News

How does an orienteering holiday in the stunning hills of Vuokatti sound? Here's how to find the perfect open orienteering course for you at Kainuu Orienteering Week!

Looking for an unforgettable orienteering experience without the pressure of competition? Kainuu Orienteering Week’s open recreational classes are perfect for you! Open courses recreational classes offer something for everyone – from fun beginner routes for young children and families to technically demanding A-level courses for experienced orienteers.

Choose a course that suits your level and mood – and enjoy the best of orienteering in the rugged landscapes of Kainuu, on world-class maps and expertly designed courses.

In this article, you’ll find descriptions of all Kainuu O-Week recreational courses along with key information and sample maps and courses.

Answer the customer survey and you could win a free entry to the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 in Sotkamo or 2026 in Suomussalmi

Take part in our customer survey and you could win a free entry to the Kainuu Orienteering Week – either in Sotkamo 2025 or Suomussalmi 2026!

By answering the survey, you’ll help us improve the Kainuu Orienteering Week and make it an even higher-quality experience.

All responses are handled anonymously and confidentially. Completing the survey will take no more than 10 minutes. The deadline to participate is April 30, 2025.

Volunteer with Us! Shared Effort, Shared Joy

Summer holidays and nothing to do? How about an active week in great company?

Kainuu Orienteering Week (June 29 – July 4, 2025), Finland’s largest orienteering week, is still looking for more volunteers for a variety of tasks.

Piia Määttä and Merja Salonen are seasoned pros when it comes to volunteering at orienteering events. These enthusiastic and sunny “superwomen” from the Kainuu O-Week info team are dedicated engines behind orienteering events in Sotkamo – now and into the future. After next summer’s Kainuu Orienteering Week, their compasses will be pointing toward the Jukola Relay 2027, which will also be held in Vuokatti. We asked Piia and Merja to share their thoughts on volunteering for this article.

Hiking Trails and Nature Paths in Sotkamo and Vuokatti

Kainuu offers a diverse range of options for hiking and outdoor activities. This article provides an overview of the hiking trails in Sotkamo and Vuokatti, along with their descriptions.

Planning to go hiking on a rest day during Kainuu Orienteering Week? The Sotkamo and Vuokatti area offers stunning hiking trails with diverse terrain and breathtaking landscapes. Some of the trails are also accessible for people with reduced mobility, and assistive equipment rentals are available in Vuokatti. This bulletin provides descriptions of the area''s hiking trails. More information and trail maps can be found via the links at the end of this bulletin.

Arrival by Car and Parking Ticket Information

Visitors arriving by car should carefully review the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 parking arrangements in advance.

VIP parking tickets are now sold out. FAMILY parking tickets are still widely available.

Children''s Categories at Kainuu Orienteering Week – Introduction to Open Recreational Orienteering Classes for Kids

Which category should a child participate in during Kainuu Orienteering Week if they are not interested in competing or have little experience in orienteering? The open recreational orienteering classes provide an easy and accessible way for participants of all ages to enjoy the event.

In the open categories, participants can complete the course alone, in pairs, or in a group. Each participant can choose a suitable start time and one of ten course options, varying in length and difficulty. Suitable options for children include Rastiralli, Open RR (ribbon route), and C-courses.

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. 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.

Children''s competition categories – an introduction to the categories for 12-year-olds

On children''s and youth competition courses, the level of difficulty and course length gradually increase when moving from one age category to the next. Twelve-year-olds can choose either the H/D12TR category, which features a support route course, or the H/D12 category, which offers a standard orienteering course. Typically, young participants compete in the category corresponding to their age group, but if a child or young person seeks more challenge, they can also participate in an older age group''s category. In competitive categories, children and youth orienteer alone, whereas in open categories, parents or friends can accompany them if needed.

Kainuu Orienteering Week Annual Report 2024

The year 2024 for Kainuun Rastiviikko association was finally more successful after the challenging post-pandemic years (2022-2023):

– We made better route choices, smoother control takings, and reached the finish with a good result, says the Secretary General Jukka Liuha

Experience an unforgettable summer holiday in Sotkamo and Vuokatti

Kainuu Orienteering Week in Sotkamo offers orienteering enthusiasts an unforgettable holiday week. In addition to orienteering, there is a diverse range of activities for the whole family during the rest days of the week. The stunning nature of Sotkamo and Vuokatti, along with various activities and cultural attractions, ensures that everyone finds something to enjoy.

Read more about the 2025 Orienteering Week’s additional programs on our website and plan an unforgettable summer holiday in Sotkamo and Vuokatti!

Children''s competition categories in Kainuu O Week – introducing the courses for 8–10-year-olds

The difficulty and length of courses for children and youth in orienteering competitions gradually increase from one age category to the next. During Orienteering Week, the youngest competition category is for 8-year-olds, followed by categories spaced 1–2 years apart. The courses for 8–10-year-olds are called “RR routes” (from the Finnish rastireitti, or control point route). Boys’ categories are marked with an H (for herrat, gentlemen), and girls’ categories with a D (for daamit, ladies). For example, H8RR refers to the control point route for 8-year-old boys, and D8RR for 8-year-old girls.

