Art festival Pyhä Sana

Two-day tickets will be released in four batches. Each batch has a limited number of tickets, and prices will increase as each batch sells out. The two-day ticket is 18+.

• Early bird ticket – 2 days (K18) 59 €
• Phase 2 – 2-day ticket (K18) 73 €
• Phase 3 – 2-day ticket (K18) 79 €
• Phase 4 – 2-day ticket (K18) 99 €
  
   

Day tickets and individual tickets for the outdoor stage performances will be released for sale later, subject to availability.

Asa is a long-standing Finnish wordsmith. Over his 25-year career, he has actively released albums and gained recognition from both listeners and critics.

From the very beginning, the artist has followed his own path, restlessly searching for more interesting and intricate routes on a journey without a destination. Asa has been described as a pioneer of Finnish-language rap, combining dark humor and folk poetry with socially conscious themes.
 

Ánnámáret, also known as Anna Näkkäläjärvi-Länsman, is a Sámi musician who lives and works in Nuorgam, the northernmost corner of Finland. Her music draws inspiration from life and nature in Sápmi. Her strength as an artist stems from growing up between two cultures, giving her a deep understanding of their intersections and contrasts.

keiju’s unforgettable flow and exceptionally sharp pen bring a fresh breeze to the Finnish rap scene. On stage, keiju creates a range of worlds, from hazy, melancholic atmospheres to energetic rap parties.
 

Pelkkä Poutanen has been described as an earthquake, a big bang, hypnotic, insightful, and original. With a wide musical background, her work resonates deeply. She is known for her voice, which incorporates techniques from Finno-Ugric folk singing as well as throat singing.

Her music blends various international folk traditions, electronics, classical music, roots music, art pop, noise, and vocals into ever-evolving and inspiring soundscapes. Her second album, released in March, is a unique two-part work. The first half, “Somewhere There Must Be a Rainbow, Even If It Can’t Be Seen Here,” explores death, the will to live (or lack of it), and the state of the world. The second half, “Even Those Who Haven’t Yet Died Will Die,” consists of two 25-minute instrumental pieces exploring light and darkness. 
 

Sirpa Kähkönen is an author specializing in history and social themes. She has written novels, non-fiction, and plays. Her latest novel, Marius, will be published in August 2026.

Original photo: Laura Malmivaara.

Harri Hertell (b. 1985) is a Helsinki-based poet and organizer of poetry events. His work explores themes such as parenthood, relationships, and nature. Hertell often approaches his subjects through small, everyday details, without forgetting humor or social commentary. His poetry moves as naturally through busy city streets as it does through quiet fishing trips and forest walks.

Performing since 2005, Hertell was awarded the Uusimaa Arts Prize by the Arts Promotion Centre Finland in 2021 for his contributions to spoken word culture. He is also known as the founder of Helsinki Poetry Connection and as an organizer of numerous poetry events. His latest work, Samaa tulta (Enostone), was published in spring 2025. 
 

Description coming soon. 

PYHÄ SANA aims to offer emerging spoken word artists a platform to showcase and perform their work. An open call for artists is now open, inviting performances to be part of the festival programme, with a special focus on artists from Northern Finland. All works within the field of spoken word that are suitable for live performance are welcome to apply. The recommended duration of a performance is approximately 20–45 minutes.

The open call emphasizes local talent: priority is given to artists from Northern Finland. However, applications from elsewhere in Finland are also warmly welcomed.

The open call offers a unique opportunity to perform as part of a distinctive, cross-disciplinary event. One of the key goals of the PYHÄ SANA festival is to promote regional equality in access to arts and culture, as well as to provide employment opportunities for artists. Selected performers will be paid a fair compensation in line with fair practice in the arts.

The application period closes at the end of May, and selected performers will be notified as soon as possible thereafter. Late applications will not be considered. The selection panel emphasizes that the call is specifically for performers suited to the PYHÄ SANA 2026 programme, and applicants are not ranked against each other. If you or your group are not selected this time, we warmly encourage you to apply again in the future.

Please submit your application by 31 May 2026 to tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi.

The north can be reached in an environmentally friendly way by rail. We recommend taking the night train to Kemijärvi, especially for those arriving in Pyhä from southern Finland. From Kemijärvi, there is a morning bus connection (approx. 1 hour) to Pyhätunturi (Pelkosenniemi). During the day, trains run to Rovaniemi, from where Pyhä can be reached by ski bus. Please check connections and book your journey via VR and Matkahuolto. 

Flights to Rovaniemi are operated by Finnair and Norwegian. A ski bus (approx. 2.5 hours) runs from Rovaniemi to Pyhätunturi (Pelkosenniemi). Please check bus connections via Matkahuolto and, whenever possible, book your tickets in advance online so operators can ensure sufficient capacity.

We also warmly recommend carpooling.

