59th Kainuu Orienteering Week, 4–9 July 2027: Website Launched – Orienteering Week in Paljakka, Puolanka
Kainuu Orienteering Week (KOW) heads to the rugged hill landscapes of Puolanka and Paljakka in summer 2027. The event website is now live – read more and get ready for the Super Summer of Orienteering in Kainuu 2027.
Kainuu Orienteering Week offers the perfect combination of a family-friendly orienteering week and an active midsummer holiday. The competition centre for 2027 will be Paljakka in Puolanka, known for its breathtaking hill and pine forest terrains. These majestic landscapes of Upper Kainuu offer challenges for participants of all levels.
Orienteering and mountain bike orienteering in prime conditions
Kainuu Orienteering Week is Finland's largest orienteering week and one of the country's biggest sports tourism events. It attracts thousands of participants annually to enjoy the pure and beautiful nature of Kainuu.
In addition to traditional orienteering, the 2027 program includes the 7th Kainuu MTBO Week (4–9 July 2027). The versatile trail network and elevation changes of the Paljakka and Puolanka areas make it an excellent destination for mountain bike orienteering (Kainuu MTBO Week).
Whether you are an elite athlete, a competitive orienteer, a fitness enthusiast, an "open or recreational orienteer," or a beginner, Puolanka and Paljakka offer a wide range of courses, great control points, and unforgettable experiences in stunning scenery throughout the orienteering week.
Kainuu Trail Run Kicks Off the Event Week
The 7th edition of the Kainuu Trail run starts the event week on Saturday, July 3rd, 2027. Hossa National Park will once again be filled with trail runners enjoying 10, 21, 38, 55, and 78-kilometer routes through Hossa’s most beautiful landscapes and finest forest paths. The 10 km distance also features separate categories for boys and girls aged 12–17.
Come and experience the quiet and magical wilderness of Hossa!
Vuokatti-Jukola 2027 Starts the Super Summer of Orienteering in Kainuu
In the same summer, Kainuu will host the world's largest orienteering event – the Jukola Relay. Vuokatti-Jukola takes place just two weeks before Kainuu Orienteering Week, on June 19–20, 2027. Vuokatti is only a 45–60 minute drive from the KOW Competition Centre in Paljakka, Puolanka.
Registration and Accommodation
For many orienteers, Kainuu O Week is a highlight of the year as well as a relaxing summer holiday. It is a good idea to act early regarding registration and accommodation:
- Registration for the 2027 Orienteering Week opens in autumn 2026
- The most affordable entry fees are available for a limited time
- We recommend booking your accommodation in the Puolanka and Paljakka area well in advance to enjoy the event right next to the Competition Centre
Starting from early next year (2026), we will update the website with new information on terrains, categories, entry fees, and side events.
Follow our website and social media channels to stay tuned for the midsummer orienteering week in the majestic landscapes of Upper Kainuu!
