World Orienteering Championships & WOC Tour, July 7–12, 2025
WOC2025
& WOC Tour
The World Orienteering Championships 2025 (WOC2025) will take place in the stunning terrains of North Savo, Finland, from July 7th to 12th, 2025. Competitors from around 50 countries are expected to participate. Including teams, support staff, and accompanying family members, the event will be widely visible across the North Savo region—even before the official competition week begins.
During the WOC2025 week, the traditional Fin5 Orienteering Week will be organized at the same competition centers and terrains. Internationally, it is known as the WOC Tour 2025. This five-stage orienteering event attracts nearly 3,000 participants annually, from children to seasoned veterans.
Feel the excitement of top-level international competition
The competition arenas, spread across the week, are located in the center of Tahko, in the town of Nilsiä, and in Kuopio at the Neulamäki sports field and Puijo ski stadium. Tahko will serve as the official event village throughout the week, hosting the opening ceremony and some of the medal ceremonies. Participants and visitors can book their accommodation either in Tahko or Kuopio, as round-trip bus transportation to and from the event venues will be provided.
Schedule for Spectators
Monday, July 7, 2025
- WOC2025: Opening Ceremony, 17:00 | Tahko Event Square, Tahko
- FIN5: Sprint, 12:00–17:00 | Nilsiä, Kankainen Sports Field
– Free public entry to the sprint event.
Tuesday, July 8, 2025
- WOC2025: Middle Distance Qualification, 9:00-14:00 | Tahkolahti Arena, Tahko
- FIN5: Long Distance, 15:00–19:00 | Tahkolahti Arena, Tahko
– Free public entry to both events.
Wednesday, July 9, 2025
- WOC2025: Middle Distance Final, 13:30–18:30 | Neulamäki Sports Field, Kuopio
– Tickets from €16.80, buy tickets - FIN5: Middle Distance, 8:30–12:00 | Tahkolahti Arena, Tahko
– Free public entry.
Thursday, July 10, 2025
- WOC2025: Long Distance Final, 10:30–18:30 | Neulamäki Sports Field, Kuopio
– Tickets from €16.80, buy tickets - FIN5: Rest day
Friday, July 11, 2025
- WOC2025: Rest day. Medal ceremony, 17:00 | Tahko Event Square
- FIN5: Middle Distance, 10:00–15:00 | Neulamäki Sports Field, Kuopio
Medal ceremony, 17:00 | Tahko Event Square
– Free public entry.
Saturday, July 12, 2025
- WOC2025: Relay Final, 13:00–17:00 | Puijo Ski Stadium, Kuopio
Medal ceremonies at 17:15 | Puijo Ski Stadium, Kuopio - FIN5: Middle Distance, 8:30–12:00 | Puijo Ski Stadium, Kuopio
Medal ceremonies, right after WOC2025 medal ceremony | Puijo Ski Stadium, Kuopio
– Tickets from €16.80, buy tickets
Competition Arenas & Transportation
Tahko & Nilsiä, Kankainen Sports Field
In the Tahko area, the event village is easily accessible by foot or bicycle, with the competition arena located right at the heart of the area near the front slopes. Day visitors arriving by car can park in the slope parking areas along Tahkolaaksontie, about a 1 km walk from the competition center. There is no parking available at the Kankainen Sports Field in Nilsiä, but transport will be arranged for Fin5 sprint spectators from both Tahko and Kuopio.
Neulamäki and Puijo competition centers
In Kuopio, the most convenient way to reach the competition arenas at Neulamäki Sports Field (Raiviopolku) and Puijo Ski Stadium (Suurmäentie 85) is by local buses, Vilkku city bikes, or by parking at the Hatsala gravel field next to Kuopio Hall (address: Opistotie 1, 70200 Kuopio). Parking at the Hatsala gravel field is subject to a fee (€12 per car per day), which includes a round-trip shuttle service departing from in front of Kuopio Hall (Opistotie 4) to the competition site.
You can get to Neulamäki Sports Park by bus lines 4 and 8, and to Puijo Ski Stadium by bus line 7. Vilkku bike stations are located throughout the city, and access can be purchased by the minute, per day, or for the entire week. The nearest city bike station to the Neulamäki competition venue is located in front of the Neulamäki Library (Pinokuja). The city bike station near the landing area of the Puijo ski jumps is out of service during the competition, so the nearest station is in front of the Puijonlaakso shopping center (Puijontori, Mailatie), just a short walk from the venue.
Shuttle Services between Kuopio and Tahko
Round-trip bus transportation is also available from both Tahko and Kuopio to the competition centers. You can also board the event bus along the route, see detailed information and purchase your ticket in advance from the WOC2025 shop. Please note that the bus tickets can not be purchased from the bus. In addition to the WOC event bus, Kuopio and Tahko are also connected by local bus route 61T.
Following the Competition
Although the orienteers will be competing in the forest, the audience can easily follow the races from large screens at the arenas. These screens broadcast live footage and GPS tracking of the competitors. Commentary helps even newcomers understand the nuances of the sport. The finish line is at the arena, making cheering easy and engaging.
At Tahko and the Kuopio arenas (Neulamäki and Puijo), you can also enjoy meals, shop, and explore exhibitor booths. The entire competition week is expected to attract up to 10,000 visitors—promising big emotions for participants, teams, and audiences alike.
WOC2025 broadcasts will be available on platforms such as YLE Areena.
WOC Event Bus | Kuopio–Tahko Route
Timetables will be planned and released in June to ensure arrival at the race starts and return to accommodations after the event ends.
Vilkku City Bikes
Ride to the arenas with Vilkku electric city bikes! Access can be purchased by the minute, by day, or for the whole week.
Vilkku
Public Transport in the Kuopio Region
Check local bus timetables online.
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