Experience the Magic of Northern Finland: Welcome to the 2026 Kainuu Orienteering Week in Suomussalmi – Feel the Magic of the Midsummer
Published: 02.02.2026
Do you dream of fast-runnable pine forests, world-class maps, and the perfect orienteering flow?
Next summer, the Kainuu Orienteering Week (KOW) invites all orienteering enthusiasts to the pristine and untouched terrains of Säynäjä in Suomussalmi. Prepare for a unique sporting festival where high-speed navigation and a relaxed summer holiday meet in the heart of Finland’s most beautiful wilderness.
Experience the brand-new orienteering terrains of the Säynäjä region
The 2026 Kainuu Orienteering Week will be held in an area never before mapped for orienteering. This is your chance to experience brand-new, world-class maps crafted by experienced professional mappers and courses designed by seasoned KOW race officials.
Terrain
Expect stunning pine forests, steep esker ridges, rolling slopes, and demanding hill terrain typical of Upper Kainuu. The ground is predominantly fast and firm – offering those legendary pine forest terrains for which Kainuu is world-famous.
The Orienteering Challenge
From the intricate kettle holes of Ruunasärkkä to the challenging slopes of Louhenvaara, the terrain provides technical variety that will test both your physical stamina and your compass skills. For children, youth, and open courses (recreational categories), we provide perfectly balanced courses, utilizing the clear paths and distinct features near the competition centre.
Pure Nature
Enjoy the silence of ancient forests and the raw beauty of the wilderness surrounding the natural mires of Säynäjäsuo.
Arriving in Suomussalmi – Easy Access from Near and Far
Suomussalmi is well-connected, whether you are travelling by your own car or using public transport.
From Finland
For those arriving by car, Highway 5 (E63) leads directly to Suomussalmi. By train, you can reach Kajaani, with connecting bus services to Suomussalmi. We highly recommend using the official competition bus for transport between your accommodation and the competition centre!
From Abroad
For international guests, the easiest route is to fly into Helsinki, with connecting flights to Kajaani or Oulu. Both cities offer excellent car rental options and bus connections to Suomussalmi. You can also arrive by ferry via Helsinki or Turku and continue by car through the scenic Finnish Lake District.
More Than Just a Race – An Active Summer Holiday for Everyone
Kainuu Orienteering Week is famous for its relaxed holiday atmosphere. Whether you are an elite athlete or a recreational runner, Suomussalmi offers a wide variety of activities for all tastes.
Swimming and Saunas
After your run, relax in a sauna and take a dip in the crystal-clear lakes. The Jätkänpuisto and Ruomasijanpuisto beaches near Suomussalmi centre are local favourites during the summer heat.
Hossa National Park
The unique Hossa National Park invites you to enjoy diverse outdoor life, such as hiking, canoeing, and mountain biking (fatbikes and e-fatbikes).
Kainuu Trail Running Event June 27th, 2026
Before the Orienteering Week, you can also challenge yourself at the Kainuu Trail trail running event held in the stunning landscapes of Hossa National Park. Distances: 10 km, 21 km, 38 km, 55 km, and 78 km. The 10 km distance also features its own categories for youth aged 12–17.
Kainuu Orienteering Week for the Whole Family – Categories for Every Skill Level
Competitive Classes for All Ages
In the competition categories of Kainuu Orienteering Week, options range from children to veterans in age categories H/D8–95. The main elite categories (H/D21E) feature a total prize pool of 9,000 euros. Additionally, in all elite categories (H/D16–21E), the week concludes with a thrilling chasing start in the fourth and final stage.
Open Categories – More Popular Than Ever
Open courses offer everything from easy beginner tracks to demanding expert routes. No pressure – just enjoy the forest at your own pace!
For Children and Families
Childcare services (Muksula), the Rastiralli adventure track, and the family category (Open-RR) ensure that the whole family has a fantastic time.
The Competition Centre – A Vibrant Village in the Wilderness
The competition centre at Ruunasärkkä is the heart of the event, with all services within easy reach.
There are plenty of services: Restaurant and café services, sport and orienteering equipment vendors, exhibition and sales points. The KOW shop offers products from local small businesses and official Kainuu O Week merchandise. After your run, you can refresh yourself in the competition centre's shower and washing facilities.
Flavours of Kainuu
Enjoy salmon soup, home-cooked lunches, or traditional grill treats. For dessert, try the Finnish "muurinpohjalettu" pancakes or soft-serve ice cream. The KOW shop also offers traditional metre-long liquorice.
Ecological Travel
Official competition buses run daily from Suomussalmi, and our new, super-affordable "Family Bus Ticket" makes commuting easy. The bus stop is located at the very heart of the competition centre. The competition centre is also easily accessible by car: parking spaces for cars are just a 200–600 meter walk from the competition centre.
Secure Your Spot – Early Bird Rates End February 28th!
Now is the best time to secure your place in the most stunning orienteering event of the summer at a lower price until February 28th, 2026!
Important Registration Deadlines:
- February 28th: Second Early Bird tier ends.
- May 31st: Third registration tier ends.
- June 7th: Online late registration closes.
After online late registration closes, you can still register for open courses on-site. On-site prices for open categories are valid until the race days.
Welcome to the ruggedly beautiful heart of Kainuu, where the forest challenges you and the scenery rewards you. See you in Suomussalmi!
