Oulu Market Square

When you reach the Market Square and its landmarks – the Market Hall, the old granaries, and the Market Square Policeman’s statue keeping the peace – you know you have arrived in the local people’s summertime living room.

From early morning on, the summery Market Square bustles with travellers and local residents, along with vegetable and food vendors as well restaurant keepers serving customers till late evening. The old, multi-coloured granaries house not only restaurants but also tiny, charming boutiques selling handicraft products, clothes, and decoration items.

Patrolling in front of the Market Hall and keeping a watchful eye on the visitors is the Market Square Policeman, a plump statue as a reminder of the times when real policemen were guarding the area. The vibrant harbour and export hub of the 18th century gradually became less busy, and the market area became a meeting place for city folk and visitors from the countryside. The policement were needed for upholding law and order.