Ärjä Arctic Walk

Ärjänsaari, a 270-hectare island located in the Ärjänselkä basin of Lake Oulujärvi – Finland’s largest open inland water area – is part of a vast esker chain stretching across Finland from Lieksa near the Russian border all the way to Hailuoto and beneath the sea. The island’s stunning sandy beaches were used as the filming location for the opening scene of the film Rukajärventie. In addition to its beaches, Ärjä is known for its impressive sand cliffs, rising up to 30 metres high and offering sweeping views across the open waters of Lake Oulujärvi’s Ärjänselkä.

On August 22, 2026, from 1 pm to 4 pm, a guided walking tour of approximately 5 km will take place on the island. During the walk, participants will hear about the colourful and fascinating history of Ärjä while admiring the expansive lake scenery from the high sand cliffs – views that also inspired poet Eino Leino as he sailed to Ärjä from Hövelönlahti in Paltaniemi along the Kajaani River. The tour will explore how themes and stories connected to the Ancylus Lake, the Sámi people, Porokirkko (Reindeer Church), tar pits, tar rowers, lake pirates, UPM’s Kajaani paper mill, lichen harvesting, architect Eino Pitkänen, Greenpeace, the Ministry of the Environment, Metsähallitus’ Nature Services, paragliders, geocaching, shepherds, as well as many tales blending fact and folklore, are all woven into the history of Ärjänsaari.

The Ärjänsaari summer kiosk is open daily from June to August, between 11 am and 4 pm, and will also be open during the event. The kiosk offers rentals of canoes and kayaking equipment, SUP boards, bicycles, a tent sauna, and the former paper mill’s ceremonial sauna located at Vierasniemi – a sauna even visited by former President Urho Kekkonen. Cabins are available for rent through Metsähallitus Nature Services, and camping on the island is free of charge.

Ärjänsaari can be reached daily via Luonnollisesti Oulujärvi’s fast and safe boat transfers from Ruunaniemi in Vuoreslahti, Kajaani (Ruunaniementie 70). The journey takes approximately 10 minutes (4 km). The participation fee is 49 €, which includes the guided tour and return boat transfers. Boat transfers can also be purchased separately during the open-water season via the online shop for 32 €, with tickets for children under 12 priced at 16 €. Boat transfers can also be paid using Epassi.

On the event day, participants also have the option to cruise to Ärjänsaari aboard the Finland’s northernmost steamship Kouta (arcticlakecruise.com), departing from the Kajaani city. The cruise takes approximately 2.5 hours each way and costs 65 €, including the participation fee. The ship will remain at Ärjä from 1 pm to 4 pm. The cruise requires a minimum of 30 participants and has a maximum capacity of 60. If there is sufficient demand, it will also be possible to travel from Oulu by coach operated by SaagaTravels (saagatravel.fi) to the Kouta departure pier at Kalkkisilta, along the Kajaani River near the Kajaani Castle ruins.

The Ärjä Arctic Walk is one of five Ärjä Arctic outdoor sports events. The first open-water swimming and trail running events were held in August 2025 in the spectacular surroundings of Ärjänsaari.