Typically, children and young people compete in their own age category, but if they wish for a greater challenge, they can compete in an older category. In competition categories, children and youth must orienteer on their own, while in open categories, parents or friends can accompany them if necessary.

Introduction to the Children''s and Youth Courses at Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025

In recent years, children’s orienteering courses have sparked plenty of discussion. Early this year, we’ll shed light on the course design team''s thoughts behind the planning process and highlight the differences between skill levels. We’ll also introduce the people working on the course designs for Kainuu Orienteering Week.

"Our central idea in course design is to ensure that every child and young person has an experience that suits their skills and abilities," explains team member Annastiina Vanhala.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2025!

We wish everyone a very peaceful Christmas and good orienteering for the year 2025!

The people of Kainuu Orienteering Week are on holiday at the turn of the year. Read the announcement for instructions on how to make sport benefit payments during the rest of the year.

57th Kainuu Orienteering Week – Experience an unforgettable week of orienteering and summer vacation in Kainuu’s Sotkamo-Vuokatti

Enjoy spectacular terrains and breathtaking landscapes with top-quality orienteering maps during next summer''s Kainuu Orienteering Week in Sotkamo-Vuokatti, held from June 29 to July 4, 2025. The event takes place in terrains adjacent to the Vuokatti-Jukola 2027 area, which also represents the terrain type of the World Orienteering Championships, to be held in Kuopio from July 7–12.

– Kainuu Orienteering Week is an event suitable for almost everyone, where beginners and elite orienteers alike compete in the same terrains and even share some of the same controls, explains chief of competition Antti Flöjt.

Both open orienteers and elite orienteers can enjoy the exceptional terrain simultaneously. Rest days offer opportunities to continue orienteering or explore the diverse additional activities in the Kainuu and Sotkamo-Vuokatti region.

Where to stay during Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025?

There is a wide range of accommodation options available for Kainuu Orienteering Week, held from June 29 to July 4, 2025.

Check out about different accommodation options from the bulletin.

Kainuu Orienteering Week Brings Tourism Revenue and Thousands of Orienteers to Sotkamo

– The first registration phase ended on the weekend of November 30, 2024, and things are looking very promising at this stage, states the chief of competition Antti Flöjt from Sotkamon Jymy.

Based on the current registration figures, Flöjt estimates that more than 5,000 visitors will attend next summer’s family-friendly week of orienteering and holiday.

Parking and bus tickets for the 2025 event now on sale

Parking and bus tickets for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 are now on sale in the KOW online store.

Check out the available ticket options from the bulletin.

At the Kainuu Orienteering Week in Vuokatti, participants will have the opportunity to explore the model terrain for the Tahko World Championships and the Vuokatti-Jukola

The terrain in Vuokatti, where next summer’s Kainuu Orienteering Week will take place, will also serve as a model area for the World Orienteering Championships (WOC) to be held next summer.

The World Orienteering Championships and the Fin5 Orienteering Week will be organized in Tahko during the week following Orienteering Week, from 7th to 12th July 2025. The main categories of Kainuu Orienteering Week are expected to attract high-level competitors.

During Orienteering Week, participants will also get a preview of the 2027 Vuokatti-Jukola, whose terrain extends into the northern part of the Kainuu O Week''s map.

Register for Kainuu Orienteering Week by November 30, 2024, for the Best Rates!

By registering for Kainuu Orienteering Week by November 30, 2024, you can save over 40% on participation fees compared to the final registration phases for competition categories or the on-site fees for open courses and Kainuu MTBO Week.

New for 2025: Discounted Early Bird Rates for Individual Days in Open Courses!

Starting Times and Award Ceremony for Children''s Categories

We have received feedback regarding the starting times and award ceremony for the children''s categories.

Read how these will change for next year 2025 in the bulletin.

Gift Card for recreational orienteering or trail running

The KOW-webshop has now added gift cards for Kainuu Orienteering Week recreational orientation and Kainuu Trail trail running. 

Buy as a gift for dad for Father''s Day or for a loved one for Christmas.

KOW-webshop

From the KOW-webshop, you can purchase products for the Kainuu Orienteering Week event, parking and bus tickets, as well as book private accommodation.

Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 clothing has been added to the online store at a discounted price. Make sure to order yourself a memento of last summer''s event participation.

The competition invitation for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 has been published

The competition invitation for the 57th Kainuu Orienteering Week, to be held next summer in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, has now been published on our website. A shortened version of the competition invitation will also be published in the upcoming Suunnistaja magazine (issue 5/2024), with a release date of October 17.

In the children’s classes H/D8-14, we will return to pre-assigned start times

Registration for the 2025 Kainuu Orienteering Week is open

01.08.2024

Registration for Kainuu Orienteering Week 29.6.-4.7.2025 for competition categories and open courses (recreational orienteering) is now open. 

The 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 event brought over 31,000 visitors to Kajaani and Kainuu

12.07.2024

56th Kainuu Orienteering Week June 30 - July 5, 2024, Joutenlampi, Kajaani

We want to thank the participants, volunteers, landowners, partners, and all stakeholders who contributed to making the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week a great event!

