Held in the heart of Oulanka National Park, Downhill Swim has quickly become one of Finland’s most unique summer events. Registration for the summer of 2025 launched with a bang—500 swimming spots sold out within minutes, and currently, nearly 600 swimmers are on the waitlist for cancellations.
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.