The heart of Pyhä is Hotel Pyhätunturi, located at Kultakeronkatu 21, 98530 Pyhätunturi.

Welcome to the fell, friends!

The Aittakuru outdoor stage is located in the dramatic Aittakuru gorge, next to the ski resort. The stage is set at the bottom of the gorge, with audience seating on the slope. Check the exact location on the map.

Aittakuru is just a few kilometers from Hotel Pyhätunturi. You can walk there (approx. 2.5 km) or cycle (approx. 4 km). The shortest walking route goes via Tajukangas along a fairly steep path. The walk towards Aittakuru is mostly downhill, and naturally uphill on the way back. Cycling is possible along the ski track base or pedestrian paths.

You can also arrive by car. From the Aittakuru parking area or the Northern Slopes asphalt parking area, it is about a 1.5 km walk. From the parking areas, the route to the gorge follows gravel trails and duckboards.

Age limits:
Aittakuru performances are all-ages. A child occupying their own seat requires a separate ticket.

Please be on time:
Performances start at the scheduled time. “Doors” open approximately 30 minutes before the show or as soon as the soundcheck is finished. Please give performers time to prepare and enter the seating area only when everything is ready on stage.

Moving around the venue:
Please allow enough time for moving within the event area. The walk to Aittakuru and the climb into the seating area may be physically demanding, so take your time. The walk through the magical gorge is an experience in itself – there is no need to rush.

The duckboard paths in Aittakuru are relatively narrow, so passing others should be avoided. In wet conditions, the duckboards and seating structures may be slippery, so extra caution is advised. We recommend sturdy footwear with good grip. Exiting the seating area towards the rocky slope is strictly prohibited due to rockfall risk.

After the concert, exit the seating area via the same route as entry, i.e. from below.

Guided walks to Aittakuru:
We also recommend free guided walks to Aittakuru performances. Departures take place 1 hour before the show from the main entrance of Hotel Pyhätunturi. The walking distance is approximately 2.5 km.

By bike to Aittakuru:
A bicycle is a convenient way to reach Aittakuru. You can cycle all the way to the start of the duckboards. Bikes may be parked anywhere they do not obstruct others or block ski track routes. There are plenty of suitable spots at the edge of the forest.

By car to Aittakuru parking areas:
Parking is available at the small Aittakuru parking area and the large asphalt parking area at the Northern Slopes.

Taxis:
When arriving by taxi, the drop-off point is the Aittakuru parking area, as vehicles are not allowed on ski track routes.

Accessibility at Aittakuru:
Please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi in advance to obtain driving permits and instructions. It is possible to drive close to the start of the duckboard path to make access easier. However, all visitors must walk the approximately 500 m duckboard route to the outdoor stage. The duckboards are slippery in wet conditions and after rain. An assistant may attend free of charge. A limited number of wheelchair spaces are available in the lower part of the gorge, opposite the stage.

What to bring:
Please dress appropriately for outdoor conditions. Umbrellas are not allowed in the audience area for safety reasons. Fortunately, Gore-Tex and rubber boots are always in style in the fell.

Food and drinks:
At the end of the duckboards, in the lower part of the seating area, students from Pelkosenniemi run a kiosk selling refreshments and snacks. Payment methods include cash and MobilePay. There are no alcohol sales on site. Glass bottles are prohibited in the seating area, and smoking is not allowed.

Keeping the fell clean:
Please take everything you brought with you after the performance. Waste bins are scarce in the natural environment.

First aid:
A trained first aid team is on duty during performances in the upper part of the Aittakuru seating area. Assistance is available by going to the upper seating area or contacting security staff.

Toilets:
Three outdoor toilets are located at the start of the duckboard path. One of them is accessible.

Event photographers on site:
Our event photographers move around the venue capturing memories during the event. You are very welcome to approach them and pose for photos. Images may be used in Pyhätunturi Ltd’s communication channels. We always select images carefully and never intentionally publish unflattering photos. If you have any concerns, please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi

 

The stunning Tajukangas outdoor stage is located right next to the ski slopes. It is approximately 400 meters on foot from Hotel Pyhätunturi. 

Age limit:
Tajukangas performances are 18+.

Please be on time:
Performances always start at the scheduled time. “Doors” open approximately one hour before the show begins.

Getting to Tajukangas:
Tajukangas is about 400 meters from Hotel Pyhätunturi. The route starts from the hotel parking area, passes Restaurant Mesta, and continues along the service road. Please follow the signs to reach the venue.

Taxis:
When arriving by taxi, the drop-off point is the courtyard of Hotel Pyhätunturi, as vehicles are not allowed on the service road. Fortunately, it is a very short walk to Tajukangas from there.

