56. Kainuu
Orienteering Week, Finland

Free Race Buses from Kajaani to Kainuu Orienteering Week and Kainuu Trail

Free Race Buses from Kajaani to Kainuu Orienteering Week and Kainuu Trail

Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 offers free race buses for participants traveling from Kajaani to all four competition stages. The buses will be available on Sunday, June 29, Tuesday, July 1, Thursday, July 3, and Friday, July 4.

Kainuu Trail Hossa National Park (Finland) trail running event will offer free event buses from Kajaani on race day, Saturday, June 28, 2025. These buses are especially intended for runners participating in the 55 km, 38 km, 21 km, and 10 km distances.

Kainuu Orienteering Week Expected to Be One of Finland''s Largest Sports Tourism Events Again

So far, 1,203 orienteers have registered for the competition categories of the 57th Kainuu Orienteering Week, which will be held next summer in Vuokatti, Sotkamo. The second registration phase closed last Friday.

Preliminary participation estimates suggest that Kainuu Orienteering Week will once again be one of Finland''s largest sports tourism events in 2025. Secretary General Jukka Liuha anticipates that 3,250–3,500 registered orienteers will take part in the event.

Additionally, 300 participants are expected for the simultaneous Kainuu MTBO Week, and a record-breaking 600 trail runners are anticipated for the Kainuu Trail event held in Hossa National Park – which is also the event''s maximum capacity. On top of these figures, approximately 1,500 spectators and support teams are expected to attend the events.

Children’s Competition Categories – Introduction to the 13–14-Year-Old Categories

In children''s and youth competition courses, the challenge level and course length gradually increase from one category to the next. For 13–14-year-olds, there are both a more challenging (A) and an easier (B) course option available. Generally, young participants compete in their own age group, but if a child or young person seeks more challenge, they can also participate in an older age category. In competitive categories, children and youth navigate the course independently, but in open categories, parents or friends can accompany them if needed.

During the Kainuu Orienteering Week, 13-year-olds can choose between the H/D13 A-category and the H/D13–14 B-category. 14-year-olds can choose between the H/D14 A-category and the H/D13–14 B-category. In boys’ categories, "H" stands for "Herrar" (Gentlemen), and in girls’ categories, "D" stands for "Damer" (Ladies).

Arrival in Finland and Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 – Take Note of These Tips

Smooth Arrival in Finland and Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 in Sotkamo Vuokatti

The easiest way to arrive in Finland is by plane, but ferry connections also provide a convenient option. From airports or ports, you can rent a car if needed.

You can reach Kajaani by plane (from Helsinki), train, bus/coach, or car. From Kajaani, buses are available to Vuokatti and Sotkamo.