Ensi kesän Downhill Swim järjestetään lauantaina 1.8.2026.

Tapahtumaan mahtuu yhteensä 500 uimaria eli 250 paria.

24 km – max. 150 paria

12 km – max. 100 paria

Ilmoittautuminen avautuu keskiviikkona 1.10.2025 klo 18.00 – merkitse päivä kalenteriin ja varmista paikkasi ajoissa!

The summer 2026 event date is confirmed!

Next summer’s Downhill Swim will take place on Saturday, August 1, 2026.

The event is open to a total of 500 swimmers, forming 250 pairs.

• 24 km – max. 150 pairs

• 12 km – max. 100 pairs

Registration opens on Wednesday, October 1, 2025, at 18:00 (CEST 17:00) – mark your calendar and secure your spot early!

Artikkeli Kesän 2026 tapahtumapäivä on vahvistettu! 🎉 julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Hinta sisältää meno-paluukuljetuksen sekä ruokailun maalialueella. 

LINKKI ILMOITTAUTUMISEEN

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Supporter transportation and meal at the Downhill Swim event.
The transportation departs from the Kumpare bus stop in Ruka Village and returns from the finish area back to the same location. The bus leaves at 10:30 AM, with an estimated arrival at the finish area around 11:15 AM. The first swimmers are expected to finish between 12:00 PM and 12:45 PM. Return buses will depart from the finish area one at a time as they fill up.

The price includes round-trip transportation and a meal at the finish area.

LINK TO REGISTRATION

Artikkeli Kannustajakuljetus nyt myynnissä / Supporter transportation on sale julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

14.00–21.00 Event office open

17.00 12km info in Finnish

18.00 info in English (12 & 24 km)

19.00 24km info in Finnish

Sat 19.7.2025

6.00–7.00 Event office open

6.45- Transportation to the start of 24km

9.15- Transportation to the start of 12km     

8.00 and 8.15 24km start

10.45 and 11.00 12km start

10.30 Supporter transportation             

about 12.45 First swimmers at the finish line

12.00–17.30 Food and saunas in the finish area

From 14.30 Transportation to Ruka

16.15 Finish line closes

21.00 Award ceremony and after party, Ruka

The event office is located within the Scandic Rukahovi premises. Transfers depart from the Ruka Kumpare bus stop, which is located approximately 100–150 meters from Scandic Rukahovi.

Sun 20.7.2025

The event’s backup day, in case weather conditions prevent the event from taking place on the scheduled day.

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Pe 18.7.2025

14.00–21.00 Tapahtumatoimisto auki

17.00 12km info

18.00 info englanniksi

19.00 24km info

La 20.7.2025

6.00–7.00

6.45 alkaen kuljetukset 24km lähtöön

9.15 alkaen kuljetukset 12km lähtöön

8.00 ja 8.20 24km lähdöt

10.45 ja 11.00 12km lähdöt

10.30 kannustajakuljetuksen lähtö

n. 12.00 ensimmäiset uimarit maalissa

12.00–17.30 ruokailu ja saunat maalissa

14.30 alkaen kuljetukset maalialueelta rukalle

16.15 maali sulkeutuu

21.00 alkaen pakintojenjako ja loppubileet

Tapahtumatoimisto sijaitsee Scandic Rukahovin tiloissa. Kuljetukset lähtevät Ruka Kumpare bussipysäkiltä, joka sijaitsee noin 100–150 m Scandic Rukahovilta.

Su 20.7.2025

Tapahtuman varapäivä, mikäli sää olosuhteet estävät tapahtuman järjestämisen edellisenä päivänä.

Artikkeli 2025 Schedule julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

The event takes place in the breathtaking surroundings of the Ruka-Kuusamo region, within the stunning Oulanka National Park. Downhill Swim offers participants the rare opportunity to float and swim along the natural flow of the Oulankajoki River – safely, with guidance, and in a truly one-of-a-kind environment.

“This award is a huge recognition for our entire team and everyone who has helped make the event possible. It proves that even the wildest-sounding ideas can succeed when backed by ambition, collaboration, and long-term commitment,” says Kalle Kotiranta, the event producer.