The event brought 5,832 different people to Kainuu and Kajaani for a week, and the total number of visits throughout the week exceeded 31,000. During the event week, a significant total of 15,043 sports performances were completed.

Open courses raffle prizes Fri 5.7.2024

10.07.2024

Among the participants in the open courses on Friday, July 5, 2024 the winners of the drawn prizes.

Open sprint orienteering event and open sprint tracks results and raffle winner

05.07.2024

Open sprint orienteering event July 1, 2024 and open sprint tracks 2 - 4 July 2024 results and winners.

Pursuit races culminate the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week

05.07.2024

The exciting 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week concluded with a rainy finale at Joutenlampi in Kajaani on Friday. In the elite categories, the day’s competitions were fierce chase starts based on the overall competition results.

Open courses raffle prizes Thu 4.7.2024

04.07.2024

Among the participants in the open courses on Thursday, July 4, 2024 the winners of the drawn prizes.

Positions for the Final Stage of Kainuu Orienteering Week Sought at Joutenlampi

04.07.2024

At Joutenlampi, competitors raced at high speed on Thursday's shorter courses as they sought starting positions for Friday's concluding races of Orienteering Week.

Once again, high-quality terrains and courses were offered, and chief course planner Timo Kokkonen considered the day's terrains to be the best of the week. In the main categories, the men's pace was about 5 minutes per kilometer, and the women's was just under 6 minutes per kilometer.

KOW Shop's auction of artworks by the artists of Taidevaltatie Toivo

03.07.2024

Various impressive artworks by the artists of Taidevaltatie Toivo have been showcased at the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week.

At the final control point, participants have had the opportunity to see large animal sculptures made by Markku Leppälä. On the Rastiralli adventure track, children have been able to see smaller animal-themed sculptures created by Heidi Kuvaja-Oksman. At the KOW info point, Riikka Helminen's metal-themed works have been on display, and at the KOW shop, Marjut Kauppinen's designed Sisu-Orienteer statue has been showcased.

Taidevaltatie Toivo are now organizing an auction for all these artworks at the KOW shop between July 4th and 5th.

The long distances drained the energy from Kainuu Orienteering Week competitors after the rest day

02.07.2024

Kainuu Orienteering Week continued after a rest day at Joutenlampi in Kajaani. The second stage, featuring the week's longest courses, required endurance and route selection skills from the competitors. The weather varied throughout the long day from rain to sunshine.

Lotta Karhola won and moved into contention, familiar names lead the men's even series

Open courses raffle prizes Tue 2.7.2024

02.07.2024

Among the participants in the open courses on Tuesday, July 2, 2024 the winners of the drawn prizes.

KS Live will broadcast the climax of Kainuu Orienteering Week on Friday – the live broadcast with commentary and expert insights starts on Friday, July 5th at 11:25!

02.07.2024

Watch the live broadcast of the H/D21E elite pursuit races' climax, complete with commentary and expert insights, on Kainuun Sanomat's KS Live service on Friday, July 5th.

Kainuun Sanomat is closely involved in the event and will broadcast the finale of the women's and men's elite races live starting at 11:25 on Friday. The broadcast will last approximately two hours.

The final day's broadcast will be narrated by sports journalist Jussi Heikkinen, with young Olympic coach Jari Sipilä as the expert analyst.

The star-studded Kainuu Orienteering Week kicked off in the sweltering heat at Joutenlampi

30.06.2024

In the main categories, there was fierce competition in the hot conditions. Eetu Savolainen from Ikaalisten Nouseva-Voima won the men's category with a time of 34:58. The race distance for the category was 7 kilometers. National team members from Helsingin Suunnistajat, Topi Syrjäläinen and Olli Ojanaho, finished 49 seconds and 1 minute 16 seconds behind the winner, respectively.

In the women's main category, Elisa Mattila from Lahden Suunnistajat took the victory. She completed the 5.9-kilometer course in 35:03. Siiri Silvennoinen from Kalevan Rasti came in second, 1 minute and 22 seconds behind the winner. Marika Teini, also from Kalevan Rasti, finished third, 1 minute and 38 seconds behind the winner.

Open courses raffle prizes Sun 30.6.

30.06.2024

Among the participants in the opaen courses on Sunday, June 30, 2024 the winners of the drawn prizes.

Ensuring a safe Orienteering Week by following traffic guidelines

26.06.2024

Kainuu Orienteering Week gathers thousands of orienteering enthusiasts into a small area at Joutenlampi in Kajaani. Joutenlampi is located at the end of a small road, and during the week, there will be heavy traffic in both directions. Therefore, all attendees must adhere to traffic rules and the organizers' traffic instructions to ensure safety. Here are some important specific traffic guidelines from the organizers to follow during the Orienteering Week:

The Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 handbook has been published

24.06.2024

The digital version of the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 handbook has now been published on our website.

Please carefully review the handbook, where you will find all the essential information for the orienteering week in one place.

There is also a compiled list of additional activities for the entire week, so be sure to check out the tips for things to do during your holiday week.

