Welcome to the first ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event on Ärjänsaari, Lake Oulujärvi, on Saturday, August 9, 2025, at 1:00 PM.
A "low-threshold" open water swimming experience (2000m) will take place along the sandy beach of Ärjänsaari, located by the vast Ärjänselkä, the largest inland water basin in Finland.
Although all swimmers' times will be recorded, we want the event to be more of an experiential adventure in the stunning scenery of Ärjänsaari than a "race to the finish line." Thus, both the first and last swimmers will receive a commemorative prize from Ärjä and will participate in product prize raffles.
The first 100 participants who register for the ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event will be accepted. Registration opens on April 1, 2025. It's possible to secure a spot from the waiting list in case of cancellations.
Distances: 2000m and provisional schedule:
Men: August 9, 2025, 1:00 PM
Women: August 9, 2025, 1:10 PM
15-18 years old (with parental consent/participation): August 9, 2025, 1:20 PM
Recreational category: August 9, 2025, 1:30 PM
Equipment:
Swimsuit/shorts
Orange ÄRJÄ ARCTIC LAKE SWIM swim cap (you will receive a numbered swim cap at the registration point at the summer kiosk)
Wetsuits are mandatory if the water temperature is below +16°C.
Using safety buoys is not mandatory.
Fins or other swim aids are not allowed.
Registration:
The event is open to the first 100 registrants in 2025.
In addition to the required information in the online store’s shopping cart, please provide your birth year, the category you are participating in, and the details of your safety person/guardian (name and phone number) in the message to the merchant field.
After paying the participation fee, you will receive a code to reserve a preferred time for boat transport via the online store. You can also purchase boat rides for your support team from the store.
Participation Fee:
April 1 – August 6, 2025: €79. Limited to the first 100 registered participants in 2025.
The participation fee includes:
Round-trip boat transportation from Ruunaniemi (Ruunaniementie 70, Kajaani) to Ärjän Säipän dock – Ruunaniemi, approximately 4km boat ride.
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC LAKE SWIM swim cap
Participation in the swimming event
Timing and results service
Small recovery snacks at the finish line
Kupilka ÄRJÄ commemorative prize
Participation in product raffles
Changing rooms and equipment storage at cabins
Sauna facilities
Safety kayakers and medical assistance if needed
Start:
The start area is between the starting flags on Säipän sandy beach, and the start will be in waves as per the instructions of the starter in number order, with a 10-minute interval between each wave.
Swimming Route:
Route A: Säippä to Lentohiekka, toward Karkeaapäätä, 1000m, then turn around the buoy (on the left, closer to the shore) and swim back for another 1000m.
Backup Route B: Säippä dock left side to Hautakaarre, toward Vierasniemi, then turn around the buoy (on the left, closer to the shore) and swim back. (Route B will be used in case of strong westerly winds.)
The lake bed is mostly shallow sandy ground, so if you get tired, you can stand up and rest.
Finish:
The finish area is between the finish flags, the same as the start area. The swimmer will announce their number and name to the timing official upon crossing the finish line.
Support:
Two cabins near the summer kiosk will serve as changing rooms where you can leave your gear during the event. At the registration point, you will receive a numbered plastic bag where you can store some of your belongings. Only numbered participants are allowed into the cabins.
After the event, you can enjoy a sauna at our tent saunas or sauna3.
Communication and Photography:
The names and hometowns/countries of participants will be published in the start and results lists. Photos and videos will be taken during the event, which may be used in the marketing of future events. Participants have the right to use the organizer’s media for their own social media posts.
Insurance:
The organizer does not provide insurance for participants, so each person should have valid accident insurance to cover any potential injuries during the event. Participation is at your own risk.
We reserve the right to make changes to the event and transport schedules in case of weather conditions.
Cancellation Policy:
Registration is binding and cannot be canceled after registration. However, it can be transferred free of charge to another person or used in the event next year. Any transfer must be notified in advance to the event organizer by email at info@luonnollisesti.fi.
Accommodation:
Camping at Säippä on Ärjänsaari is free. For cabin reservations, visit www.luontoon.fi.
Cabin/Igloo accommodation:
www.luonnollisesti.fi
www.arcticlakeexperience.com
www.kokkopellonlomatalot.fi
Due to the limited size of the parking area at Ruunaniemi, camping is not allowed there.
The nearest campground is Kohtauspaikka SFC, located 23 km from Ruunaniemi at Luomatie 123, Kajaani. For more information, visit www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com. Alternatively, you can stay at BestPark Kontiomäki, 40 km away, at Viitostie 2. More details at www.bestpark.com.
Hotel accommodations can be found in Kajaani at:
Peera Hotel Kajanus, Koskikatu 3, www.hotelkajanus.fi
Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, Kauppakatu 20, www.sokoshotels.fi/hotels/kajaani/original-sokos-hotel-valjus.
In Summer 2025, we will also be organizing for the first time:
Sunday, August 3, 2025 – ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM CHALLENGE: Experience swim event for the most experienced open water swimmers, around Ärjänsaari (approximately 10 km). Only the first 20 registrants will be accepted.
Saturday, August 9, 2025 – ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM: A "low-threshold" open water swim event, ideal for beginner open water swimmers (approximately 2 km). The first 100 registrants in 2025 will be accepted.
Guided by a guide:
Sunday, June 15, Sunday, July 13, Sunday, August 10, 2025
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE/WEST – Karkeapää loop, approximately 5 km, €59 (includes boat transportation).
Sunday, June 29, Sunday, July 27, Sunday, August 24, 2025
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE/EAST – Vierasniemi loop, approximately 5 km, €59 (includes boat transportation).
By special arrangement, suitable for corporate wellness days.
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC HIKE/SHORT – Lentohiekan loop, approximately 2 km, €49 (includes boat transportation).
Welcome to enjoy the Ärjä Arctic outdoor experiences at the beautiful Ärjänsaari, located by the largest inland water basin in Finland, Ärjänselkä!
Information about Ärjänsaari
Ärjänsaari was once a summer retreat for the workers of UPM’s Kajaani paper mill until the mill was closed in 2008. In the winter of 2016, Greenpeace activists halted UPM’s logging operations on the island, and in June 2017, Ärjänsaari was transferred from UPM’s ownership to the Finnish state, funded by the Ministry of the Environment. The island is now managed by Metsähallitus’ Nature Services.
Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi Oy is a partner with Metsähallitus, operating as the island’s operator. Ärjänsaari is also a location for sheep grazing, managed by Metsähallitus. The island is known for its high sandy cliffs and extensive beaches and is part of a ridge formation that runs across Finland from Lieksa to Hailuoto. Currently, there are four restored rental cabins on the island, designed by architect Eino Pitkänen in the 1930s-1950s. Camping on the island is free. You can access Ärjänsaari via fast boat transport from Ruunaniemi (about 4 km), with Kajaani town being about 20 km from Ruunaniemi. In July, the over 100-year-old steamship Kouta also operates day trips to Ärjänsaari from Kalkkisilta, near the ruins of Kajaani Castle.
Welcome also to enjoy a self-guided open water swimming trip to the stunning beaches of Ärjänsaari this summer!
For more information on swimming opportunities and routes on Ärjänsaari, check Päivi Pälvimäki's Uintiretkellä Avovesissä book: "ÄRJÄN IHANAA," pages 139-142. The book is available for purchase at the Ärjä summer kiosk. You can also buy ÄRJÄ Arctic T-shirts there.
The kiosk is open daily from June 1 to August 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to coffee, drinks, and ice cream, you can rent kayaking gear and bicycles.
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