Car Hire in Oulu

About Oulu

Oulu is a city in Finland, more precisely in the northern part of the country. It is part of the region of North Ostrobothnia and is also a municipality in this region. Oulu is the most populous city in the northern part of the country and the fifth largest city in Finland, just after Helsinki, Espoo, Tampere, and Vantaa, and the fourth largest urban area in the country after Helsinki, Tampere, and Turku. If we measure latitude, it is one of the largest cities in the world and one of the largest northernmost cities in the world. In fact, it is the largest northernmost major city that belongs to the western cultural area. This city has a long past with many different tribes passing through this area and trying to settle here. Today it is one of the most modern and unique cities in Finland. It is also called the capital of Northern Finland and some people call Oulu the modern life laboratory because the citizens are experimenting with new technologies. In a recent study, Oulu was voted the second most attractive city in Finland along with Kuopio, while Tampere came in first.

So in the past, the economy here was focused on salmon, timber, etc., but today this is a modern city with high technology with a special focus on IT and wellness technology.

So if you are planning a road trip through Finland, be sure to put Oulu on your list of places to stop and spend a few days, you will not regret it. This modern city with soul will charm you the moment you arrive here, so buckle up and drive safely!

Basic info and car hire in Oulu

• Location: Northern Finland
• Population: 209,648
• Official language: Finnish
• Currency: Euro
• Weather: Oulu has a subarctic continental climate
• Internet coverage: Hotels, bars, restaurants, and cafés offer Wi-Fi.
• Road conditions:  Most roads in Oulu are in good condition.
• Car hire in Oulu:  The most common pick-up point for vehicles in Oulu is at the Oulu Airport Please note that prices vary frequently. It is best to book a car 3 to 8 weeks in advance of your desired pick-up date - this will ensure you get the cheapest rental rate. Alternatively, it is also possible to find cheap last-minute car hire. Find the best deal on car hire in Oulu!

 Driving in Oulu

Oulu is a great destination if you are driving around Finland. The roads here in the city are well maintained, traffic is well organized and people are not aggressive when driving. So, you can really expect a pleasant experience when driving through the city of Oulu. Public transport here is also very well organized and many locals use public transport, so there are hardly any traffic jams in the city.

If you want to explore the city and its surroundings properly, it is best to rent a car and explore it at your own pace and according to your own preferences. If you want to explore the city center, it's best to park your car in one of the city's many underground garages or find a parking spot on the side of the road. Note that parking is not free and is often limited in time.

• Age limits: The minimum age to rent a car is 19 years old, but for Premium vehicles, the minimum age to rent a car is 25 years old. With some suppliers for people over 75 years of age, you must also have held a driving license for a minimum of  12 months. This information is visible in the search engine with Orbit Car Hire.
• International Driving Permit:  An International Driving Permit is required in addition to a National Driving License if the National Driving License you or any of the Additional Drivers hold is not clearly identifiable as a Driving License, eg, it is in a non-Latin alphabet (eg Arabic, Chinese, Cyrillic, Japanese). It can also depend on the country or car rental company you are renting with. If you have found a car on our website, you can press the rental terms link from the supplier for more information about driving license requirements. You will need to have identification with you such as a passport and ID cards. When you pick up your rental car you need to have your voucher with you.
• Additional papers:   A credit card in the name of the main driver needs to be presented. A security deposit may be required while renting a car so the credit card must have sufficient funds. You can find details about the security deposit listed while booking the vehicle as well as on your voucher. It is important to have a valid driving license with the name of the main driver as well as additional drivers when it applies. You will need to have identification with you such as a passport and ID cards. When you pick up your rental car you need to have your voucher with you.
• Additional requirements:  In a vehicle, you must have a warning triangle in case of a breakdown. Winter tires are compulsory if you're driving between 1 December and 28 February. It's also recommended to have: Spare bulbs for your car's external lights, A fire extinguisher, A first-aid kit, A reflective jacket
• Children in the car:  Children less than 135cm in height must use an appropriate restraint or child seat. Children under the age of 3 cannot travel without a suitable restraint
• Driving side of the road: In Finland, you drive on the right and overtake on the left. Vehicles from the right, trams, and emergency vehicles have priority
• Lights:  All vehicles must drive with their headlights on
• General speed limits: The speed limit is 50km/h in built-up areas, reduced to 20km/h in residential zones. On open roads, the maximum speed allowed is 100km/h, while on motorways it’s 120km/h.