Accessibility:
Please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi in advance to obtain driving permits and instructions. It is possible to drive closer to the Tajukangas stage to make access easier. An assistant may attend free of charge. The nearest accessible toilet is located at Hotel Pyhätunturi.

What to bring:
Please prepare for outdoor conditions with weather-appropriate clothing. Umbrellas are not allowed in the audience area for safety and visibility reasons.
Food and drinks:
Hanki Baari operates at Tajukangas, serving drinks and refreshments. Alcohol is available on site, and outside alcoholic beverages are not permitted. Card payments only. Smoking is not allowed in the audience area.

Restaurants Mesta and Popolo are located just a few hundred meters away, and food such as pizza and burgers may be brought to the area from them.

Keeping the fell clean:
Please take everything you brought with you after the concert. Waste bins are very limited in the natural environment.

First aid:
A trained first aid team is on duty during performances at Tajukangas. 

Toilets:
There are two outdoor toilets on site. The nearest accessible toilet is located at Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Event photographers on site:
Our event photographers move around the venue capturing memories during the event. You are very welcome to approach them and pose for photos. Images may be used in Pyhätunturi Ltd’s communication channels. We always select photos carefully and never intentionally publish unflattering images. If you have any questions, please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi

 

Aittakuru outdoor stage: See detailed information above. Students from Pelkosenniemi operate a kiosk in the gorge, selling baked goods and refreshments. Aittakuru is not an alcohol service area, but bringing your own food is allowed.

Tajukangas outdoor stage: See detailed information above. The site has Hanki Baari, which holds an alcohol licence. Bringing your own alcoholic drinks is not permitted. Food purchased as takeaway from other restaurants may be brought in.

Restaurant Mesta is located at the end of the Hotel Pyhätunturi parking area, next to the Kultakero 2 building in the slope area. Mesta offers a relaxed setting with drinks and pub food.

Naava Nature Centre is located at Luontotie 1. The Saturday panel discussion will take place in Naava’s large auditorium.

Pyhä Dreams wine bar is located at the top of the ski resort. The scenic journey to the summit is accessed via the Pyhä Express lift. Tickets can be purchased by card from the departure station ticket machine.

Restaurant Neidon Sydän is located at Kultakeronkatu 4, in the Pyhä shopping centre. It offers delicious lunch options and cakes.

Restaurant Huttuhippu is located at Ukonhattu 1, right next to the Family Slopes, about halfway up the hill when walking along the road towards Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Sport Bar can be found at the Pyhä shopping centre, address Kultakeronkatu 4.

We want to enable as many people as possible to experience performances in the heart of fell nature. The event areas are not fully accessible, and arrival requires some advance planning. Please see the instructions below and contact us – we are happy to help make your visit as smooth as possible.

Aittakuru

At Aittakuru, it is possible to follow performances from a small seating area located very close to the stage, at the end of the duckboards. Please purchase a standard ticket for your chosen performance from the Liveto online store. After that, contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi well in advance to obtain driving permits and instructions. You may drive carefully along the gravel track close to the start of the duckboards using your own car or an adapted taxi service (accessible taxi) to make access easier. However, all visitors must walk the full approximately 500 m duckboard route to the seating area. The duckboards are slippery in wet conditions and after rain.

The gravel road may be very soft, especially in rainy conditions, so we recommend arriving only with a four-wheel-drive vehicle or a local taxi. An assistant may attend free of charge together with the ticket-holding customer.

An accessible toilet (outdoor toilet) is located at the start of the duckboards, next to the “festival gate.” There are no toilet facilities in the stage area itself.

Tajukangas

Please purchase a standard ticket for your chosen performance from the Liveto online store. After that, contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi in advance to obtain driving permits and instructions. It is possible to drive close to the Tajukangas area to make access easier. Please park your car safely and in a way that it is not visible from the seating areas. An assistant may attend free of charge together with the ticket-holding customer.

There is no accessible toilet at Tajukangas. The nearest accessible toilet is located at Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Tajukangas performances take place on autumn evenings, when the area is dark. The site is illuminated with stage and atmospheric lighting, which does not fully light the entire area. The official event area includes the stage, the space between the stage and seating areas, and the path to the outdoor toilets. Please take care if you move outside the event area in the dark, as the rocky terrain may be slippery.

Everyone is welcome to Pyhä and Pyhä Sana just as they are. We do not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination, violence, or any offensive behaviour.

Please approach others with respect, kindness, and consent.

If you witness any inappropriate or offensive behaviour towards anyone, please intervene or contact security staff or other event personnel.

You can always reach us at: tapahtumat@pyha.fi

Please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi well in advance and let us know which media outlet you represent and your plan for covering the festival. Media passes are limited in number.

For any questions regarding the festival, please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi.

For questions related to the Liveto ticketing page, please contact Liveto customer service directly.

For accommodation-related inquiries, the best contact is myynti(a)pyha.fi.