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Toripolliisi: Oulu's Beloved Market Square Bobby

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Meet Oulu's iconic Market Square Bobby, a beloved bronze statue that embodies the city's heritage and playful spirit in the heart of Kauppatori.

The Toripolliisi statue, a bronze sculpture by Kaarlo Mikkonen, stands in Oulu's Market Square as a tribute to the market policemen who maintained order from 1906 to 1979. Unveiled in 1987, the statue has become a symbol of the city and a popular photo spot.

A brief summary to Toripolliisi Statue

  • Monday 12 am-12 am
  • Tuesday 12 am-12 am
  • Wednesday 12 am-12 am
  • Thursday 12 am-12 am
  • Friday 12 am-12 am
  • Saturday 12 am-12 am
  • Sunday 12 am-12 am

Local tips

  • Visit the Market Square during the morning to experience the lively atmosphere and browse fresh produce and local delicacies.
  • Don't miss the chance to take a photo with the Toripolliisi statue, a symbol of Oulu and a popular spot for selfies.
  • Explore the Oulu Market Hall, a historic building offering a variety of local products and culinary experiences.
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Getting There

  • Walking

    The Toripolliisi statue is located in the Oulu Market Square (Kauppatori), in the city center. If you're already in the city center, simply follow signs towards 'Kauppatori'. The statue is situated in front of the Market Hall, making it easily visible. It's a central landmark, and most locals can point you in the right direction.

  • Public Transport

    Oulu Market Square is well-served by local buses. Check the local bus schedules for routes that stop at the 'Kauppatori' stop. A single bus trip typically costs around €3. You can purchase tickets via the OSL app, from R-Kioski vendors, or directly from the bus driver with cash. Contactless payment is also available on buses. From the bus stop, the Toripolliisi statue is just a short walk away, in the heart of the Market Square.

  • Taxi

    Taxis are readily available in Oulu. A taxi ride from Oulu Airport to the city center costs approximately €40. Within the city center, a short taxi trip to the Market Square should cost around €20. Taxi stands are located throughout the city, or you can book a ride via phone or a mobile app. From your drop-off point at the Market Square, the Toripolliisi statue will be easily visible.

Discover more about Toripolliisi Statue

The Toripolliisi (Market Square Bobby) statue is a prominent landmark in Oulu, Finland, located in the heart of the Kauppatori (Market Square). This bronze sculpture, created by Kaarlo Mikkonen in 1987, commemorates the market policemen who patrolled the square from 1906 to 1979, ensuring order and providing a direct link between the authorities and the public. The statue depicts a stout, friendly policeman in traditional attire, complete with a cap and Sam Browne belt. Standing at 2.2 meters tall, the Toripolliisi has become an iconic symbol of Oulu, embodying the city's heritage and playful spirit. It's a favorite meeting point for locals and tourists alike, and posing for a photo with the jolly policeman is practically a rite of passage for visitors. The Market Square itself has been a lively center of commerce and social interaction for centuries. Today, it continues to host a vibrant market with stalls selling fresh produce, local crafts, and Finnish delicacies. The Oulu Market Hall, built in 1901, is also located in the square, adding to the area's historical charm. The Toripolliisi statue not only represents Oulu's history but also embodies the city's playful spirit and community pride.
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