Major Finnish Sports Tourism Event Meets Culture Again – This Summer in Suomussalmi: Kainuu Orienteering Week 2026 is an Experience for All Senses
Published: 24.04.2026
Next summer’s 58th Kainuu Orienteering Week (June 28 – July 3, 2026) is not just a physical challenge in the forest; it is also a journey for the senses and mental well-being. For the third consecutive year, this traditional orienteering and holiday week in Suomussalmi will host the "Encounter Art" (Törmää Taiteeseen) event, bringing multi-artistic experiences directly to the heart of this major sporting event.
A young orienteer at the final control of the 2024 Kainuu Orienteering Week in Joutenlampi, Kajaani, admiring a wooden sculpture (Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen).
Oulu2026: Cultural Well-being at Every Control Point
The year 2026 is historic, as Kainuu Orienteering Week is part of the official program for Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture. This is reflected in Suomussalmi as a strong investment in cultural well-being.
"Our goal is to jointly highlight art, culture, and sports as essential components of our overall well-being," says Jarmo Kaivo-oja, board member of Taidevaltatie Toivo ry, the organization responsible for the event’s culture-based and multi-artistic content.
During Kainuu Orienteering Week, participants, spectators, and tourists can enjoy:
- Visual arts located in unexpected places (e.g., within the competition centre).
- Performing arts bringing life to the Säynäjä competition centre and the surrounding Ämmänsaari area in Suomussalmi.
- Food culture that nourishes both the body and the mind, for example, at the event's catering areas.
The "Sisu the Orienteer" artwork welcoming guests at the KOW Shop in the competition centre (Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen).
Collaboration Bearing Fruit
The partnership between Kainuu Orienteering Week and Taidevaltatie Toivo ry began in the autumn of 2023. Now in its third year, the concept has become more refined and extensive. It offers a natural, easy-going way to encounter art in places where people are already on the move.
"It has been wonderful to see how our cooperation has deepened year by year. For the summer of 2026, we plan to expand this package even further and offer visitors something truly unique that isn't typically found in sports events," comments Jukka Liuha, General Secretary of Kainuu Orienteering Week.
Participants enjoying nature-themed artworks at the "Rastiralli" adventure track for children during the 2024 event (Photo: Minna Kilpeläinen).
Why Combine Art and Sports?
Traditionally, sports and art have been viewed as separate islands. Kainuu Orienteering Week and Taidevaltatie Toivo want to break this myth.
Both offer powerful experiences, personal triumphs, and a sense of community. When an orienteer returns from the forest, art provides a space to breathe, reflect, and recover. "It turns the sports event into a holistic experience that appeals to all ages," summarizes Kaivo-oja, who also serves as the event producer for Taidevaltatie Toivo ry.
Children at the event daycare in Vuokatti, Sotkamo (2025), admiring a snake made of painted stones (Photo: Kainuu Orienteering Week).
Highlights for Kainuu Orienteering Week 2026:
- Dates: June 28 – July 3, 2026.
- What: An experience-filled week combining sports and the arts.
- Theme: Sports and cultural well-being; effortless encounters with art.
- In collaboration with: Kainuu Orienteering Week & Taidevaltatie Toivo ry.
The detailed Encounter Art program for the event week will be published in May–June. Information will be available on the Kainuu Orienteering Week website and social media channels.
Welcome to experience the uniting power of sports and art – see you in Suomussalmi!
