{"id":633,"date":"2025-07-10T10:02:39","date_gmt":"2025-07-10T07:02:39","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-10-8\/"},"modified":"2025-12-02T16:12:51","modified_gmt":"2025-12-02T14:12:51","slug":"arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-10-8","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/arja-arctic-swim-challenge-3-8-10-8\/","title":{"rendered":"\u00c4rj\u00e4 Arctic Swim Challenge (10 km)Saturday 1.8.2026"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<p class=\"has-blue-color has-text-color has-link-color has-medium-font-size wp-elements-47ebe3faccbe8650154cdba9467a77f2\"><strong>Welcome to  \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC SWIM CHALLENGE Open Water Swimming Event on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00 at the beautiful \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island in Lake Ouluj\u00e4rvi, located in Kajaani.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This open water swimming experience is approximately 10 km long and is designed for experienced swimmers. The route will circle the sandy beaches and high sand cliffs of \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island, located near the widest inland waters of Finland, the \u00c4rj\u00e4nselk\u00e4.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>We want the open water swimming event to be a memorable experience in the stunning landscapes of \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island, and we will make stops (4) at various beaches around the island. Participants will have the option to board a safety boat at any point during the swim or take a ride for part of the distance. All open water swimmers will receive a commemorative award from \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island. The start and finish areas are located at Vierasniemi on \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island, which was once a vacation spot for the management and guests of the Kajaani Paper Factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC LAKE SWIM CHALLENGE open water swim event will accept the first 20 participants to register, with registration starting on December 1st, 2025. There will also be backup spots available for cancellations.<\/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-swim-challenge-2\" 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-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"2355\" height=\"1920\" src=\"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-924\" srcset=\"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025.jpg 2355w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-300x245.jpg 300w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-1024x835.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-768x626.jpg 768w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-1536x1252.jpg 1536w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-2048x1670.jpg 2048w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-1920x1565.jpg 1920w, https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/07\/AGA_8186_ARJA-ARCTIC-SWIM-CHALLENGE-avovesiretkiuinti_Kajaani_3.8.2025-1600x1304.jpg 1600w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 2355px) 100vw, 2355px\"><\/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-6237ac95b0b63e98c9ced36d40e543ae\"><strong>Categories and Preliminary Schedule:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>Group start from Vierasniemi, \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island on August 1st, 2026, at 13:00.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>At the first break, we will divide swimmers into two groups: one for those who wish to swim at a faster pace and one for those who prefer a more relaxed pace.<\/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-f9bedfa4f362c25c236e4aadc88eb9cf\"><strong>Equipment<\/strong>:<\/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, which you will receive at registration at Vierasniemi.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Wetsuits are mandatory.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>The use of a safety buoy is compulsory.<\/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-020f4d9f25134f83d5abc981717756b4\"><strong><strong>Registration and Participation Fee:<\/strong><\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p>From Dwecenber 1st, 2025 to July 31st, 2026, \u20ac99. A maximum of 20 participants will be accepted in 2026.<\/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-swim-challenge-2\" 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>In addition to the mandatory details in the online store\u2019s checkout, please provide your birth year, the category you are entering, and your emergency contact details (name and phone number) in the message field.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After paying the participation fee, you will receive a code to book a boat ride of your choice from our online store. You can also purchase boat rides for your support crew.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>The participation fee includes:<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Boat transportation (round trip) from Ruunaniemi (Ruunaniementie 60, Kajaani) to \u00c4irj\u00e4 Vierasniemi and back, a boat journey of about 4 km.<\/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>A light snack at the finish line.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Kupilka \u00c4RJ\u00c4 souvenir award.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Changing rooms and equipment storage at the Vierasniemi facilities.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Sauna access at the Vierasniemi sauna.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Safety boats and kayaks.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Medical assistance if needed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Start:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The start area is located on the sandy beach at Vierasniemi, between the start flags, and the event will start as a mass start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Swimming Route<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Route A: Vierasniemi \u2013 Mansikkat\u00f6rm\u00e4 \u2013 Karkeap\u00e4\u00e4 \u2013 Lentohiekka \u2013 S\u00e4ipp\u00e4 \u2013 Vierasniemi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternate Route B: Vierasniemi \u2013 S\u00e4ipp\u00e4 \u2013 Lentohiekka \u2013 Karkeap\u00e4\u00e4 \u2013 Mansikkat\u00f6rm\u00e4 \u2013 Vierasniemi (Route B will be used depending on wind direction).