCastle

07:30 Breakfast

08:30 Check out

09:00-11:00 Transfer to Liminka

11:00-12:00 Visit of the world famous bird wetlands and Nature Center of Liminka Bay Birdwatching tower Eight Seasons of Birds’ Year -exhibition Hotel Liminka Bay

12:00-12:30 Transfer to Pitojen Helmi Countryside Villas at Pitojen Helmi

12:30-14:00 Countryside lunch and site inspection at Pitojen Helmi

14:00-15:45 Transfer to Kalajoki

16:00-18:00 Hiking trip by Siiponjoki Hiking by Siiponjoki River

Check in at Marina Chalets

19:00 Beer tasting dinner at Sandy Kelt

Breakfast at the hotel

Check out

08:30-10:30 Short tour on the sand dunes by e-fatbikes organized by Safaritalo Safaritalo e-fatbiking We also visit Iso-Pahkala Ceramics by bikes.

11:00-12:30 Transfer to Jakobstad-Pietarsaari

12:30-13:30 A short, guided city tour by foot on arrival visiting e.g. Skata The Old Wooden House Neighborhood

13:30 Transfer to Fäboda, lunch at Fäboda Kahvitupa Fäboda Outdoor Recreational Area by the Sea

14:45-16:45 Introduction to Arctic Museum Nanoq and escape room game  Escape Room Game at Arctic Museum Nanoq

16:45 - 17:15 Transfer to Kokkola Airport

18:40 Departure from Kokkola

19:50 Arriving in Helsinki

Transfer to hotel  Kämp

21:15 Dinner at your hotel hosted by the hotel

Breakfast

08.00 -17:00 Helsinki – Espoo Destination Day 
Details sent via email by Helsinki Partners and Visit Espoo (sent on 2nd of June)

Program organized by Visit Espoo and Helsinki Partners

17:00-20:00 Get-together event in Temppeliaukio Church (Lutherinkatu 3, Helsinki)
and dinner at Restaurant Töölö (Runeberginkatu 14–16, Helsinki)

Evening hosted by Visit Finland, Finnair, Visit Espoo, and Helsinki Partners

Breakfast

9:00-17:00 Workshop day - see program here

18:30-00:30 Party Like a Finn - see program here

Breakfast

Optional Helsinki Day

Helsinki Day is an annual celebration in Finland, held on 12 June, to celebrate the city of Helsinki. 

Helsinki Partners offers the opportunity to participate in various events held in Helsinki: Explore and unwind the day after. This optional day offers a light, flexible program with a focus on summer vibes and memorable city experience during the birthday of Helsinki. Dip into depths of local sauna culture and enjoy a dinner experience under the open sky.

Expect:
• Slow morning & free time with tickets to Allas Sea Pool
• Casual lunch with Helsinki hosts and fellow guests
• Recreation and city experience in laid-back setting
• Relaxed dinner (under the sky if weather permits) to close the week

Flights back to home.

Thank you for visiting Finland!