Arenas
In competition arenas, you’re at the centre of the action
This time, the competition arenas or race centres are very close to one another; you don’t even necessarily need to bring your own snacks.
In the competition arena, the public will be greeted with great hospitality.
Although the orienteers are competing in the forest, the public can easily follow the progress of the race on the large screens in the arena, which provide live feed from the forest and show the orienteers’ progress via GPS tracking. The commentary helps outsiders to understand the ins and outs of the race. The finish area is located in the arena, making it easy to cheer on the orienteers. Sometimes a final straight squeeze can win a medal – so crowd encouragement is needed.
The arena is also the place to eat, shop and visit the exhibitors’ stands. The crowds are expected to turn up in large numbers, so there will be no lack of a big sporting celebration.
Easy access to the competition arenas
The World Championships middle distance preliminaries will be run in Tahko, the middle and long distance finals in Neulaniemi and the relay in Puijo. Getting from Kuopio market to the competition arenas, especially in the city area, is easy, for example by local buses or “Vilkku” city bikes.
How to get to the WOC-arenas?
Tahko
Those staying in Tahko area are recommended to walk or cycle in and around the area. Parking on Monday 7.7 is at the Tahko event field (Sääskiniementie). Follow the organizer’s signs. On Tuesdays(8.7), the parking areas are located in the Tahkolahti parking area. Follow the organizer’s signs. Free parking on both days.
Note! FIN5 participants, Mon 7.7.: There are no actual parking areas in the center of Nilsiä, but parking is on the roads in the western part of the Nilsiä settlement, from which the distance to the competition center is 500 – 1600 m. Parking in the competition area (prohibited area) is prohibited. We recommend the organizer’s bus transportation from Kuopio and Tahko. The bus stop is 300m from the competition center. Tickets for the bus must be purchased in advance, by June30, at: https://holvi.com/shop/woc2025/section/mm-bussi-woc-bus/.
Neulamäki
It is recommended to arrive at the Neulamäki Arena (Neulamäki Sports Field, Raiviopolku) on foot, by bike or by local buses (buses 4 and 8). You can find bus schedules and stops at: https://vilkku.kuopio.fi/ . Kuopio region public transport, Vilkku, has added extra services from the city center to Neulamäki during the World Championship final. The bicycle parking area is located near to the arena.
For those arriving by car, there is a parking area designated by the organizer at the Hatsala parking lot/sand field, address: Opistotie 1, 70200 Kuopio. Follow the organizers’ signs. NOTE! Parking fee (12€/car), which includes bus transportation to the arena. Parking fees are paid via the EasyPark app (area code: 3871). There is a non-stop bus transportation from the Hatsala parking area departing in front of Kuopiohalli (Opistotie 4) to the Neulamäki arena near the competition center (from Wednesday to Friday). Travel time approx. 10 min. There is a 150m walk to the competition center from the bus stop.
Puijo
It is highly recommended to arrive at the Arena (Puijo Ski Stadium, Suurmäentie 85) on foot (distance from Kuopio Market Square approx. 1.9 km) or by bike or by local buses (bus 7). Kuopio region public transport, Vilkku, has increased the number of services from the city center to Puijo Stadium for the World Championship final. The bicycle parking area is located at the city-side end of the arena. Please note! If you arrive by Vilkku city bike, the nearest bike parking station is in Puijonlaakso, Puijo station is not in use. Detailed information on using Vilkku-fillari and the parking map: https://kaupunkypyorat.kuopio.fi/
For those arriving by car, there is a parking area designated by the organizer at the Hatsala parking lot/sand field at Opistotie 1, 70200 Kuopio. Follow the organizer’s signs. Parking fee (12€/car), which includes a bus transportation to the arena. Parking fees are paid via the EasyPark app (area code: 3871). Bus departs in front of Kuopiohalli next to the parking area. Distance to Puijon Arena approx. 1 km.
There are also numerous other parking options in the city of Kuopio (e.g. parking halls), which you may use. Regarding these, the WOC-organizer is not responsible for matters related to parking fees or transportation to the arenas etc.
Rastiralli
The nationwide Rastiralli tour is naturally making its way to Tahko and Kuopio during World Championship week! The tour’s mission is to inspire children to be active, boost the appeal of orienteering among kids and teens, and stir up excitement for the World Championships. Rastiralli encourages families with children to join in and cheer for top Finnish orienteers on their road to success.
At the tour stop, visitors can test their speed on the Emit punching course, ride the hobby horse track, or solve a mystery orienteering challenge. Participation is free and requires no prior registration. You’re also welcome to drop in and create supportive drawings for the championship orienteers or dive into activities in our fun booklets. The tasks are also available in English and Swedish. Every participant gets a prize! Activities vary from day to day, and you’ll also find World Championship merchandise available at the stand.
Tahko Piazza is located at the event square, making it easy to explore other attractions in the area. On the final day, Rastiralli lands at the Puijo competition arena.