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The route, approximately 10 km, primarily consists of shallow sandy bottom areas, so if you run out of energy, you can get out and rest or board a safety boat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Finish<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The finish area is located between the finish flags at Vierasniemi, the same location as the start.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Support:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The Vierasniemi cabin and dining hall will serve as changing rooms, where you can leave your equipment during the event.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>After the swim, there is an opportunity to sauna at the Vierasniemi sauna, which was once used by President Kekkonen as a guest of the Kajaani Paper Factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Communication and Photography<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The names and hometowns\/countries of participants will be published in the event\u2019s start and results lists. Photos and videos will be taken during the event, and they may be used in the marketing of future events. Participants have the right to use these images in their own social media posts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Insurance<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The organizer does not provide insurance for participants, so everyone is advised to have valid accident insurance that covers 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 transportation schedules in case of weather conditions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Cancellation Policy<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Registration is binding and cannot be canceled after submission. However, it is possible to transfer your registration to another person free of charge or use it for next year\u2019s event. Any transfers must be notified to the event organizer in advance via email at <a href=\"mailto:info@luonnollisesti.fi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">info@luonnollisesti.fi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Do not throw trash in nature. Let\u2019s keep \u00c4irj\u00e4 Island clean!<\/strong> Trash bins are available near the summer kiosk, and larger waste bins can be found at Ruunaniemi\u2019s boat departure\/return point.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong><strong>Accommodation<\/strong>:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Camping at S\u00e4ipp\u00e4 on \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island is free. For cabin reservations, visit <a href=\"http:\/\/www.luontoon.fi\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">www.luontoon.fi<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>For cabin\/igloo accommodation, visit:<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>Camping is prohibited at Ruunaniemi parking area due to space constraints.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The nearest caravan site to Ruunaniemi is at Kohtauspaikka SFC, located 23 km from Kajaani at Luomatie 123, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com\">www.sfc-kohtauspaikka.com<\/a>, and BestPark Kontiom\u00e4ki, 40 km from Ruunaniemi, <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.bestpark.com\">www.bestpark.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Hotel accommodation can be arranged at Kajaani hotels:<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>About \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>\u00c4rj\u00e4 Island was once a summer retreat for workers of the Kajaani Paper Factory until the factory closed in 2008. In winter 2016, Greenpeace activists interrupted logging activities on \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island, and in June 2017, \u00c4irj\u00e4 Island was transferred from UPM to the Finnish government with funding from the Ministry of the Environment. The island is now managed by Mets\u00e4hallitus Natural Services. The island is known for its high sand cliffs and expansive beaches and is part of a unique glacial formation stretching from Lieksa to Hailuoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>You can reach \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island via fast boat transportation from Ruunaniemi, which is about 4 km from the island and 20 km from Kajaani city center. We can also arrange transportation from Kajaani for an additional fee, if arriving by public transport. In July, the historic steamship Kouta also operates day cruises from the Kalkkisilta bridge near the Kajaani castle ruins.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>For more information on open water swimming routes and opportunities on \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island, check out P\u00e4ivi P\u00e4lvim\u00e4ki\u2019s book \u201cUintiretkell\u00e4 Avovesiss\u00e4 \u2013 \u00c4rj\u00e4n Ihanaa,\u201d available for purchase at the \u00c4rj\u00e4 summer kiosk.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The kiosk is open daily from 11:00 to 16:00 from June 1st to August 23th, 2026, offering coffee, refreshments, ice cream, and equipment rentals for kayaking and cycling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Organizers of the \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC SWIM event:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Luonnollisesti Ouluj\u00e4rvi Oy<br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"http:\/\/www.luonnollisesti.fi\">www.luonnollisesti.fi<\/a><br><a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"mailto:info@luonnollisesti.fi\">info@luonnollisesti.fi<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Welcome to \u00c4RJ\u00c4 ARCTIC SWIM CHALLENGE Open Water Swimming Event on Saturday, August 1st, 2026, from 13:00 to 16:00 at the beautiful \u00c4rj\u00e4 Island in Lake Ouluj\u00e4rvi, located in Kajaani. This open water swimming experience is approximately 10 km long and is designed for experienced swimmers. The route will circle the sandy beaches and high [&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-633","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633","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=633"}],"version-history":[{"count":16,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1132,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/633\/revisions\/1132"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=633"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=633"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/luonnollisesti.fi\/en\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=633"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}