A tale of two cities: Finland and Slovakia set to host the European Capitals of Culture in 2026

Oulu in northwestern Finland and Trenčín in western Slovakia have unveiled their programmes as designated European Capitals of Culture in 2026.

The two cities outlined their year-long celebrations for the 41st year of the EU initiative at a press conference in Brussels.

If both destinations are off the beaten tourist track, they are enthusiastic about welcoming visitors as well as residents with their wide-ranging programmes, art installations and permanent cultural fixtures.

The capital of culture scheme is committed to sharing the spirit of European culture, highlighting its diversity while boosting tourism and local economies.

Both Oulu and Trenčín mix one-off events with enduring artistic landmarks to embrace regional culture and community in a way that will last beyond 2026.

Oulu in Finland (opens 16-18 January)

As the most populated city of northern Finland, Oulu is renowned for its innovative IT and wellness technology, but its theme for 2026 centres around “cultural climate change”.

“By ‘cultural climate change’, we mean connecting people with culture, connecting art and tech, nature and culture,” elaborated Piia Rantala-Korhonen, director of Oulu2026.

Located on the shores of the Baltic seas, Oulu has collaborated with 40 municipalities to curate a programme revolving around three main concepts: the “Brave Hinterland” of the winter celebrates the beauty of the northern culture and its harsh landscape. The cold season makes way for the “Wild City” in spring, a period of reawakening for the city’s cultural institutions. Finally, the year culminates in the “Cool Contrasts” of autumn, which strives to incorporate culture and creativity more deeply in Oulu’s image.

“We want to soften the image of our city that is always known as a high-tech city,” Rantala-Korhonen explained.

After a big bang celebration on New Year’s eve, Oulu explodes with a veritable whirlwind of winter activities designed to light up and energise the long dark nights, from ice swimming to artworks around the theme of Northern Lights. If the city is renowned for its heavy metal bands, the youth-driven Frozen People festival is a celebration of electronic music.

Summer brings a feast of art, food, community and performance. ‘Climate Clock’ is a public art trail launching in June, featuring installations by world-renowned artists and ‘The Most Valuable Clock in the World’, a new artwork co-created with local communities. The Arctic Food Lab stages a spectacular kilometre-long table of northern culinary specialties in a Summer Night’s Dinner in August (pictured above).

Meanwhile, an unmissable event for theatre lovers is Faravid’s Land, a creative reimagining of Oulu’s history that blends theatre, circus, and contemporary dance in an intriguing tangle of mythology, happiness… and local supermarkets!

The autumn season kicks off with the Lumo Art & Tech Festival: 10 days of art, light and sound gracing city streets. Another highlight is the world premiere of Snowball, a magical family musical exploring the world of the Northern Lights, which closes Oulu’s year as European Capital of Culture.

Trenčín in Slovakia (opens 13-15 February)

A city renowned for its medieval defensive castle and Roman inscription dating from 179 AD, Trenčín’s culture is steeped in history. As Capital of Culture for 2026, however, it is preparing to transform itself into a city of modern cultural diversity.

Through a combination of artistic installations, immersive ventures and cultural events, Trenčín is approaching 2026 with a rich cultural programme entitled ‘Awakening Curiosity’. The calendar of events aims to build bridges across three key areas: people and relationships, places and public space and creativity and culture.

Celebrating the arrival of spring, the Light Art Festival offers large-scale illuminations, immersive and interactive installations and creative works of art. This much-anticipated second edition is expected to attract 20,000 visitors.

Already famous for its many nearby spa towns, Trenčín couldn’t celebrate its culture properly without resurrecting the unique riverside tradition: Splanekor 2.0. Participants are invited to set sail on the Váh River with handmade, unconventional vessels built from reused materials.

Meanwhile, the city’s renovated County House holds a spectacular contemporary art exhibition, addressing political issues such as social injustice, populism and democracy and human rights. Trenčín’s famous Brutalist architecture also falls under the spotlight with events focusing on the importance of renovating and modernising these post-modernist buildings.

The opening of the newly-rejuvenated Fiesta Bridge marks the beginning of the autumn programme. This former railway bridge is set to become a vibrant cultural centre overlooking the castle, bringing the riverside to life with public gatherings and performances.

“This will be the new symbol for our city and also probably our mentality,” said Stanislav Krajči, director of Trenčín 2026.

The city’s culture programme encompasses permanent changes to the city. As well as the revamping of the Fiesta Bridge, the architecturally significant Art Deco Jewish synagogue (pictured above) has been renovated as a cultural centre. Additionally, public playgrounds are being restored and re-equipped and a children’s library opened to enhance the cultural landscape for families.

Photos: (main image) ©Trenčín 2026; ©Oulu2026; ©Trenčín 2026