Kotka-Jukola 2026 is built on strong collaboration and shared values. The City of Kotka brings vitality, the joy of sport and maritime appeal to the event, and is preparing to host the world’s largest orienteering relay for the first time in its history. The event strengthens Kotka’s position as a city of sport and leaves a lasting mark on the region’s sporting environment.
Kotka shows its strength as a city of sport
In summer 2026 Kotka will host the legendary Jukola Relay for the first time. According to the City of Kotka’s Liaison Manager, Kari Makkonen, cooperation with Kotka-Jukola is a significant investment for the entire city. Orienteering is a strong sport in the Kotka–Hamina region, and the local clubs – Kymin Suunnistajat and Vehkalahden Veikot – provide a strong backbone for the event.
According to Makkonen, Jukola offers Kotka much more than a single sporting event:
“Jukola shows that Kotka is a true city of sport – and that commitment returns many times over.”
Kotka has committed to the event with a partnership contribution of 100,000 euros, but in return it receives vast visibility. TV broadcasts and international streams showcase Kotka widely. Equally important, however, is what remains permanently from the event: a new, high-quality sports venue that will serve local orienteers and all sports enthusiasts for years to come.
Maritime Kotka welcomes the Jukola crowd
Kotka invites event visitors to explore the city beyond orienteering as well. Kotka is known as the park capital of the Nordics, where the sea and urban nature are always close.
Makkonen encourages taking the opportunity:
“We want orienteers and visitors to experience the best of Kotka. The sea, the parks and the waterfront cafés are within everyone’s reach here.”
Along the River Kymi, unique sights also await, such as the Imperial Fishing Lodge of Langinkoski – a piece of history in the middle of the rapids landscape.
Explore Kotka – before Jukola, during it and after the races
The Jukola Relay attracts thousands of visitors to Kotka, and Visit Kotka-Hamina is closely involved in ensuring that the visit is smooth and memorable. The area offers diverse training terrains, so teams are encouraged to arrive well in advance to prepare.
The archipelago, nature trails, historical sites and accommodation options complete the race trip. Summer in the Kotka region also offers a perfect place to recover – the sea, parks and shores invite you to pause before heading home.
👉 Plan your Jukola trip: Visit Kotka-Hamina – visitkotkahamina.fi
A shared goal – a vibrant region and an unforgettable Jukola
The cooperation between Kotka and Kotka-Jukola is much more than a single event. It strengthens the vitality of the entire region, creates new infrastructure and brings people together by the sea, the forest and sport. Kotka-Jukola 2026 is a joint effort that builds experiences and memories far into the future.
The baton continues its journey – toward Kotka-Jukola 2026!
The spirit of Jukola lives in actions, collaboration and a shared direction. If you want to be part of this story, join us on the journey of Kotka-Jukola – to build, develop and create an event that will be remembered for years to come.
Welcome to Kotka-Jukola 2026!
Photo: Carl Irjala
