59th Kainuu Orienteering Week, Finland

Kainuu Orienteering Week course setters present: elite categories and their characteristics during the Orienteering Week

The course planners of the Kainuu Orienteering Week want to create gaps between competitors in the elite categories through orienteering skills, rather than via running sections or easy control points.

In this part of the article series covering the courses of the Kainuu Orienteering Week, the elite categories of the Orienteering Week are presented, namely the 16E, 18E, 20E, and 21E categories.

The Kainuu Orienteering Week will be orienteered in the summer of 2026 in the Säynäjä kettle-hole terrain in Suomussalmi, and over the four days, the elite categories will offer the most physically and technically challenging courses. Anyone is allowed to participate in the 21E main category.

The "Vaara" Hills are the Icon of Kainuu – Read How These Landscapes Challenge Orienteers

Across Kainuu, the forested "vaara" hills and their landmarks are steeped in local legends and history.

Kainuu is famous for its vaara terrain—heavily forested hills that challenge orienteers with significant elevation changes, precise control points, and steep slopes. Not only do you need powerful legs to climb the hills, but you also need the skill and courage to maintain speed while descending.

Changes to Competitor Information and Use of Emit Cards 2026

Please keep your competitor information up to date! Check if you need to change your competition category or update your Emit card number. Category changes are free of charge until May 31, 2026, and Emit card number updates until June 7, 2026.

Please note: The same Emit card cannot be used by different individuals during the orienteering week.

Accommodation Status for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2026

Summer and the 58th Kainuu Orienteering Week (June 28 – July 3, 2026) are approaching in Suomussalmi. Accommodation for the event is currently in high demand. Bulletin provides an update on the current accommodation availability in the Suomussalmi area.