Explore Kainuu Orienteering Week - Campaign for Families and recreational orienteers!

19.06.2024

With the Explore Kainuu Orienteering Week campaign, a family (2 adults + 2-3 children) or a fitness orienteer can, for a single daily fee of 30 euros, experience the Kainuu Orienteering Week event and participate in open courses orienteering (recreational orienteering) either as a family or individually. When participating as a family, you can choose the Family-RR orienteering on a safe, marked route. In fitness orienteering, the orienteer can choose from eight different course options (C, B, or A) to match their skill level.

Choosing of competition categories 2024 start times is open

13.06.2024 09:34:49

In the Kainuu Orienteering Week competition categories, the starting times can be selected in advance, except for H/D16-21E categories.

Selection of start times closes on Tuesday 18 June 2024 at 23.59pm.

Start lists for H/D16-21E are now published

13.06.2024

The start lists for the elite categories H/D16-21E of the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week have now been published. Elite orienteers can now check their start times on the start lists and results page.

For other competition categories, the start time selection service will open today, June 13, at 12:00, and start times can be chosen until Tuesday, June 18, at 23:59.

Start areas guiding map has been released

12.06.2024

The guide map for the starting locations of the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 is now published on our website. On the map, you can see the approximate location of your start area as well as the exact distance from the competition center to the start area. Additionally, the map marks the locations of water and toilet points along the route to the starting points.

Guidelines for First-Time Participants at Kainuu Orienteering Week

29.05.2024

Kainuu Orienteering Week consists of four competition days and two rest days. There is a wide selection of categories for participants, including both competitive series and evening orienteering series for recreational orienteers. The event is intended for everyone, from fitness enthusiasts and beginners in orienteering to top-level orienteers.

For the public, the event offers a variety of restaurant and café services, a Muksula children’s day care, the Rastiralli family adventure route, and many other diverse services at the competition centre. These include, for example, orienteering and sports equipment stores, the KOW shop selling event products as well as the traditional meter-long licorice (metrilaku) and a wide range of products from local businesses in the Kainuu region. Additionally, there are other smaller exhibition and sales points at the competition centre, and of course, a soft-ice cream stand, which is a summer holiday must-have.

Read this article for the most important tips for first-time participants in the event.

Competition categories start times

21.05.2024

In the Kainuu Orienteering Week competition categories, the starting times can be selected in advance, except for H/D16-21E categories.

The selection of start times will take place on 13 June to 18 June 2024.

Changes of the categories and emit card number

16.05.2024

Check your Emit card number and other competitor details in advance by May 31, 2024 on our start lists and results page or in the start list published during week 24 at the latest and inform of any changes to the competition office!

Competition instructions published - we recommend carefully reviewing the instructions

15.05.2024

The preliminary competition instructions for the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 have now been published on our website. We recommend all participants arriving for the Kainuu Orienteering Week to carefully familiarize themselves with the competition instructions, which will greatly facilitate their arrival and participation in the event.

NOTE! Competition instructions will be updated until the beginning of the event, so it is advisable to follow our website and communications.

Kainuu's new Regional Mayor appointed as the patron of Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024

08.05.2024

The new Regional Mayor of Kainuu, Riikka Pirkkalainen, has agreed to serve as the patron of the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week, which will take place at Joutenlampi in Kajaani from June 30th to July 5th, 2024.

You can read the Regional Mayor's welcoming message for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 in this article.

Each orienteer must have their own Emit card number

03.05.2024

Different orienteers (participants/persons) CANNOT use the same Emit card during the orienteering week.

Anniversary medals for long-term participation in Kainuu Orienteering Week.

24.04.2024

Long-term participation of Kainuu Orienteering Week is remembered annually with an anniversary medal during the prize-giving ceremony.

Parking and Bus Tickets for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024

18.04.2024

Parking and competition bus tickets on sale for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024.

Kajaani’s hiking trails and nature trails

05.04.2024

Kainuu offers a wide range of options for hiking and outdoor activities.

Kajaani's hiking trails and their introductions have been collected in the article.

Activities for the your holiday week

28.03.2024

In addition to the competition events, during the Kainuu Orienteering Week from June 30th to July 5th, 2024, there are plenty of various side activities available in Kajaani and elsewhere in Kainuu.

Kajaani city events complement the orienteer's summer week

22.03.2024

For those who want to experience more than just navigating control points in Kajaani during the week, the city's summer events provide several excellent opportunities. The bulletin are some examples of what's on offer!

Next summer, Kajaani will be filled with participants in the Kainuu Orienteering Week - record-breaking numbers of participants are expected in the events organized by the Kainuu Orienteering Week

01.03.2024

The second registration step for the 56th Kainuu Orienteering Week, to be held next summer at Joutenlampi in Kajaani, ended yesterday with record numbers in the event's history.

– The upcoming summer event will most likely be one of the largest in Kainuu Orienteering Week history, exclaims chief of competition Jarmo Kämäräinen.

"A total of 1608 orienteers have already registered for the competition classes, which is a record number for this registration step since the Kainuu Orienteering Week held in conjunction with the Vuokatti World Orienteering Championships in 2013," continues Kämäräinen.

