Kuhmo will receive a significant recognition on Saturday, 27 June 2026, as part of the international timber floating and log-driving heritage tradition. Frank Thiel, President of the International Association of Timber-Raftsmen, will present Kuhmo with Finland’s first International Timber-Raftsmen Town designation.
The ceremony will take place at 10:00 a.m. at Maakunnan ranta (Kontionkatu 4).
The designation is awarded to municipalities where timber transportation by water has played a significant role in local history and where the tradition is still actively preserved. The international network of Timber-Raftsmen Towns includes historic timber-floating regions across Europe and North America.
Recognition of a Long Timber Floating Tradition
In Kuhmo, forests, waterways and timber floating have gone hand in hand for generations. For decades, waterways were an essential part of timber transportation, and log driving provided a livelihood for many local residents. At the same time, a strong timber-raftsmen culture emerged, with its skills, stories and sense of community remaining an important part of local identity.
In recent years, Kuhmo has worked systematically to revive and strengthen this heritage. The international designation demonstrates that timber floating and log-driving traditions are not merely history in Kuhmo but remain a visible and active part of local life.
Timber-Raftsmen Week Brings Competitors and Enthusiasts to Kuhmo
The international recognition will be accompanied by an exceptional Timber-Raftsmen Week, during which participants can both learn and compete in traditional timber-raftsmen disciplines.
The week begins with a timber-raftsmen camp held from 25–28 June. The camp will be led by legends of the sport, Jaakko Saaristo and Jori Mikkonen. Participants will have the opportunity to practise log rolling, pole navigation and other fundamental timber sports skills under the guidance of experienced instructors.
The aim of the camp is to pass valuable knowledge on to new enthusiasts and ensure that Finnish timber-raftsmen traditions remain alive for future generations. Jaakko and Jori preserve these traditions through the Pielisen-Karjalan Tukkilaiset Association and will travel to Kuhmo from North Karelia, demonstrating successful cooperation across regional boundaries.
Finnish Timber Sports Championships at Pajakkakoski Rapids
Kuhmo holds a special place in the history of Finnish timber sports. The first Finnish Timber-Raftsmen Championships were held in Kuhmo in 1949.
This year, the Finnish Championships return once again to the Pajakkakoski Rapids, one of the most renowned venues in Finnish timber sports. The championships were previously held in Kuhmo in 2022 and 2024.
The competition day begins at approximately 10:30 a.m. at Maakunnan ranta with the Timber-Raftsmen Marathon. This will be followed by an open rowing competition for three-person teams, welcoming both local residents and visitors regardless of prior experience.
At 3:00 p.m., the competitions continue at Pajakkakoski Rapids, where Finnish championship titles will be decided in some of the most spectacular timber sports events. The programme includes traditional log riding through rapids and pole navigation competitions.
A Living and Evolving Tradition
The awarding of the International Timber-Raftsmen Town designation is recognition not only of Kuhmo’s history but also of the ongoing work being carried out to preserve and develop this heritage.
This summer’s Timber-Raftsmen Week uniquely combines history, competition, recreation and international cooperation. At the same time, it strengthens Kuhmo’s position as one of the most significant centres of timber-raftsmen culture in Finland.
Further Information
Tuomo Määttä
Tel. +358 400 285 805
kuhmontapahtumat@gmail.com
www.kuhmontapahtumat.fi
Juhana Juntunen
Mayor of Kuhmo
Tel. +358 44 725 5222
juhana.juntunen@kuhmo.fi
