Riihimäki Outdoor Expo welcomed over 25 800 outdoor enthusiasts
Sunny Sunday crowned the weekend
The Riihimäki Outdoor Expo took place on 5–7 June 2026, with a sunny Sunday providing a perfect finale to the weekend. A total of over 25 800 outdoor enthusiasts attended the largest outdoor industry event in the Nordic countries. More than 250 exhibitors from the fields of hunting, fishing, hiking and outdoor recreation were present across the event area.
As a long‑standing classic of the industry, the Expo offered plenty to see and experience for both newcomers and seasoned enthusiasts. The event provides a unique opportunity to explore suitable products and services and to receive hands‑on advice directly from experts. Hunting firearms and optics were widely represented, and the scale of the tent exhibition area received particular praise.
For companies, meeting customers face to face matters
Ruoto Oy, one of Finland’s leading retail chains specialising in hunting and fishing equipment, participated in the Riihimäki Outdoor Expo for the first time. Early June is a busy season in Ruoto’s stores, but the company wanted to meet outdoor enthusiasts also in an event environment.
“It is important for us to be present at the Riihimäki Outdoor Expo, as we have four stores in the surrounding area. The event attracts a large local audience and offers the opportunity to meet both familiar customers and new audiences we would not otherwise reach. It was encouraging to see that our stand also welcomed visitors who were not yet familiar with our company and offering,” says Joonas Oksanen, CEO of Ruoto Oy.
Swedish brand Hults Bruk also took part in the Riihimäki Outdoor Expo for the first time. The traditional axe and outdoor equipment brand will celebrate its 330th anniversary next year, and as part of the milestone the company is undergoing a return to its roots. As part of its international event tour, the company is relaunching the original Hults Bruk name.
“Hults Bruk is going through a significant transformation, and outdoor industry events play an important role in our long‑term strategy. We want to meet people face to face, become better known to our customers and build an international collaboration network. It has been a pleasure to share our story and the changes we are making – the response has been very positive,” says Thomas Strid, Site Manager at Hults Bruk.
An event that brings friends and communities together through shared interests
In addition to the extensive exhibitor offering, the diverse programme provided visitors with information, practical tips, experiences and perspectives on the future of outdoor pursuits. For many, the Outdoor Expo is a shared excursion and an important meeting place. Visitors arrive with hunting groups, groups of friends and families, sharing interests across disciplines and generations.
Dogs are a natural and visible part of the Riihimäki Outdoor Expo, and the Finnish Kennel Club’s dog demonstrations attracted large audiences throughout the weekend. On Sunday, the Outdoor Dog of the Year 2026 was announced. The title was awarded to the German Shorthaired Pointer Sysiässän Aawa, who has achieved all the most significant working titles in the breed and is known for exceptional reliability, strong hunting drive and seamless cooperation with its handler.
“Aawa is the perfect working partner and a family member,” summarises owner Juha Peltonen.
The award highlights the essential role of hunting dogs and emphasises the importance of long‑term training and responsible dog handling as part of Finnish outdoor culture.
Fishing stories, national parks and meaningful narratives
Around the Fisherman’s Channel pool, visitors heard stories from Rapala’s 90‑year journey and discussions on how fishing has evolved over the decades. While many hobbyists now use electronics as part of their fishing, the shared stories and tips strongly combined tradition with modern techniques.
The National Parks Enthusiasts’ morning coffee gatherings offered a concrete example of the community spirit of the Expo. Hikers readily share their experiences and help newcomers get started. Finland’s 41 national parks provide diverse opportunities for both beginner day‑trippers and those planning longer hikes.
On Saturday, the Nature in Transition panel discussion, moderated by Joppe Ranta – known as “Retkinikkari” – brought together professional expedition leaders working in Arctic regions to discuss the impacts of climate change on nature. The discussion highlighted the importance of storytelling and imagery: powerful nature photography is not just an aesthetic experience, but a way to bring remote areas and their changes closer to people. Pata Degerman photographs the beauty of nature to inspire people to protect it now and in the future.
“A genuine sense of community among enthusiasts”
Expo Director Ninni Manninen was pleased with the atmosphere and the active engagement of visitors.
“The Riihimäki Outdoor Expo has a long tradition. People come here to meet familiar faces, see what’s new and make good purchases. Trade has been lively this weekend, and it’s encouraging to see signs that the economy is picking up,” Manninen says.
Next time we meet at the Helsinki Outdoor Expo, taking place on 12–14 February 2027 at the Helsinki Expo and Convention Centre. The Riihimäki Outdoor Expo will return on 9–11 June 2028. The events are organised by Expomark Oy, part of the Finnish Fair Corporation.
More about the event: eramessut.fi/en
Media bank / event photos: https://mediabank.messukeskus.com/kuvat/Riihimäen+Erämessut/
Photos: Heikki Ranta
Further information:
Ninni Manninen, Expo Director, Expomark Oy
+358 50 362 6051, ninni.manninen@expomark.fi
Media services:
Taina Hiekkataipale, Marketing & Communications Specialist, Expomark Oy
+358 40 550 5950, taina.hiekkataipale@expomark.fi