Sign up at the discounted fees by 29th February

27.02.2024

Just a couple of days left to register at a discounted rate for the orienteering super week in Kajaani! Are you heading out for open courses and recreational orienteering to enjoying the stunning terrains of Joutenlampi? Or are you entering the competitive or elite classes to battle for podium finishes? Or perhaps mountain bike orienteering on the fantastic trails of Vimpelinvaara and Joutenlampi?

Registration fees will increase on March 1, 2024, at 00:00!

Kainuu Orienteering Week - an immersive orienteering and holiday week in Kainuu at Joutenlampi, Kajaani

21.02.2024

Orienteer through stunning terrains and breathtaking landscapes using top-class orienteering maps during the upcoming summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week at Joutenlampi, Kajaani, from June 30 to July 5, 2024. Both recreational orienteers and elite orienteers can enjoy the diverse terrains of Joutenlampi's pine forest and moor-terrain areas simultaneously. The rest days can be spent orienteering or exploring the extensive program offerings in Kainuu and Kajaani.

The starting locations and distances to the starting points for different categories are now published

09.02.2024

The starting locations and distances to the starting points for different categories of the Kainuu Orienteering Week are now published on our website

A new addition is the Family-RR category in open courses (recreational orienteering), which will start directly from the start number 4 this year. The route signage for the Family-RR category starts from the start number 4 and it uses the same route signage as the H/D8RR competition category.

Arriving in Finland and to the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 – Take note of these tips

09.02.2024

Arriving in Kajaani for the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 is seamless. The easiest way to reach Finland is by flying, but convenient ferry connections are also available. If you prefer, you can rent a car at airports or harbors. You can arrive in Kajaani by flying (from Helsinki), train, bus/coach, or car. Once in Kajaani, you can make use of public transportation. The event bus will take you conveniently from the center of Kajaani and the KRV event village to the Joutenlampi competition center and back during each of the four races.

For more detailed tips on arriving in Finland and Kajaani, check out this article.

Kainuu Orienteering Week office has moved to new premises!

08.02.2024

The competition and accommodation office of Kainuu Orienteering Week now serves at a new address.

Accommodation tips for summer 2024

07.02.2024

Read the news for tips on different accommodation options for the summer 2024 Kainuu Orienteering Week.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2024!

22.12.2023

We wish everyone a very peaceful Christmas and good orienteering for the year 2024!

The people of Kainuu Orienteering Week are on holiday at the turn of the year. Read the announcement for instructions on how to make sport benefit payments during the rest of the year.

Next summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week is expecting a record number of participants, bringing over two million Euros in tourism revenue to the Kajaani area

01.12.2023

From June 30 to July 5, 2024, Kainuu Orienteering Week will welcome over 6,500 participants to orienteer and vacation in Kajaani's Joutenlampi.
- Our first registration period ended on November 30, 2023, and we can announce that next year's event will be one of the largest in the history of Kainuu Orienteering Week (KOW), exclaims the competition director Jarmo Kämäräinen. Among the registered participants, 978 orienteers signed up for competition categories, marking the highest number since the KOW held in conjunction with the Vuokatti World Orienteering Championships in 2013, Kämäräinen continues.

There is a lot of load in the IRMA registration service - register more smoothly on time

27.11.2023 

The first price step ends on Thursday 30 November 2023 at midnight.

You shouldn't leave registration until the last night of the price step.

The Kainuu Orienteering Week brings Finland's top orienteers to Joutenlampi in Kajaani.

24.11.2023

The upcoming 56th edition of the Kainuu Orienteering Week is expected to be a high level competition in elite categories.

The Kainuu Orienteering Week will take place from June 30th to July 5th next summer in Kajaani at Joutenlampi, where Kainuu Orienteering Week was last arranged in July 2012. At Joutenlampi, orienteers will have the opportunity to test their skills in the intricate terrain of ridges and contour lines, while maximizing running speed in the pine forest terrain.

Travel and arrive smoothly to Kainuu Orienteering Week in Kajaani - by air, rail, bus or car

17.11.2023

With these tips, arriving at Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 will be easy and getting around the Kajaani area will be handy. Read this article for more detailed information on travelling to the orienteering week, so that you can focus on the most important - orienteering and holiday.

Missä majoittua ensi kesänä Rastiviikolla?

16.11.2023

Find an accommodation option that suits your needs.

Dormitory accommodation can now be booked.

Now you can buy a gift card for our orienteering week!

09.11.2023

The KOW-webshop has now added gift cards for the Kainuu Orienteering Week recreational orienteering. 

Kainuu Orienteering Week terrain has been mapped

26.10.2023

The competition center of next summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week is located in the middle of one of Finland's most extensive moor terrain areas that have been transferred to orienteering maps. Another feature of the Joutenlampi area is the fast-moving terrain with lots of depressions and ridges.

Feedback questionnaire 2023 draw completed

17.08.2023

The feedback questionnaire for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 has been closed and the draw has been completed.

We have been in contact with the winners of the draw.

Thank you to everyone who answered the feedback survey!