The jury praised Downhill Swim for its originality, responsibility, and high-quality event experience. The concept was highlighted as a fresh and inspiring take on what an outdoor event can be – challenging conventional thinking and pushing boundaries within the events industry.

“We are deeply honored by this recognition. It strengthens our belief that Finland’s natural landscapes can serve as a stage for world-class events – as long as they are created with heart, creativity, and responsibility,” Kotiranta adds.

The organizers extend their heartfelt thanks to a wide network of contributors: all the brave swimmers, the core team, tireless volunteers, event partners, and especially Ruka-Kuusamo Tourism Association and Metsähallitus / Oulanka National Park, whose support has been essential to the development and execution of the event.

The story of Downhill Swim continues in summer 2025 with its fifth edition. The next swim, held on July 19, 2025, sold out within minutes – with a four-digit waitlist of eager swimmers ready to take the plunge.

Artikkeli Downhill Swim Wins “Best Paid Public Event” at Evento Awards 2025 julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Tapahtuma järjestetään Ruka-Kuusamon alueella, Oulangan kansallispuiston henkeäsalpaavissa maisemissa. Downhill Swim tarjoaa osallistujille mahdollisuuden uida virran mukana pitkin Oulankajoen luonnonkaunista uomaa – turvallisesti, ohjatusti ja ainutlaatuisessa ympäristössä.

– Tämä palkinto on valtava tunnustus koko tiimille ja kaikille tapahtuman mahdollistaneille tahoille. Se kertoo siitä, että pähkähullultakin kuulostava idea voi onnistua, kun taustalla on kunnianhimoa, yhteistyötä ja pitkäjänteistä tekemistä, kertoo Kalle Kotiranta, tapahtuman tuottaja.

Tunnustuksen taustalla painottui erityisesti Downhill Swimin omaperäisyys, vastuullisuus sekä tapahtumakokemuksen laatu. Evento Awardsin tuomaristo nosti esiin tapahtuman kyvyn luoda uutta ja inspiroida sekä osallistujia että koko tapahtuma-alaa ajattelemaan toisin.

– Olemme todella otettuja tästä tunnustuksesta. Se vahvistaa uskoa siihen, että Suomen luonto voi olla näyttämö maailmanluokan tapahtumille – kunhan niitä tehdään sydämellä, luovasti ja vastuullisesti, Kotiranta toteaa.

Kiitokset suuntautuvat laajalle joukolle: Tapahtumaan osallistuneet uimarit, tapahtumatiimi, vapaaehtoiset, yhteistyökumppanit sekä erityisesti Ruka-Kuusamon Matkailu ry ja Metsähallitus / Oulangan kansallispuisto ovat olleet keskeisessä roolissa tapahtuman toteutuksessa ja kehittämisessä.

Downhill Swimin tarina jatkuu tulevana kesänä viidennellä uintikerralla. Kesän 2025 uinti myytiin loppuun minuuteissa ja jonotuslistalla on nelinumeroinen määrä uimareita. Tapahtuma järjestetään 19.7.2025.

Artikkeli Suomen paras Downhill Swim julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Jatkamme matkaa kohti voittoa – pidetään peukkuja!

Lue lisää

Downhill Swim has been selected as one of the top three finalists in the Evento Awards for the ”Paid Public Event” category! The pre-judging panel has done an incredible job, and now our event has made it to the finals. We’re excited about this recognition and can’t wait to see what comes next. Huge thanks to everyone who helped make this possible!
We’ll continue our journey toward victory – keep your fingers crossed for us!

Artikkeli Downhill Swim & Evento Awards julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Downhill Swim offers participants the chance to experience the uniqueness of open-water swimming in the breathtaking surroundings of the Oulankajoki River. The event is based on the idea of combining sports and nature in a way that emphasizes environmental respect. The swimming routes, 12 and 24 kilometers long, follow the natural current of the Oulankajoki River, offering participants both a challenge and a sense of tranquility. “From the water, nature opens up in an entirely new way. This is an experience that combines sports and nature in an exceptional manner,” says Kalle Kotiranta, one of the event organizers.

