Slow living in Oulu
Even the technology and the world-class research feel unhurried. People bike to work through snow and darkness, whisper in saunas, and greet each other with that small northern smile that says: we know where we are, and we're okay with it.
It's rhythm. A rhythm that matches the seasons, the way snow teaches you to slow down.
The CittaSlow movement
The Cittaslow movement began in Italy in 1999 as a response to the growing sense of haste. The idea was simple: slow down—value local culture, food, sustainability, and quality of life.
To be a city in Cittaslow, a place must meet strict criteria: clean environment, pedestrian-friendly planning, support for local businesses, green energy, and space for people to meet, eat, and live well. It's about creating cities that are not only efficient but also humane.
Today, there are over 280 Cittaslow towns in more than 30 countries. In Finland, Kristiinankaupunki is one of them. Oulu, officially, is not. And yet… in spirit, it might already be one.
Oulu's quiet qualities
At first glance, Oulu appears to be a fast-paced city. It's home to 6G research, Nokia's legacy, and one of Finland's youngest populations. The University of Oulu is based on innovation, and its ecosystem attracts international students, engineers, and startups.
But when you walk outside of Linnanmaa Campus, you'll notice it's not all that. It's trees. Paths. The sound of skis on snow. Oulu has one of Finland's best cycling networks, with over 900 kilometers of pedestrian and bike lanes, and many of them are cleared even in winter. The city's design encourages walking, slowing down, and existing.
Local, sustainable, human
The slow living movement encompasses much more than technical details, such as urban planning. Slow living emerges from the rejection of haste. It allows us to remember how human we are. Food, local community, and the continuity of traditions are also crucial for CittaSlow Movement.
Oulu offers all of these to its residents. Few things can provide the same pleasure as sautéing mushrooms you've picked yourself in the fall. Or the stories you hear from locals at the saunas nestled near its numerous lakes. Oulu is often like a gently caressing, reassuring hand on your shoulder. It appears when you're caught up in the hustle and bustle, and whispers, "Everything's fine. Slow down a bit."
The city also hosts numerous traditions. From Air Guitar Championships to August festivals, Oulu hosts countless cultural events that are unique to the town. In fact, Oulu was named the European Capital of Culture for 2026.
Technology and Oulu
In addition to some cities embracing smart city themes, technology is quietly becoming an integral part of daily life in Oulu. In fact, every technology designed and developed in the city is guided by a single question. How can innovation serve life, not replace it? That's a deep Cittaslow question, even if it comes from engineers instead of philosophers.
Why does Oulu feel hopeful?
Maybe this is what makes Oulu so different: it doesn't treat progress as a race. There's room here for everything, for thought, for failure, for walks by the frozen sea.
Even as students and researchers work toward the next generation of technological advancements, the city around them remains grounded with simplicity and care.
Oulu reminds you that slowness isn't a sign of backwardness. It's sustainability.
And who knows, maybe that's what the future will need the most.
About the author
Derin is from Turkiye and has been studying at the University of Oulu for three years and going in the field of Software Engineering. She likes singing, acting and writing, recently, mostly about her life in Finland.