DOWNHILL SWIM – Carried by the current in the heart of Oulanka National Park

Are you ready to challenge yourself and discover Kuusamo’s nature from a whole new angle? The Downhill Swim in the Oulanka River is an unforgettable experience where excitement, scenic beauty, and personal triumph come together – all under the expert supervision of a professional guide. For those who prefer a paddle over a plunge, part of the group can choose to canoe the route instead.

During the Downhill Swim, you follow the natural current of the Oulanka River – essentially swimming “downhill.” The flow helps you move faster and makes the swim surprisingly easy. There are two route options: 12 km or 24 km.

The Downhill Swim is available for private groups of 4 to 12 people.
Prices: €209/person (12 km) | €259/person (24 km).
The package includes all equipment, guiding, and transportation.

Available June through August. The water gets warmer later in the summer, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Participants must have good swimming skills and moderate fitness. With a wetsuit and the river’s natural current, the swim is much lighter and faster than traditional open water swimming.

The crystal-clear waters of the Oulanka River flow gently around you, sunlight dancing on the surface as the sandy riverbed ripples beneath. Every stroke carries you forward. It feels like you’re gliding through the water – a unique blend of lightness, freedom, and adrenaline. Towering pines line the shores of the national park, and the peaceful stillness of nature surrounds you, leaving space for reflection and the whisper of the current. This is outdoor adventure at its finest.

Stretching over 100 kilometers, the Oulanka River begins in Salla and winds its way through deep canyons, carving out sweeping bends and sandy banks before flowing into Lake Paanajärvi. In the 1950s, plans were made to harness the river for hydropower, but the people of Kuusamo understood the value of preserving nature even then. The river was left free to flow, and today it’s one of Finland’s most treasured protected areas – officially designated as a national landscape.

A special moment took place last summer when the President of Finland, Alexander Stubb, and his spouse Suzanne joined the Downhill Swim event on the Oulanka River. Stubb completed the longer 24-kilometer route, while Suzanne swam the 12-kilometer stretch. The experience left a strong impression – Stubb called the swim an “epic experience” on X (formerly Twitter) and declared it the best sports event he had ever participated in.

The Downhill Swim event has become hugely popular, with participant spots filling up faster each year – many eager swimmers are left waiting for a chance to join. That’s why Rukapalvelu now offers the Downhill Swim as a guided experience without the pressure of competition. It’s a chance to dive in and experience the thrill – safely, and at your own pace – under the watchful eye of a professional guide.

Are you ready to challenge yourself and see Kuusamo’s wilderness from a whole new perspective? Take the plunge and discover the unique magic of the Downhill Swim!