A Growing Success Story

First organized in 2021 as a small-scale event with 160 swimmers testing the concept’s feasibility, Downhill Swim has since grown into a fully-fledged international experience that attracts participants from around the world. Last summer, swimmers from countries like Australia, South Africa, and Brazil joined the event. The event’s popularity has steadily increased. Notably, 65% of the swimmers for the summer of 2025 are women, while 30% of the participants are international.

Presidential Presence and International Attention

President Alexander Stubb’s participation in the 24-kilometer route with his friend Sauli Haahtela, along with his spouse Suzanne Innes-Stubb’s 12-kilometer swim, garnered widespread attention. Stubb praised the event as one of the highlights of his athletic career. “This was not just a swimming experience; it was one of the finest sports events of my life. Downhill Swim is a truly unique concept,” Stubb enthused. The event also received international exposure through the British open-water swimming community and media. The exceptional nature of the national park, the strong current, and the event’s immersive concept drew widespread interest.

Focus on Safety and the Environment

Organized in Oulanka National Park, the event requires meticulous planning from both safety and environmental perspectives. The event is designed in collaboration with Metsähallitus (the Finnish Forest Administration) to ensure the national park’s nature remains untouched. “The event is organized on nature’s terms, with respect for the environment. Safety is also a top priority; every swimmer pairs up, and a safety team along with aid stations ensures everything runs smoothly,” Kotiranta explains. Last summer’s high water levels and strong current provided excellent conditions for swimmers. The current allowed swimmers to accelerate their pace by 30–40 seconds per 100 meters compared to regular lake swimming.

Logistical Challenges and Successes

The closed environment of the national park presents logistical challenges. All aid stations are constructed via waterways, and most supplies are transported by canoe. Participant transportation is also carefully planned—private cars are prohibited, and attendees are brought to the site by buses. The finish line is located outside the national park, allowing for more flexible arrangements.

Looking Ahead: Experience

First Downhill Swim has solidified its position among the summer events of Ruka-Kuusamo. The event offers not only a challenging athletic endeavor but also a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Finland’s national parks from the water. “The popularity of experiential travel events is growing. Downhill Swim is an example of how sports and nature can be combined,” Kotiranta says.

Artikkeli Downhill Swim: An Adventure Connecting Swimming and Nature julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Pahoittelemme osalle ilmenneitä maksuongelmia. Käymme asiaa läpi Paytrailin ja Lyytin kanssa, jotta vastaavia ongelmia ei ilmenisi jatkossa.

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The summer 2025 event sold out very quickly. The 12 km slots were already sold in a few minutes, and the 24 km slots were also filled quickly.

We apologize for the payment problems experienced by some. We will go through the matter with Paytrail and Lyyti, so that similar problems do not occur in the future.

Artikkeli Kesän 2025 tapahtuma myytiin loppuun nopeasti julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

Pari ilmoittautuu kerralla, eli toinen parista ilmoittaa molemmat uimarit.

Tarvittavat tiedot: uintimatka, joukkueen nimi, uimarien nimet, puhelinnumerot, sähköpostit, kansalaisuus sekä turvahenkilön (yhteyshenkilö) nimi ja puhelinnumero

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Registration instructions:

A pair registers at once, meaning one person from the pair registers both participants.

Required information: swim distance, team name, swimmers’ names, phone numbers, emails, nationality, and the contact person’s name and phone number.

Artikkeli Ilmoittautumisohjeet / Registration instructions julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.

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The Downhill Swim will be celebrating its 5th anniversary next summer. The event date has been confirmed for July 19, 2025. We have secured additional spots, allowing for 500 swimmers to participate in the summer of 2025. The distances remain 12 and 24 km.

Registration will open on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, at 6:00 PM. Be ready at that time if you want to join this classic event, which has sold out four times in a row.

Reminder! Registration for the event is done in pairs.

Artikkeli Downhill Swim 2025 julkaistiin ensimmäisen kerran Downhillswim | Alamäkiunti.