Kuninkuusravit – The Royal Races in Finland
Kuninkuusravit is an exceptional folk festival centered on Finland’s national horse breed, the Finnhorse! In 2026 Kuninkuusravit is held on July 31 – August 2 at Teivo race track in Tampere.
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
Friday 31 July
– Evening races with Revicell Tammakriterium and Legendat Race
– Young Horse Auction at the racecourse
– Evening party at Teivo
Saturday 1 August
– First heats of the King and Queen competitions
– Pikkukunkku & Pikkuprinsessa races
– Finnhorse Monté Finnish Championship
– Opening parade
– Evening concert at Tammela Stadium (Manserock)
Sunday 2 August
– Pikkukunkku & Pikkuprinssi races
– Finals of the King and Queen competitions
– Coronation of the new trotting royalty
Gates & Opening Times
– Friday: open at 13:00
– Saturday: open at 10:00
– Sunday: open at 10:00
Evening Parties
Friday – at Teivo Racecourse
After Friday’s races, the celebrations continue with an evening party. The first confirmed artist: Anssi Kela (more to be announced later).
Saturday – Tammela Stadium (Manserock)
The Kuninkuusravit Pass also serves as entry to the Manserock concert at Tammela Stadium.
On stage: “Kaikkien aikojen Manserock” orchestra with soloists Martti Syrjä, Pate Mustajärvi, Mikko Alatalo and Heikki Hela, alongside band members from Eppu Normaali, Popeda and Negative.
The evening will be opened by NEGATIVE, returning to the stage after 13 years.
Tickets are available via lippu.fi.
All advance tickets also serve as a travel ticket on Nysse buses and trams, as well as on VR trains (Eco class) within the Nysse area during the event days.
How to use your ticket for travel:
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Show the QR code at the card reader when boarding a Nysse bus or tram.
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On trains: validate your ticket at the platform reader before boarding and present it during ticket inspection.
Public Transport
Advance tickets also serve as a travel ticket on Nysse buses and trams and on VR trains (Eco class) within the Nysse area.
The nearest tram stop to Teivo is Hiedanranta, with shuttle buses continuing directly to the racecourse.
Car & Parking
Car traffic is restricted near the racecourse.
Parking is available at the Avant area (Soppeentie 65, Ylöjärvi).
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Fee: €15/day or €30/3 days
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A free shuttle bus to Teivo is included.
Taxi
Detailed taxi instructions will be published closer to the event.
Camping
Camping areas for motorhomes and caravans are available at Ylöjärven Valo and Elovainio.
Spots can be booked via lippu.fi.
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From Elovainio, a bus runs directly to Teivo.
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From Valo, it is about 1 km to the nearest bus stop.
Assistants have free entry with an assistant card, EU Disability Card, or Blind/Visually Impaired Card.
Service and guide dogs are welcome.
The VIP grandstand can only be accessed by stairs. For accessible VIP arrangements, please contact: niina.okkonen@teivo.fi.
Accessible parking spaces are available close to the racecourse.
Toilet Pass
The event accepts the Toilet Pass (“vessapassi”):
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Grants the right to go ahead in the toilet queue
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Right to use an accessible toilet or staff toilet when needed
Show the pass to staff if required.
More detailed information about accessibility will be published in spring 2026.
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 2026 in Tampere
In 2026 Kuninkuusravit is held on July 31 – August 2 at Teivo race track in Tampere.
Velodromintie 2
33420 Tampere
More information:
Niina Okkonen
Project Manager
niina.okkonen@teivo.fi
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.