Arctic Food Lab as part of the European Capital of Culture
The Arctic Food Lab was born as part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture programme, which focuses on strengthening northern identity through cultural climate change.
Oulu2026 is a joint celebration of Oulu and 39 wonderful municipalities.
Oulu2026 in brief
In 2026, Europe will get excited about its borders when Oulu is named European Capital of Culture. The whole of northern Finland will celebrate the European Capital of Culture year 2026.
The region will be put on the world map in an unprecedented way as Finnish and international actors create something new in cities, countryside and nature. It will be a multi-year journey, culminating in 2026 and continuing to evolve beyond.
The Arctic Food Lab is part of this development story. It is not just a showcase for local products and services – it is an ambitious project that tells the story of northern nature, traditions and expertise to local and international audiences alike.
Food culture is a shared strength
The key objective is to make the region’s food and food culture a community force that enriches the everyday lives of local people and attracts tourists to experience the uniqueness of northern flavours. In the Arctic Food Lab programme, food is not only nourishment, but also a cultural expression of the region’s history, the rhythms of nature and the community’s ability to harness the bounty of the North.
The Arctic Food Lab highlights the pure ingredients of Oulu and northern Finland, shaped and flavoured by Arctic conditions – short but intense growing seasons and the diversity of northern nature.
A celebration of the culture of the whole of northern Finland
The Oulu2026 region consists of 39 great municipalities in addition to Oulu. Northern Finland will be filled with culture, art and events in the coming years.
In addition to Oulu, Alavieska, Haapajärvi, Haapavesi, Hailuoto, Hyrynsalmi, Ii, Kalajoki, Kajaani, Kemi, Kempele, Kuhmo, Kuusamo, Kärsämäki, Liminka, Lumijoki, Muhos, Nivala, Oulainen, Paltamo,
Pielavesi, Puolanka, Pudasjärvi, Pyhäjoki,
Pyhäjärvi, Pyhäntä, Ranua, Raahe, Ristijärvi,
Siikajoki, Siikalatva, Sievi, Sotkamo,
Suomussalmi, Taivalkoski, Tornio, Tyrnävä,
Utajärvi, Vaala and Ylivieska are all involved in the cultural climate change.
World-class cultural experiences in the municipalities of the region
In 2026, all the municipalities in the European Capital of Culture region will offer us the chance to experience world-class cultural experiences – from near, far and everywhere in between.
Check out each municipality’s page on their European Capital of Culture website and tour our entire region.
Cultural climate change is fuelling creativity and new development in all the municipalities in the region, creating the sparks that will spark ideas that will change the future.