Registration for the 2024 Kainuu Orienteering Week is open

01.08.2023

Registration for Kainuu Orienteering Week 30.6.-5.7.2024 for competition categories and open courses (recreational orienteering) is now open.

Open sprint results and winners

13.07.2023

During the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2023, the open sprint orienteering event and open sprint tracks were organized. 

In the bulletin the results and winners of the sprint orienteerings. 

Kainuu Orienteering Week gathered over 21 000 visitors to Kainuu and Kuhmo

12.07.2023

55th Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 Jämäsvaara, Kuhmo - thanks to the participants, volunteers, landowners, partners and all stakeholders who were involved in making the 55th Kainuu O Week in Kainuu!

Feedback time

08.07.2023

You can give feedback on Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 arrangements through the event feedback questionnaire.

Open courses raffle prizes Fri 7.7.2023

07.07.2023

Among the participants in the open courses on Friday, July 7, 2023 are the winners of the drawn prizes. 

Removal of club tents on Friday

06.07.2023

Club tents must be transported away from the competition center with a race bus or your own car after 3 p.m. There is no room for extra cars in the competition center during the competition.

Open courses raffle prizes Thu 6.7.2023

06.07.2023

Among the participants in the open courses on Thursday, July 6, 2023 are the winners of the drawn prizes. 

Open courses raffle prizes Sun 2.7. and Tue 4.7.2023

04.07.2023

Among the participants in the open courses on Sunday, July 2, 2023 and Tuesday, July 4, 2023 are the winners of the drawn prizes.

Kainuu O Week’s competition centre is a lively village in the middle of forest

17.06.2023

The competition centre with its services in the middle of the forest, buzzing with people, is already worth seeing in itself. During the six days of the event, thousands of orienteers and spectators are expected to be there.

- The spectators are welcome, for example, just to feel the atmosphere and watch the performances of the top orienteers, says Secretary General Jukka Liuha.

Choosing of competition categories start times is open

15.06.2023

Choosing of start times open until June 21, 2023.

2nd race day remote finish transport for categories: H85, H90, D80 and D85.

KOW24 in Kajaani - come check out our stand in Jukola relay and win free participation for 2024

13.06.2023

Kainuu Orienteering Week 2024 is presented to Jukola relay visitors, participate in the draw and win

Get familiar with the next summer's Kainuu O Week stand by visiting on our Jukola relay stand, which is located in the central square of Jukola village opposite the Jukola gate and competition information point.

Things to do during orienteering week 2023

13.06.2023

Tips for things to do during orienteering week.

Registration in Kainuu O Week's dog park is open!

08.06.2023

Registration for the Kainuu Orienteering Week dog park is open. Register your dog in advance until June 26, 2023 at a lower price! This year, the dog park is not located in the Competition centre, it is about 2 km away in the immediate vicinity of the P3 parking area. Find out more about this article!

Kainuu Orienteering Week is a holiday and orienteering week for the family Siponen in beautiful views of Kainuu

08.06.2023

Member of the Finnish Parliament Markku Siponen's orienteering career began as a small boy, when he started “Oravapolkukoulu” with his older brother at the age of 6. Little by little, the whole childhood family got excited about orienteering. For the first time, the family Siponen participated in the Kainuu Orienteering Week in Puolanka and Paljakka in 1990.

KOW2023 guide maps published

07.06.2023

The guide maps of the competition centre and starting area of the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 have now been published.

Kainuu Orienteering Week 2023 competition instructions has been released

26.05.2023

The competition instructions for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2023 have been published. The competition instructions will be updated until the start of the event, so follow the website and our communications.

Welcome to the magical landscapes and terrains of Kuhmo's Jämäsvaara to enjoy orienteering and holiday!

Changes to registration information 2023

19.05.2023

Check the registration information and report the necessary changes to the series and emit card numbers to the competition office now free of charge. See the latest release for more detailed instructions and schedules.

In the competition categories the start times are chosen in advance

11.05.2023

Start time choosing service is used in Kainuu Orienteering Week in all categories H/D8-95 except in elite categories H/D16-21E. 

We recommend registering for the children’s day care (Musula) by June 21, 2023 to ensure a smooth service.

Kuhmo’s summer 2023 events

10.05.2023

Get to know Kuhmo's range of events next summer.

Use of the emit card in Kainuu Orienteering Week

04.05.2023

During the orienteering week using an emit card is mandatory for all orienteers due to safety reasons

Please note that Different orienteers (participants/persons) CANNOT use the same Emit card during the orienteering week.

Kuhmo's service offering

28.04.2023

Information about Kuhmo's services has been compiled for those planning a holiday program.

Orienteer in top terrains and amazing landscapes with top-level orienteering maps

21.04.2023

Orienteer in top terrains and amazing landscapes with top-level orienteering maps during next summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week in Jämäsvaara, Kuhmo, July 2-7, 2023. In Jämäsvaara's versatile terrain, the course setters has taken into account children and amateur orienteers who go around recreational orienteering races and other open orienteering events.

