[category]
[title]
Finland has a knack for unusual world championships. We’ve got wife-carrying, swamp football and air guitar. These quirky events usually take place in summer. But don’t worry – there’s plenty going on in winter too.
In Keuruu, the world championship titles in kick sledding will be contested from 13-15 February 2026. The disciplines include a 100-metre sprint and a 2,000-metre endurance race.
The Kick Sledding World Championships actually have a history of several decades in Central Finland. The first competitions were held in 1988. In recent years there has been a break in organising the event, but now it’s making a return in Keuruu. The event is sponsored by a Finnish kick sled manufacturer.
Kick sledding is a traditional Nordic form of winter transport and recreation. A kick sled (potkukelkka in Finnish) is a lightweight metal-and-wood sled with two long runners and a seat or small platform. The rider stands on one runner and propels the sled forward by kicking against the ice or packed snow with the other foot, gliding smoothly between kicks. Originally used for everyday winter travel – from going to the shop to visiting neighbours – kick sleds are now also used for fitness, leisure, and competitive racing.
The races will take place on a purpose-built track on the ice of Lake Keurusselkä. The event lasts three days, with the main championship day on Saturday February 14, when the competitions get under way at 10:00 in the morning.
The event hub will be Keurusselkä Resort, which offers hotel and cottage accommodation, restaurant services, as well as spa and sauna facilities. More accommodation can be found in Jyväskylä, the centre of Central Finland, less than an hour’s drive away.
The opening ceremony will be held on Friday 13 February 2026 at 19:00, followed by dancing at Keurusselkä Resort. Social dancing has long been an essential part of Finnish cultural life, with styles such as Finnish tango, waltz and foxtrot traditionally danced at lakeside pavilions and community halls. These dance evenings combine live music, clear rhythms and a welcoming atmosphere, where both experienced dancers and curious beginners are equally at home.
As part of Saturday’s race programme, a challenge relay will be organised, with companies, workplaces, associations and groups of friends all encouraged to take part. Participants are welcome to dress up in themed outfits for the light-hearted team competition.
On Saturday evening there will be more dancing, as well as a competition disco.
On Sunday 15 February, the programme features a Shrove Sunday-themed closing day, including a Shrovetide brunch and outdoor activities suitable for the whole family in the wintery lakeside scenery of Keurusselkä.
The aim of the event is to strengthen the role of Finnish winter culture and traditional sports, and to establish an annual winter event in Central Finland.
Registration for the competitions is open on the event’s website.