Biathlon World Cup at Kontiolahti
5 – 8 March 2026
The Kontiolahti Biathlon World Cup 2026 is not just about world-class sports, but also a full week of cultural experiences and Finnish traditions. Alongside the thrilling biathlon competitions, visitors can enjoy a rich program of events, including Finnish cultural experiences, concerts, winter activities, and family-friendly fun. Highlights of the week include also ice swimming and traditional Finnish saunas, offering a true taste of local lifestyle. There will also be cultural performances, local crafts, and plenty of activities for children and families, making the event a unique blend of top-level sports and authentic Finnish winter experiences.
Winter activities
Botania Winter Garden
Heinäpurontie 70, Joensuu
- After sunset, the outdoor garden illuminated by decorative lighting.
During the same visit, you can also
see the tropical side of Botania. - 14 Feb – 8 Mar, the Winter Garden also offers
a snow maze, several ice slides, a snow castle and
the largest snowman in Finland!
Laulurinne Snow Park
Linnunlahdentie 1, Joensuu
- Open Mon–Fri 09:00–12:00 & 15:00–19:00,
Sat–Sun 15:00–19:00 - Ski rental and ski track café
Cafés and Restaurants
Café & Bakery Rosalinda
Keskuskatu 14, Kontiolahti
- Open Mon–Fri 06:00–15:00
- Breakfast 06:00–09:30, lunch 10:00–14:00
- Coffee, savoury and sweet pastries
Kontiolomat
Kontioniementie 26, Kontiolahti
- Open Mon–Fri 11:00–15:00
- Lunch 11:00–14:00
Restaurant Aiho
Masterintie 3, Kontiolahti
- Lunch 10:00-13:30
Ice swimming and saunas
Swimming Center Joensuu Polar Bears
Mäntyniementie 1, Joensuu
- 8:00–23:00 (Wed 07:00-23:00), €7.50
- 10:00–15:00 (16:00), €4.00
Paihola Landscape Sauna
Nekkilänahontie 10, 80850 Paihola
- Can be booked daily between 08:00 and 22:00
Kontiolahden Avantouimarit (winter swimming association)
Järvenlaskuntie 3, 80780 Kontioniemi
Sauna open hours
- Tue & Thu 17:00–20:00
- Sat 15:00–20:00
- Saunas can also be rented
outside public opening hours
Lykynlampi Outdoor Recreation Center
Onttolantie 94, Onttola
- An unforgettable ice swimming sauna, cold pool and ice hole
- Open 2–7 March, café 11:00–19:00, sauna 12:00–18:30
- Open 8 March, café 11:00–17:00, sauna 12:00–18:00
Events
2 March and 4 March Ystävänkammari
Keskuskatu 26, Kontiolahti
- Open 10:00–13:00, free admission
- Art exhibition ”Luottamuksella” [”Confidentially”]
6 March Sointukylpy bath & sound relaxation
Ylä-kolintie 39, 83960 Koli
- 18:00–19:30
6 March Bands: Nyrkkitappeli & Lähiöbotox
Restaurant Kerubi, Siltakatu 1, Joensuu
- 21:30 Nyrkkitappelu
- 23:00 Lähiöbotox
6 March Band: The 69 Eyes
Las Palmas Kimmel, Itäranta 1, Joensuu
- 23:30
6 March Artist: Lage
Bepop, Siltakatu 8, Joensuu
- 00:30
7 March Artist: Vesta
Restaurant Kerubi, Siltakatu 1, Joensuu
- 22:00
7 March Band: Mighty44
Las Palmas Kimmel, Itäranta 1, Joensuu
- 23:30
7 March Band: Letz Zep
Carelia Hall, Yliopistonkatu 4, Joensuu
- 19:00
- Led Zeppelin tribute band
7-8 March Winter Super baseball
Joensuu Areena, Mehtimäenaukio 2, Joensuu
- 7 March Joensuun Maila vs Sotkamon Jymy
- 8 March Imatran Pallo-Veikot vs Kempeleen Kiri
- 8 March Kiteen Pallo vs Pattijoen Urheilijat
Picture: Niilo Hirvonen
World Cup Programme
Thursday 5 March
- 16:00 Stadium opens
- 18:05 Individual, women, 15 km
Friday 6 March
- 16:00 Stadium opens
- 18:10 Individual, men, 20 km
Saturday 7 March
- 12:30 Stadium opens
- 14:40 Mass start, women, 12.5 km
- 16:40 Relay, men, 4 x 7.5 km
Sunday 8 March
- 12:30 Stadium opens
- 14:30 Relay, women, 4 x 6 km
- 16:40 Mass start, men, 15 km
Picture: Esa Kinnunen
