Welcome to ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event at Ärjänsaari on Lake Oulujärvi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.
The “low threshold” open water swimming experience (2000 m) takes place along the sandy beach of Ärjänsaari, on the shores of Finland’s largest inland lake, Ärjänselkä.
Although all swimmers will be timed, we would like the open water swimming event to be more of an enjoyable experience in the beautiful surroundings of Ärjänsaari than a competitive race that leaves you with a taste of blood in your mouth. Therefore, both the first and last swimmers will receive the Ärjä Memorial Award and participate in the product prize draws.
ÄRJÄ ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event will accept the first 100 registrants, with registration beginning on December 1, 2025. It is possible to get a spot from the waiting list if someone cancels.
2000m series and preliminary schedule
Men: August 8, 2026, 1:00 PM
Women: August 8, 2026, 1:10 PM
15-18 years old (with parental consent/participation): August 8, 2026, 1:20 PM
Recreational category: August 8, 2026, 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 2026.
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:
December 1st, 2025 – August7, 2026: €79. Limited to the first 100 registered participants in 2026.
The participation fee includes:
- Safety kayakers and medical assistance if needed
- 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
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: From Vierasniemi to toward Säippä, 1000m, then turn around the buoy (on the left, closer to the shore) and swim back for another 1000m.
Backup Route B: Vierasniemi`s northside toward Mansikkatörmä 1000m 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:
Vierasniemi´s log house and restaurant building 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 log sauna or our tent sauna .
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 .
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.
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 23, 2026, from 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM. In addition to coffee, drinks, and ice cream, you can rent kayaking gear and bicycles.