Kuninkuusravit – The Royal Races in Finland
Kuninkuusravit is an exceptional folk festival centered on Finland’s national horse breed, the Finnhorse! In 2025 Kuninkuusravit is held on 1.–3. of August on Äimärautio race track in Oulu.
Kuninkuusravit – What’s it all about?
Kuninkuusravit (The Royal Races) is Finland’s largest harness racing event and one of the country’s biggest public events, drawing up to 50,000 spectators each summer. Kuninkuusravit is an exceptional folk festival centered on Finland’s national horse breed, the Finnhorse.
In its current form the event consists of three racing days, in which Saturday and Sunday are the arena for the main racing events.
In the main race, mares compete for the title of Ravikuningatar (Trotting Queen), and stallions for the Ravikuningas (Trotting King) title. The participants are selected from Finland’s top Finnhorse racers, and taking part in the main competition is a lifelong dream for many harness racing enthusiasts.
The titles are decided over three races held across two days: a 2100 meter race on Saturday, and 1609 and 3100 meter races on Sunday. The horse with the best combined time across all races wins the overall competition.
The first Kuninkuusravit took place already in 1924, making it Finland’s most recognized and beloved harness racing event.
Kuninkuusravit is above all an experiential racing festival – a place for unforgettable moments with friends, impressive Finnhorses, top-notch racing, and exciting activities. It’s a time to relax and enjoy good company, food, and drinks, both during the races and at the evening festivities that cap off the event.
Feel the spirit of Kuninkuusravit
Some insider’s tips to a great event
👑 Remember to check all the Finnhorse yearlings sold at the Friday night auction right after the races.
👑 Do not miss the after parties on Friday and Saturday! Besides top-class trotting, Kuninkuusravit is also about having a good time with friends and new acquaintances.
👑 Taste local delicacies! The event is held in a different race track each year, so you can experience flavours from different parts of Finland each year.
👑 On Sunday, after the final race, the King and Queen are crowned in front of the audience. The traditional ceremonies also include the drivers being lifted and tossed into the air while seated in the sulky. This ceremony is a must-see and a chance to applaud the harness racing royalty being written into history.
The event in 2025 in Oulu
In 2025 Kuninkuusravit is held on 1.–3. of August on Äimärautio race track in Oulu.
Äimärautiontie 1
90400 Oulu
Tickets
There are several types of tickets available for the Kuninkuusravit. The most popular option is the Kuninkuusravit Pass, which includes access to the race events in addition to the races. Tickets are most affordable when purchased in advance.
Ticket types available:
👑 Area ticket – Access to Kuninkuusravit in selected racing day (1-3 days tickets available)
👑 VIP-ticket – Access to the racing days and the VIP-area with a buffet and drinks with meal, VIP services (toilets, hosting, access), Saturday and Sunday tickets available
👑 Kuninkuusravit Pass – Access to all 3 racing days and the after parties.
How to get there?
Traveling to Oulu is easy with various modes of transportation. Finland’s second busiest airport is in Oulu, enabling convenient direct flights from abroad. Additionally, trains and buses connect to Oulu multiple times a day from different parts of Finland.
We recommend using public transportation! Non-stop shuttles to the racetrack are arranged from Oulu city center, the Oulu-halli camping area, Nallikari Holiday Village, and remote parking areas.
Where to stay?
There are plenty of hotels in Oulu to serve the needs of the Kuninkuusravit audience. You can find plenty of accommodation options on the Visit Oulu website.
The Finnhorse
The Finnhorse is the national horse breed of Finland, and we proudly state that it is the best all round horse in the world.
It is capable of fulfilling all of horse needs, including horse sports and recreational usage such as harness racing and riding, as well as agricultural and forestry work.
In 2007, the breed was declared the official national horse breed of Finland.
The Finnhorse is genuine and sympathetic, and its presence is comforting. That’s why it is easy to fall in love with the Finnhorse.