Popular day trips from Oulu

Kierikki Stone Age Centre, Turkansaari Open Air Museum, Liminka Bay, Raahe, Rokua Geopark, Manamansalo, Kalajoki, Hailuoto Island, Syöte and Koitelinkoski Rapids...

What to see in Oulu

Oulu is a great destination if you want to combine outdoor activities with a more urban holiday. There are all kinds of interesting things to see and do in the city of Oulu. And when you are done exploring the city, you can explore the surrounding area, where again you'll find some stunning places and amazing things to do. There are many cultural, historical, and religious attractions here in Oulu that are worth visiting. If we add up all the activities you can find here, you will know why this city is one of the most popular destinations for tourists and travelers from all over the world.

Here are some of the best things you can see and do in Oulu: The wooden town of Pikisaari, Oulu's design stores, Lapland Hotels Oulu, Nallikari Beach hidden in beautiful forests, Coffee and Pulla, The best of Finnish nature, Tietomaa Science Centre, Fluffy Siberian Huskies riding in Loihakka, Hupisaaret Islands City Park, Nordic Nature in Oula, The Market Hall in Oulu, The Museum of Northeast Bothnia, The diverse nightlife in Oulu, Northern Lights in Oulu, The Art Museum in Oulu...

Drive your rental car beyond Oulu

Finland or officially the Republic of Finland is a country in Europe, more precisely in the northern part of the continent. It is part of the so-called Nordic countries. The country borders Sweden to the northwest, Norway to the north and Russia to the east, the Gulf of Bothnia to the west, and the Gulf of Finland to the south, opposite Estonia. If you are planning a road trip through Finland, make sure you are well-informed and come to Finland with a good plan. There are really many different things to see and do in this unique and interesting country.

There are four regions in Finland and each of these four regions is different and unique. They all offer numerous attractions, historical, cultural, and religious sights, and most importantly beautiful nature. Probably the most famous region of the country is Lapland. Lapland is located in the northern part of the country. This region is especially popular among tourists and travelers who prefer outdoor activities. One of the most popular destinations in Lapland is of course the home of Santa Claus, where you can also meet Santa in person. Lapland is also famous for the fabulous opportunities to observe Aurora Borealis. In addition, there are countless activities and places to visit in Lapland throughout the year.

The most popular region among Finns is the Lake District. Here in the lake district, you can find something for yourself all year round. In the summer you can relax and recharge your batteries in the resorts by the lakes. You can go fishing, pedal boating, ice swimming, and skating. There really is something for every kind of tourist and traveler here. If you are looking for a quiet place away from the crowds and the hustle and bustle of the city, Lakeland is an ideal destination for you. Here you will find many cottages surrounded by beautiful nature, where you can relax and recharge your batteries for everyday life.

Another amazing region in Finland is the coast and archipelago. This wonderful region offers a mix of wild nature and lively coastal towns. With more than 50,000 beautiful islands scattered across the sea, this is the largest archipelago in the world. Take your time and explore this region, as there really are many hidden gems here.

The Helsinki region is where the capital and some surrounding cities and towns are located. For those looking for a more urban holiday, this is the ideal place. The major cities offer everything you could want. You can visit great restaurants, museums, galleries, all kinds of cultural, historical and religious sights, opera, theatre, cinema, etc., but besides that, there is always nature around the cities that you can reach quickly if you rent a car here in Finland, for example. Renting a car here is the best option so that you can move around according to your own plan and at your own pace. Finland really offers many amazing things, so a road trip in this country is really a good idea.

Where to eat, drink, and party in Oulu

Like all major cities, Oulu offers a wide variety of culinary experiences. There are all kinds of restaurants in the city where you can try many different dishes, from traditional Finnish cuisine to modern Finnish gastronomy. Of course, you can also find restaurants where you can order menus based on recipes from all over the world. The offer is really wide and it is up to you what kind of gastronomic experience you are looking for, Oulu will surely meet your expectations.

WHERE TO PARTY

Oluthuone Leskinen

Pub Graali

Mallaskellari

Heidi's Bier Bar Oulu

Irlantilainen Pub St Michael

Juomapuohi Shop & Bar

Rusty Miller"s

Tuisku Pub

Best restaurant in Oulu

Ravintola Sauraha

Ravintola Uleaborg 1881

Garam Masala

Ristorante Pizzeria Da Mario

Kauppuri 5 Burgers

Restaurant Istanbul Oriental