The Ärjä Arctic Walk nature exercise event, organized for the first time, is part of the Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture year, to whose programme it has been selected.
The guided Ärjä Arctic Walk hiking event is one of five Ärjä Arctic nature exercise events, the first of which—open-water swimming and trail running—were held in August 2025 on the stunning island of Ärjänsaari.
Located on Oulujärvi’s Ärjänselkä, the widest open lake area in Finland’s inland waters, the 270-hectare island of Ärjänsaari is part of a ridge formation that runs across Finland, from the Russian border in Lieksa to Hailuoto and beneath the sea. The beautiful sandy beaches of Ärjänsaari were used as the filming location for the opening scene of the movie Ambush (Rukajärventie). In addition to its beaches, Ärjä is known for its high sand cliffs—up to 30 metres—offering expansive views over the open waters of Oulujärvi’s Ärjänselkä.
Led by a guide, participants will take a walk of approximately 5 km, during which they will hear about the island’s colourful history while admiring the wide lake scenery from the high cliffs—views that inspired poet Eino Leino as he sailed to Ärjä from Hövelönlahti in Paltaniemi along the Kajaani River. You’ll also hear how the Ancylus Lake, the Sámi, the Reindeer Church, tar-burning pits, tar rowers, lake pirates, UPM’s Kajaani Paper Mill, lichen gathering, architect Eino Pitkänen, Greenpeace, the Ministry of the Environment, Metsähallitus’ Parks & Wildlife services, paragliders, geocaches, sheep herders, and many stories both true and legendary are all connected to the history of Ärjänsaari.
The Ärjänsaari summer kiosk is open daily from June to August, 11:00–16:00, and it also serves visitors during the event. The kiosk rents out kayaking equipment, SUP boards, bicycles, a tent sauna, and the former representative sauna of the paper mill in Vierasniemi, where President Kekkonen once bathed. Cabins can be rented from Metsähallitus’ Parks & Wildlife services, and camping is free of charge.
Ärjänsaari can be reached daily by the fast and safe boat rides operated by Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Oy, departing from Ruunaniemi in Vuoreslahti, Kajaani (Ruunaniementie 70). The trip takes about 10 minutes / 4 km. The 49 € participation fee includes the guided walk as well as round-trip boat transport, which can also be purchased separately during the open-water season for 32 €, and 16 € for children under 12. Boat transport can also be paid for with Epassi.
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