Matti Heikkinen becomes a patron of the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2023

31.03.2023

Cross-country skiing world champion (2011) and current Head Director of the Finnish Olympic Committee's High Performance Unit, Mr. Matti Heikkinen, has promised to be the patron of next summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week.

The love of the homeland brings Hannu Juutinen again and again to the Kainuu Orienteering Week

24.03.2023

Hannu Juutinen, who is orienteering in the 75-year-old series, has participated in Kainuu Orienteering Week more than 50 times.

For him, active training is a way of life, and brotherly togetherness is the driving force behind the hobby of orienteering.

Kuhmo region's hiking trails x 12

23.03.2023

Would you be interested in going hiking in rest day Kainuu Orienteering Week?

Kuhmo's hiking trails and their introductions have been collected in the article.

Summer 2023 accommodation options

15.03.2023

Floor accommodation will not be available next summer in Kuhmo, see the announcement for other accommodation options.

The price step changes - preliminary distances published

22.02.2023

The second price step for registering for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2-7 July 2023 ends on 28 February 2023. By registering now, you can join the orienteering week at cheaper prices.

The preliminary daily trips have now been published on the website for the competition categories info page.

What services you get with the Kainuu O Week participation fee?

14.02.2023

In this article we tought to give you a presentation about the services what are included in the participation fee of the Kainuu Orienteering Week 2023 - in addition (of course) to have the nice and easy-going orienteering and holiday week. Furthermore, we listed some other services what we provide for our visitors in Kainuu O Week next summer. Take a cup of coffee and get familiar with the event.

What program does Kuhmo and KOW offer?

09.02.2023

Summer, orienteering week and vacation are approaching - see what program Kuhmo and Kainuun Orienteering Week offers.

Accommodation in Kuhmo and nearby areas

07.02.2023

Check out the accommodation options in Kuhmo and the surrounding areas.

Floor accommodation survey response time extended until February 28, 2023.

KOW2023 bus transport and parking arrangements

31.01.2023

Bus transport and parking arrangements for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 have been detailed on our website.

Due to the limited parking space in the vicinity of the competition center, we will not organize VIP parking this year.

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year 2023!

22.12.2022

We wish everyone a very peaceful Christmas and good orienteering for the year 2023!

The people of Kainuu Orienteering Week are on holiday at the turn of the year. Read the announcement for instructions on how to make sports benefit payments during the rest of the year.

Summer 2023 accommodations

16.11.2022

Check out the latest information about the Kainuu Rastivikki 2.-7.7.2023 accommodation offer.

We map the need for floor accommodation with a survey, which you can answer from the link in the announcement.

Registration for orienteering week 2023 open courses is open!

04.11.2022

Registration for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 open courses (recreational orienteering) are now open. Registration for competition categories has already been opened earlier.

First and cheapest entry step will be closed 30th november 2022.

KOW2022 clothes on sale!

06.10.2022

You still have time to get a memory from last summer's orienteering week.

Place an order between 6 and 23 October 2022 and you will participate in the draw!

Feedback questionnaire draw completed

15.08.2022

The feedback questionnaire for Kainuu Orienteering Week 3.-8.7.2022 has been closed and the draw has been completed.

We have been in contact with the winners of the draw.

Thank you to everyone who answered the feedback survey!

Registration for orienteering week 2023 competition categories is open!

02.08.2022

Registration for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2.-7.7.2023 competition categories are now open. 

Registration for open courses (recreational orienteering) opens later in the autumn.

54. Kainuu Orienteering Week thanks everyone - see you in Kuhmo 2023!

15.07.2022

Kainuu Orienteering Week 3.-8.7.2022 Luhtakangas, Puolanka, Finland - thanks all the participants, volunteers, landowners, partners and all stakeholders who were involved in making the 54th time this great orienteering event in Kainuu!

The event gathered more than 4,000 different person in Kainuu and Puolanka for a week, and thus the number of visitors for the entire week exceeded the 24,000 visitors mark.

A total of 2,612 orienteers participated in the 54th Kainuu Orienteering Week:
- 1494 orienteers for competition categories
- 1118 separate orienteers for open courses (recreational orienteering)

In open courses, 2769 orienteering performances were done throughout the week.

In addition to the orienteers, there were around 1,000 spectators.

In addition, 250 MTB orienteers and about 150 spectators participated in the 1st Kainuu MTBO Week.

About 700 orienteering performances were done during the week on the sprint orienteering and in the rastiralli adventure track.

This is a good time to look forward for 2023. See you next year in the amazing, legendary and unique KOW terrains in Jämäsvaara, Kuhmo, Finland!

Give feedback on Kainuu Orienteering Week 3.-8.7.2022

13.07.2022

You can give feedback on Kainuu Orienteering Week arrangements through the event feedback questionnaire.

Open sprint tracks results and winners

12.07.2022

During the Kainuu Orienteering Week on July 5-8, 2022, open sprint tracks could be run in the center of  Puolanka.

The results of the sprint races have now been compiled and a draw has been made among the participants.

Open courses raffle prizes Fri 8.7.2022

09.07.2022

Among the participants in the open courses on Friday, July 8, 2022 are the winners of the drawn prizes. 

