Post code: SF-90100
Telephone code: 8
Oulu (Swedish Uleåborg), chief town of Oulu province and the see of a bishop, lies near the north end of the Gulf of Bothnia at the mouth of the Oulujoki. It has a University, founded in 1959. In spring there are numerous sporting events (skiing competitions, etc.) in the Oulu area.
History
Towards the end of the 16th century King John III of Sweden built a castle (Finnish linna) on the island of Linnansaari at the mouth of the river, and the town grew up on this island, receiving its municipal charter in 1610. In 1822 it was almost completely destroyed by fire, and thereafter was rebuilt in accordance with a plan prepared by Johan Albrecht Ehrenström. During the 19th century the trade in tar flourished, and the town prospered accordingly.
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