Competition terrains
Nilsiä
There are no great differences in altitude in the Nilsiä agglomeration. There are public service buildings and small apartment buildings in the area. Expect reasonably easy orienteering, where the pace and the insights of the course masters may surprise you. The Swiss national team trained in the area before the World Championships in Vuokatti. A nice start to a week of orienteering.
Tahko
The competition area is located around the Tahko ski resort. The highest point of Tahkomäki is 201 metres (659 feet) above the surface of a nearby lake. Tahko’s slope terrain is somewhat variable. The vegetation varies from open ski slopes to old-growth forest with deciduous trees, spruces and pine trees. Some terrains are open, due to logging. Running conditions are generally good, in all areas. Differences in altitude and rocky surfaces add to the physicality, and can make running more difficult. Visibility varies from poor to excellent. The poorer visibility sections can be bypassed by good route planning. The network of existing tracks and paths near the arena is fairly dense.
Neulaniemi
The Neulaniemi area is characterised by significant differences in altitude, high rocky hills and undulating terrain. Neulamäki rises 200 metres (656 feet) above sea level and 120 metres (394 feet) above the lake Kallavesi. The forests in the area are principally commercial forests, but have not been felled in the last 30 years. The oldest forests are between 100 and 130 years old and about half of the forests are over 80 years old. The terrain is predominantly coniferous, with half of the forest dominated by spruce and slightly less than half by pine. The proportion of deciduous forest is small and sporadic. The running conditions vary from good woodland, to rocky surface. Fallen trees in an unharvested forest can slow the pace of travel. Visibility ranges from good to excellent.
Puijo
The Puijo landscape is characterised by isolated rocks, small cliffs and steep slopes. There are also parts of the terrain that are quite devoid of detail. The vegetation consists of old growth forest with deciduous trees, pines and spruces. There are good running conditions, for the most part. Differences in altitude and fallen trees can slow down the speed of the trail. Visibility is mostly good. Puijo is a recreational area in the heart of Kuopio.