Welcome to the Punkaharju Swimrun event on Finland’s Nature Day, August 30, 2025! This is a unique opportunity to experience Finland’s stunning lake scenery while challenging yourself.

 

What is Punkaharju?

Punkaharju is a unique, forest-covered ridge formation surrounded by pristine lakes. It is one of the world's first protected nature reserves and one of Finland’s most iconic national landscapes. Known for its picturesque views and rich history, Punkaharju has been a beloved travel destination for centuries.

 

One of its highlights is Harjutie, the scenic road running along the ridge, which has been named "the Road of the Century in Finland" due to its exceptional natural beauty.

  

The event features two routes: the Kuutti ("Cute") series is 10.5 km, including 1.9 km of swimming, while the Norppa ("Lake Seal") series covers approximately 20.4 km, with 2.8 km of swimming. In the Kuutti series, each participant competes individually. The Norppa series can be entered either solo or as a two-person team.

 

 

MANDATORY EQUIPMENT:

 

  • Whistle
  • Wetsuit or swim buoy
  • First aid bandage


CATEGORIES:

 

  • Kuutti: 10.5 km (1.9 km swimming)
    • €75 until 30th June. (€80/person from 1st July until 28th August)
  • Norppa: 20.4 km (3.2 km swimming) 
    • €124 until 30th June (€134 from 1st July until 28th August/person for solo category) 
    • €224 / 2 persons until 30th June  (€235 from 1st July until 28th August for pairs)

 

The running sections follow the Hakinkierros trail (categories Kuutti and Norppa), other outdoor routes in Punkaharju (Kuutti and Norppa), approximately 0.5 km of shrub-covered forest terrain on the northwest side of Laukansaari (Kuutti and Norppa), and the Punkaharju Ridge Road (Norppa). The Ridge Road is paved, and running along the roadside is also allowed. See the map at the bottom of the page for route locations in Punkaharju.

 

Note! The event route passes not only public outdoor trails but also private properties. For this reason, the full route is accessible only on the event day.

 

PRICE INCLUDES:
In addition to general event organization, the price covers:

  • A traditional Finnish fish soup ("rantakala") or a vegetarian soup meal at the event center
  • Access to showers, changing rooms, and a sauna at the event center
  • Refreshments at designated aid stations along the route (water, sports drink, bananas, and potato chips)
  • A nature conservation area usage fee paid to Metsähallitus, the governmental agency responsible for Finland’s national nature conservation areas.

 

PRELIMINARY SCHEDULE AND SERVICES:

  • 9:00–10:30 Bib pickup at the start/finish area (Finlandiantie 30/18)
  • 10:45 Pre-start briefing for participants
  • 11:00 Start together with the Run Forest Run event
  • From 12:15 onwards: Finish line arrivals + showering + meal service + awards ceremony (top participants in each category will be awarded)

 

 

ADDITIONAL SERVICES:

 

Welcome to Punkaharju, a breathtaking natural ridge in the heart of Finland’s Lake District, where nature, exercise, and culture meet!

Punkaharju Swimrun moments