{"id":628,"date":"2025-07-10T09:42:28","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T06:42:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-ja-10-8\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T14:15:56","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T12:15:56","slug":"arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-ja-10-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-ja-10-8\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00c4rj\u00e4 Arctic Swim ( 2 km ) 8.8.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-8331d2bd272cfb618594da47ece631fd\"><strong>Welcome to  \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event at \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari on Lake Ouluj\u00e4rvi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The \u201clow threshold\u201d open water swimming experience (2000 m) takes place along the sandy beach of \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari, on the shores of Finland\u2019s largest inland lake, \u00c4rj\u00e4nselk\u00e4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari 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 \u00c4rj\u00e4 Memorial Award and participate in the product prize draws.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c4RJ\u00c4 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:20px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/luonnollisestioulujarvi.johku.com\/en_US\/tapahtumat\/arja-arctic-lake-swim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Participate here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image alignwide size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-847\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-1536x1024.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-2048x1365.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-1920x1280.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/11\/AGA_9017_2km_Artic-Svim_Arja_2508-1-1600x1067.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-ed0bf6aeaa6e0355de0165fb8edb4b35\">2000m series and preliminary schedule<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Men: August 8, 2026, 1:00 PM<br>Women: August 8, 2026, 1:10 PM<br>15-18 years old (with parental consent\/participation): August 8, 2026, 1:20 PM<br>Recreational category: August 8, 2026, 1:30 PM<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-22fe9080a5b79c2a76fe92869d1a432f\">Equipment<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Swimsuit\/shorts<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Orange \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC LAKE SWIM swim cap (you will receive a numbered swim cap at the registration point at the summer kiosk)<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wetsuits are mandatory if the water temperature is below +16\u00b0C.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Using safety buoys is not mandatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Fins or other swim aids are not allowed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-small-font-size wp-elements-8eb77906b3f4a2c283fdc165c66e5557\">Registration<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>The event is open to the first 100 registrants in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In addition to the required information in the online store\u2019s 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.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-buttons is-layout-flex wp-block-buttons-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-button\"><a class=\"wp-block-button__link wp-element-button\" href=\"https:\/\/luonnollisestioulujarvi.johku.com\/en_US\/tapahtumat\/arja-arctic-lake-swim\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Participate here<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:30px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Participation Fee:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>December 1st, 2025 \u2013 August7, 2026: \u20ac79. Limited to the first 100 registered participants in 2026.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The participation fee includes:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Safety kayakers and medical assistance if needed<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Round-trip boat transportation from Ruunaniemi (Ruunaniementie 70, Kajaani) to \u00c4rj\u00e4n S\u00e4ip\u00e4n dock \u2013 Ruunaniemi, approximately 4km boat ride.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>\u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC LAKE SWIM swim cap<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in the swimming event<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Timing and results service<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Small recovery snacks at the finish line<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kupilka \u00c4RJ\u00c4 commemorative prize<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Participation in product raffles<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changing rooms and equipment storage at cabins<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sauna facilities<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The start area is between the starting flags on S\u00e4ip\u00e4n 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Swimming Route:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Route A: From Vierasniemi to toward S\u00e4ipp\u00e4, 1000m, then turn around the buoy (on the left, closer to the shore) and swim back for another 1000m.<br>Backup Route B: Vierasniemi`s northside toward Mansikkat\u00f6rm\u00e4 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.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The lake bed is mostly shallow sandy ground, so if you get tired, you can stand up and rest.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Finish:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Vierasniemi\u00b4s 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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the event, you can enjoy a log sauna or our tent sauna .<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Communication and Photography:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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\u2019s media for their own social media posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Insurance:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We reserve the right to make changes to the event and transport schedules in case of weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Cancellation Policy:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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 <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"mailto:info@luonnollisesti.fi\">info@luonnollisesti.fi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Accommodation:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camping at S\u00e4ipp\u00e4 on \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari is free. For cabin reservations, visit <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.luontoon.fi\">www.luontoon.fi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Cabin\/Igloo accommodation:<br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.luonnollisesti.fi\">www.luonnollisesti.fi<\/a><br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.arcticlakeexperience.com\">www.arcticlakeexperience.com<\/a><br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.kokkopellonlomatalot.fi\">www.kokkopellonlomatalot.fi<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Due to the limited size of the parking area at Ruunaniemi, camping is not allowed there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearest campground is Kohtauspaikka SFC, located 23 km from Ruunaniemi at Luomatie 123, Kajaani. For more information, visit <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com\">www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com<\/a>. Alternatively, you can stay at BestPark Kontiom\u00e4ki, 40 km away, at Viitostie 2. More details at <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bestpark.com\">www.bestpark.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hotel accommodations can be found in Kajaani at:<br>Peera Hotel Kajanus, Koskikatu 3, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.hotelkajanus.fi\">www.hotelkajanus.fi<\/a><br>Original Sokos Hotel Valjus, Kauppakatu 20, www.sokoshotels.fi\/hotels\/kajaani\/original-sokos-hotel-valjus.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Information about \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari was once a summer retreat for the workers of UPM\u2019s Kajaani paper mill until the mill was closed in 2008. In the winter of 2016, Greenpeace activists halted UPM\u2019s logging operations on the island, and in June 2017, \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari was transferred from UPM\u2019s ownership to the Finnish state, funded by the Ministry of the Environment. The island is now managed by Mets\u00e4hallitus\u2019 Nature Services.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luonnollisesti Ouluj\u00e4rvi Oy is a partner with Mets\u00e4hallitus, operating as the island\u2019s operator. \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari is also a location for sheep grazing, managed by Mets\u00e4hallitus. 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 Pitk\u00e4nen in the 1930s-1950s. Camping on the island is free. You can access \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari 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 \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari from Kalkkisilta, near the ruins of Kajaani Castle.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Welcome also to enjoy a self-guided open water swimming trip to the stunning beaches of \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari this summer!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For more information on swimming opportunities and routes on \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari, check P\u00e4ivi P\u00e4lvim\u00e4ki\u2019s <em>Uintiretkell\u00e4 Avovesiss\u00e4<\/em> book: \u201c\u00c4RJ\u00c4N IHANAA,\u201d pages 139-142. The book is available for purchase at the \u00c4rj\u00e4 summer kiosk. You can also buy \u00c4RJ\u00c4 Arctic T-shirts there.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>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.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC SWIM open water swimming event at \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari on Lake Ouluj\u00e4rvi on Saturday, August 8, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. The \u201clow threshold\u201d open water swimming experience (2000 m) takes place along the sandy beach of \u00c4rj\u00e4nsaari, on the shores of Finland\u2019s largest inland lake, \u00c4rj\u00e4nselk\u00e4. Although all swimmers will be timed, we [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"footnotes":""},"categories":[3],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-628","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/628","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=628"}],"version-history":[{"count":11,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/628\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":968,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/628\/revisions\/968"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=628"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=628"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=628"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}