About us
Oulu Region Tourist Guides (Oulun seudun oppaat ry) is an association of nearly forty active members. We provide guided tours in Oulu and its surrounding areas, and all our guides are authorised by the Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Associations (Suomen Opasliitto ry). Many of our members have also further enhanced their expertise through additional trainings. Our association is a member of the Federation of Finnish Tourist Guide Associations.
The first official tourist guide training course in Oulu was held in 1976, the same year our association was founded. In 2003, we adopted the name Oulu Region Tourist Guides (Oulun seudun oppaat ry) to reflect the expansion of our operational area. In 2026, we will proudly celebrate our 50th anniversary.
As an association we organise different training events for our members. We also provide guide training that meets the standards set by the Federation, and new guides are trained as needed. Those interested in becoming guides in Oulu may join as supporting members before completing the official training. Supporting members are welcome to participate in all other association activities, but they may not conduct guided tours until they have completed the required training and received official authorisation.
In addition to educating and supporting our members, we wish to promote Oulu as a travel destination and to deepen local residents’ knowledge of their own region. We actively collaborate with the City of Oulu, neighboring municipalities, tourism companies, other guide associations, and various stakeholders to promote guiding activities both regionally and nationally.
In 2025, the Chair of the Board is Päivi Rintamäki and the Secretary is Leena Kontiokari.
Contact us via email: paivi.h.rintamaki[at]gmail.com
Please note that all guide bookings must be made exclusively through our guide service/ destination management company Go Arctic.
