Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year 2026!
A Look Back at the Past Year
The 2025 orienteering and holiday week was held in the stunning landscapes of Ohravaara and Vuokatinvaara in Sotkamo. The event attracted 5,232 individual participants, with a cumulative total of over 26,000 visitors throughout the week.
This year, the event was characterized by rainy weather, which presented significant logistical challenges. The final stage had to be first suspended and ultimately canceled entirely for safety reasons due to a passing thunderstorm. This decision was made in close cooperation with the authorities and following their recommendations.
The rainy conditions and the cancellation of the final stage had a substantial financial impact on the event. Unexpected costs arose particularly from entry fee refunds and lost sales at the venue (restaurant, KRV shop, etc.). Furthermore, the extensive soil improvement works required at the competition center and parking areas due to the early-week rains added significant costs to the budget.
Despite these challenges, the volunteers from Sotkamon Jymy and other clubs and associations organized a wonderful event – the atmosphere remained warm and positive until the very end. Our participants also enjoyed the week; in our feedback survey, the event received an impressive overall rating of 4.29 (on a scale of 1 = very poor to 5 = very good).
The support from our partners proved to be vital this year! A special thank you goes to the Municipality of Sotkamo, local landowners, and the tractor drivers who rushed to assist at the parking areas during the first stage. We also want to thank all our visitors for once again creating the unique KOW atmosphere!
One delightful highlight of the summer was the introduction of our brand-new mascot. Following a naming contest held on our social media channels in autumn 2025, our bear was officially named Rasti Teddy :)
Join us in Suomussalmi: 28 June – 3 July 2026
Preparations for the 58th Kainuu Orienteering Week are already well underway! Next summer, we head to the magnificent pine forests and fell terrains of Säynäjä in Suomussalmi. As Säynäjä features a completely new orienteering map, it offers a unique experience for everyone – this is the first time Kainuu Orienteering Week will be held in this area. Welcome to experience the ruggedly beautiful heart of Kainuu, where the terrain challenges you and the scenery rewards you!
Use Your Expiring Sport Benefits (For Finnish Customers)
If you are registering for the Open Categories and wish to use a Finnish sport benefit that expires at the end of 2025, please act soon. Instructions for paying with sport benefits can be found via this link. Official registration is completed via the Navisport service.
Holiday Office Hours
The Kainuu Orienteering Week staff will be on holiday from 23 December 2025 to 4 January 2026. Our office will be closed during this time, and we will be back to respond to your emails starting Monday, 5 January 2026.
Thank you for the past year! We would like to warmly thank all participants, partners, landowners, volunteers, and other stakeholders for the past year. We wish you all a peaceful holiday season and a successful orienteering year 2026!