H/D16-21E categories pursuit start lists

07.07.2022

The starting lists for the last race of the H/D16-21E series have been published.

Open courses raffle prizes Thu 7.7.2022

07.07.2022 

Among the participants in the open courses on Thursday, July 7, 2022 are the winners of the drawn prizes. 

New forestry area

06.07.2022

In the red line area in the map appendix, there are now 2-5 meter long trees felled to the ground. See detailed information about the change in the map appendix of the announcement.

Open courses raffle prizes Tue 5.7.2022

05.07.2022

Among the participants in the open courses on Tuesday, July 5, 2022 are the winners of the drawn prizes.

Open sprint orienteering event 4.7.2022

04.07.2022

Today, Monday, July 4, 2022, we organized open sprint orienteering event. A total of 145 orienteers participated in the sprint.

At the event, the fastest on the tracks were rewarded and one prize was drawn among all participants. See the winners and results in the news.

Open courses raffle prizes Sun 3.7.2022

04.07.2022 14:48:09

Among the participants in the open courses on Sunday, July 3, 2022 are the winners of the drawn prizes.

Kainuu O-Week started in the elite categories with familiar names

03.07.2022 23:58:35

Kainuu O-Week started in the elite categories with familiar names leading the way

Joni Hirvikallio (Koovee) and Mira Kaskinen (Rastikarhut), who took the overall victory in the H/D21E series of last year's 2021 53rd Kainuu Orienteering Week, also dominated the events of the first race of this year's 54th Kainuu O-Week. Both of them took the top spot in their series with a gap of more than a minute to the next one.

See the atmosphere of the first stage here.

Arrival instructions to Kainuu Orienteering Week 2022

30.06.2022 13:17:45

Welcome to the 54th Kainuu Orienteering Week in Luhtakangas, Puolanka, Finland 3-8 July 2022.

Here are some of the most important arrival instructions to arrive at Kainuu O-Week.

The Kainuu Orienteering Week 2022 competition categories start time selection service will open today at 12.00am

16.06.2022 

The Kainuu Orienteering Week 2022 competition categories start time selection service will open today, Thursday 16th June 2022 at 12.00. Instructions and a link for choosing start times can be found on our website www.rastiviikko.fi -> Starting lists and results.

NOTE! There have been changes to the starting points. Please check the table of starts information for your categories.

The exact distances of the race series and the guide map of the starting area’s have been published

14.06.2022

The daily trips of the race series and the guide map of the starting area’s have been published. See the bulletin also for the time windows for the start times of the race series for the selection of the start times.

Sign up today 31st May until 11.59pm to the Kainuu O-Week with a cheaper participation fees

31.05.2022 00:09:20

Kainuu Orienteering Week''s participation fees are changing on 1st June 2022.

Sign up today 31st May until 11.59pm to the 54th Kainuu Orienteering Week with a cheaper participation fees.

Changes to registration information

20.05.2022

Check the registration information and report the necessary changes to the series and emit card number to the competition office now free of charge. See the latest release for more detailed instructions and schedules.

Accommodation in search for the duration of the Kainuu Orienteering Week?

21.04.2022

Check out next summer's accommodation offer in the latest news.

Parking and bus tickets on sale!

14.04.2022

You can arrive at the Kainuu Orienteering Week competition centre in Luhtakangas, Puolanka on July 3-8, 2022 by riding the bus or in your own car. Bus and parking tickets for the event added to the KOW-webshop for sale.

Kainuu O-Week's restaurant and café services offer varied food during the orienteering week

28.03.2022

About the versatile services of the Kainuu Orienteering Week Competition Centre, the quality and supply of restaurant and café services in particular have long been the subject of significant development. For many years, Finland's biggest orienteering week has offered home-cooked lunch food, delicious café products, tasty barbecue dishes, varied “soup of the day” dishes and mouth-watering waffles or pancakes - once again this year.

Start the next summer's Kainuu O-Week with some heavy riffs in LankaFest 1 - 2 July 2022

18.03.2022

Start the next summer's Kainuu O-Week with some heavy riffs in LankaFest 1 - 2 July 2022

Russian and Belarusian participants in events under Kainuu Orienteering Week association

18.03.2022

Kainuu Orienteering Week association (in Finnish the Kainuun Rastiviikko ry) strongly condemns the war started by Russia in Ukraine and follows the recommendation received from the Finnish Orienteering Federation (March 9, 2022) on how the member clubs of the Finnish Orienteering Federation should operate in their own proceedings:

Kainuu O-Week 2022 offers large services in Competition Centre and top quality event arrangements

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Kainuu Orienteering Week offers large services in Competition Centre and top quality of the event arrangements. Competition Centre will offer for orienteers almost everything what is needed for fluent participation. Event arrangements will be also done in high level with top quality maps and orienteering tracks. 

Kainuu MTBO Week website is out now

04.03.2022

Come and experience the 1st Kainuu MTBO Week in a history - enjoy the best MTBO terrains and views of Kainuu region.

Kainuu MTBO Week webpages are published now in our website. Check out more from www.rastiviikko.fi -> 2022 -> Kainuu MTBO Week.