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!
Published: 15.04.2025
At Kainuu Orienteering Week 2025 in Vuokatti, you'll get to enjoy hill landscapes like these, experienced by orienteers in Puolanka during the 2022 Kainuu O Week (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week / Kauko Keränen)
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.
A Courses: Challenge for Competitive Orienteers and Fit Runners
A-Long (7.5–8.5 km, scale 1:10,000):
Ready to push your limits in the demanding terrain of Vuokatti? Looking for a true orienteering challenge with tough control points and steep hill climbs? Then A-Long is your track – both technically and physically. To complete this course with pride, you’ll need to master the most complex terrain and slope controls, and have the running power to tackle multiple steep ascents. This one’s for you if you want to get everything out of your week in Vuokatti. And if you manage to catch a breath, the scenery’s not too bad either. This course will leave a mark – and nobody cold!
A-Medium (6.0 km, scale 1:10,000):
Want to see the lake views from the hilltops and navigate slope controls in ancient spruce forests? Searching for a course that blends technical controls with speed? A-Medium hits the sweet spot – less climb than A-Long but still plenty of challenge. You’ll also navigate through gentler terrain and lower slopes. Ideal for those seeking a tough navigational workout while still saving energy for other vacation activities.
A-Short (4.5 km, scale 1:7,500):
Prefer technical challenge over physical strain? Want to enjoy the beauty of Vuokatti’s hills and still have energy for the evening? A-Short – or should we say “A-Holiday” – solves this! Less distance and elevation than the other A courses, but with the same technical difficulty. Perfect for orienteers who want a demanding course without exhausting themselves. After this one, you’ll still have energy to cook dinner and enjoy the evening fun!
B Courses: For Experienced Fitness Orienteers – Balanced Challenge and Enjoyment
B-Long (6.0 km, scale 1:10,000):
Ready to tackle the hills of Vuokatti? Want a physically demanding course with more navigational support? B-Long is for strong runners. While technically easier than A courses, it still offers plenty of navigation tasks with helpful terrain features along the way. Suits experienced orienteers looking to explore various terrain types during the week – from protected hilltops to managed forests.
B-Medium (4.5 km, scale 1:10,000):
Want a fast-paced run with moderate technical challenge – minus the tough climbs? B-Medium makes good use of flatter terrain, making it easier to keep up a good pace. A nice variety of legs and orienteering puzzles await. Great for those who prefer smoother terrain without compromising on orienteering fun.
B-Short (3.5 km, scale 1:7,500):
Craving some light technical challenge without much physical effort? B-Short offers enjoyable orienteering tasks with a few trickier controls sprinkled in. Navigation is supported with plenty of features, and the terrain is gentle. Perfect if you already know the basics and want to save energy for dancing, golfing – or challenging your friend to join you!
C Courses: Clear and Friendly Routes for Beginners and Relaxed Orienteers
C-Long (4.5 km, scale 1:10,000):
Does orienteering have to be tough? Not at all! C-Long runs through easier terrain and leads you to control points via clear features and supportive landmarks. Great for solo adventures or buddying up – as long as you’re comfortable with the basics of orienteering.
C-Short (2.3 km, scale 1:7,500):
New to orienteering and want a short, simple course? C-Short suits all ages – from kids to seniors. The course includes clear navigation tasks and well-defined features like paths to guide you. A perfect entry-level adventure, solo or with the whole family.
Beginner-Friendly Courses for First-Timers and Families
Open-RR / Family-RR (1.7 km, scale 1:10,000):
Just starting out and want a safe introduction to orienteering? Open-RR is for you! A marked trail (called "siimari") guides you the whole way, with controls along this tape line. You can even try a bit of free navigation between parts of the tape – and hop back on if you feel unsure. The ideal way to build confidence and learn the basics without fear of getting lost.
An example of a control leg on the Open-RR or Family-RR course, featuring different route choices (Map: Kainuu Orienteering Week)
The Open-RR and Family-RR courses can be completed together with a parent, guardian, or the whole family (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week / Kauko Keränen)
Adventure Track (Rastiralli, 0.7 km, scale 1:4,000):
Want to give your family a fun and safe forest adventure? Rastiralli is made for preschool-aged kids and their parents. The trail is well-marked and includes fun activity stations. A playful and exciting introduction to orienteering for the whole family – where young adventurers need a reading buddy to help find the controls and complete the challenges.
The youngest family members can enjoy the Rastiralli adventure course on their own, with a parent or guardian, or together with the whole family (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week / Kauko Keränen)
The 57th Kainuu Orienteering Week takes place in Vuokatti, Sotkamo, right next to the future Vuokatti-Jukola 2027 terrain – from June 29 to July 4, 2025.
Welcome to a full week of orienteering fun for the whole family!
