Log Driving Events in Kuhmo
In Finland, the log driving tradition lives on through associations and enthusiasts. Although traditional log driving skills are no longer needed as a profession, practising and mastering these skills has become a popular pastime. At the heart of the tradition is the opportunity to test one’s skills, balance, strength and agility.
Past Log Driving Events
2026
Finnish Log Driving Championships
The Finnish Log Driving Championships were held in Kuhmo on Saturday, 27 June 2026, on the shore of Lake Lammasjärvi in Kuhmo town centre and at the Pajakkakoski Rapids.
The event was organised by Kuhmon Tapahtumat ry with the support of the City of Kuhmo.
Log Driving Camp
The Kuhmo Log Driving Camp was held from 25 to 28 June 2026.
Further information: kuhmontapahtumat@gmail.com
More information: HERE
2025
In 2025, a log driving camp was held from 1 to 3 August. The log driving event had to be cancelled due to a lack of resources.
2024
The International Log Driving Heritage Days were held in Kuhmo from 6 to 9 June 2024. During the same weekend, log drivers competed in the Finnish Championships on Saturday and Sunday, 8–9 June.
Saturday 8 June, from 13:00
RAPIDS RUNNING – OPEN CLASS / VETERANS
PUNTING – OPEN CLASS / VETERANS
DEMONSTRATION EVENTS
Sunday 9 June, from 11:00
MINI MARATHON / MARATHON – OPEN CLASS / VETERANS
TEAM ROWING
International Log Driving Heritage Days, 6–9 June 2024
During the first weekend of June 2024, log driving heritage enthusiasts from Finland and abroad gathered in Kuhmo. Log driving has been part of Kuhmo’s history for more than a century. A hundred years of log driving and log drivers have also left their mark on Finnish music, literature and film. All these aspects of the tradition were featured during the weekend.
The weekend began with the International Log Driving Heritage Days on Thursday 6 June, when international guests arrived in Kuhmo.
On Friday 7 June, a seminar on log driving heritage brought together Finnish and international enthusiasts at Kuhmo Arts Centre. The seminar concluded with the premiere of Markku Pölönen’s short film about log drivers. In the evening, the programme continued with a traditional log drivers’ dance at Hotel Kalevala, featuring Anna-Kaisa Korpinen. Throughout the weekend, visitors could also explore literature related to log driving heritage and enjoy a variety of musical performances.
On Saturday 8 June, international guests took part in a festive parade through Kuhmo town centre before continuing to the Pajakkakoski Rapids for the Finnish Log Driving Championships. Competitors put their traditional skills to the test in the rushing waters of Pajakkakoski in rapids running and punting events. A variety of activities for the whole family were also organised by the library waterfront. In the evening, a traditional log drivers’ dance was held at the legendary Kuhmo Kelo, with live music by Teemu Ahtonen and his band.
On Sunday 9 June, the competitions continued in the Kalevala area. Tönölänlampi hosted the team rowing event and the log drivers’ marathon, which included log boom running, rowing, boat pulling, sestominen (moving a boat with a pole), log-jam running and cross-country running. Once again, there was additional programme for the whole family in the Kalevala Sports Centre area.
Links:
Finnish Log Driving Heritage Association (Suomen Uittoperinneyhdistys ry):
https://www.uittoperinne.fi/
Finnish Forest History Society (Metsähistorian Seura):
http://www.metsahistoria.fi/fi/etusivu