At the Kainuu Orienteering Week in Vuokatti, participants will have the opportunity to explore the model terrain for the World Orienteering Championships in Kuopio 2025 and the Vuokatti-Jukola 2027
Published: 15.11.2024
The majestic landscapes of the Vuokatti hill range can be admired during next summer's Kainuu Orienteering Week 29 June to 4th July 2025 (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
Next summer, the Kainuu Orienteering Week will be held in the scenic hills of Vuokatti, Sotkamo. The event is organized by Kainuu Orienteering Week association, with Sotkamon Jymy serving as the hosting club.
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.
Terrain with Elevation Changes and Old Forest Landscapes Expected at Kainuu Orienteering Week
In Vuokatti, the competition centre for Orienteering Week will be the historic Heikkilän pirtti, located atop Ohravaara Hill. Heikkilän pirtti is a familiar stop for many cross-country skiers and outdoor enthusiasts.
The area around the pirtti is rich in trails, which facilitates planning courses for children and young participants.
Further into the hill terrain, it is possible to design challenging courses for orienteers of all ages.
“Elevation changes and the wilderness terrain with few trails make the courses demanding for competitors,” says course setter Joni Korhonen.
According to Korhonen, the terrain in Vuokatti is very similar to that in Tahko, where next summer’s World Championships will take place. Both areas feature elevation changes and diverse forests with cliffs.
“In both terrains, orienteers can stop to admire old-growth protected forests and expansive views,” Korhonen describes.
The orienteering map and competition terrain for the 2025 Kainuu Orienteering Week are located right next to the terrain for the 2027 Jukola (Map samples: Kainuu Orienteering Week / Mapline Oy)
