Suomussalmi offers plenty to see and do for Kainuu Orienteering Week visitors in summer 2026
Published: 22.04.2026
During the Kainuu Orienteering Week (KOW), orienteers can enjoy a wide range of side events and activities in Suomussalmi.
Participants are in for a treat even before the first official competition day. On Saturday, June 27th, 2026, two major events take place: the Kainuu Trail trail running event in Hossa and the Pre-Jukola orienteering event in Vuokatti.
The rest days of the Orienteering Week can also be spent with the sport on Monday, June 29th, and Wednesday, July 1st. Sprint orienteering events will be held at the event village in Jaloniemi, Suomussalmi. The fastest runner on each course will be rewarded with a free entry to the 2027 Kainuu Orienteering Week in Paljakka, Puolanka. Following tradition, a Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO) week will also be held, and self-guided training courses will be available across the Kainuu region.
The brand-new mascot of Kainuu Orienteering Week, "Rasti Teddy" (Orienteering Bear), invites younger adventurers to explore the event village on Monday, June 29th. The approximately 500-meter adventure trail includes various tasks that require reading skills. Every adventurer will receive a prize at the finish line.
For those interested in dancing, a beginner’s dance course (focusing on foxtrot and waltz) will be held in the center of Suomussalmi (Ämmänsaari) on Monday, June 29th. You can put your new skills to use on Tuesday evening, June 30th, at the traditional dances held at the local community hall (työväentalo), featuring Heidi Pakarinen. On Saturday, July 4th, the music will be provided by Virpi Piippo & Vetonaula.
The traditional "Köhäkkä" market will bring life to the Ämmänsaari market square on Monday and Tuesday, June 29th–30th. On Wednesday, the beautiful Jätkänpuisto park invites visitors to enjoy a live musical performance.
On Wednesday, July 1st, the Hossa Visitor Centre will host an event combining exercise and fishing. Teams of two will compete for the combined length of different fish species in an event organized by Kainuu Liikunta, Kainuu Recreational Fishermen, and Metsähallitus. Visitors can also learn about fishing at guided stations without participating in the competition. Group transportation will be organized if there are enough participants.
During your stay, it is well worth exploring the local sights of Suomussalmi. The Kianta boat sails daily across Lake Kiantajärvi to Turjanlinna, the former home of the famous local author Ilmari Kianto. The "Musical Forest" (Soiva Metsä) offers a beautiful nature trail where you can play large-scale instruments set against a stunning ridge landscape. For history enthusiasts, the Raate Road and its museums are must-visit locations, as is the Suomussalmi Museum of Local History. You can also experience a traditional meadow atmosphere at the "Silent People" (Hiljainen kansa) Meadow Coffee Shop.
In addition to the Hossa National Park, nature experiences can be found on numerous nature trails. After a day outdoors, the Kiannon Kuohut spa offers relaxation for orienteers of all ages. Besides the Värikallio rock paintings, the Varisköngäs waterfall is a sight well worth seeing.
Explore all side events and services on the Kainuu Orienteering Week website!
Photos: 1. Mikko Turunen, 2-9. Suomussalmen kunta
