Orienteering has taken Raimo Nordqvist to 16 different countries

As veteran orienteers go, Espoo resident Raimo Nordqvist is the genuine article, as he has been orienteering for 46 years. In addition to the wide-range of orienteering terrain found in Espoo, over the years he has become familiar with many different and wonderful nature sites all over the world.

“I've orienteered in 16 countries. When you’re orienteering abroad, you get to see some really interesting places,” says Nordqvist.

The 76-year-old Nordqvist started orienteering in 1979, when he wanted to become more active in his daily life.

“Before that, I had been hiking and I did treks with the Scouts. When I started this new hobby, I joined the Akilles club in Espoo. The club now has about 500 orienteering members,” says Nordqvist.

According to Nordqvist, the best thing about orienteering is its combination of exercise, nature and common sense.

“I've noticed that many engineers are into orienteering. It has a certain technical aspect to it, which also interests me.

The orienteering season in Finland runs from roughly mid-April until the end of October, weather permitting.

“I've only been out orienteering ten times this year. In March, I went to an orienteering competition in Portugal.

If orienteering sounds appealing, Nordqvist recommends joining an orienteering club. Clubs help newcomers get started and organise both competitions and orienteering courses for their members.

“The clubs organise orienteering training a couple of times a year, which is an easy and good way to learn both how to use a compass and mark maps. Clubs also organise weekly evening or block courses during the season, which are free for members. On top of that, there are several orienteering competitions each year,” says Nordqvist.

In addition, Espoo orienteering clubs jointly organise Espoorastit fitness orienteering events, which are open to everyone. After the events, the courses are kept in place for a week for independent orienteers to use.

According to Nordqvist, orienteering is also an affordable hobby that does not require lots of specialised and expensive equipment.

“All you need to get started is some weather-resistant clothes and shoes - or even sneakers. And, of course, you have to have your own compass.”

Nordqvist’s favourite orienteering terrain in Espoo is in Nuuksio, where orienteers can cover large areas.

“Our own nearby forests in Espoo Central Park are also a good place, even though all the construction there reduces the amount of area suitable for orienteering.