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. 

The open call places a strong emphasis on local voices: PYHÄ SANA primarily wishes to include artists from Northern Finland. However, applications from elsewhere in Finland are also warmly welcomed.  

PYHÄ SANA’s open artist call is a unique opportunity to perform as part of an original and cross-disciplinary event. One of the key goals of the PYHÄ SANA festival is to promote regional equality in access to art and culture and to provide employment opportunities for artists. Performers selected through the open call will be paid a fee in accordance with fair art practices.

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 seeking performers suitable for the PYHÄ SANA program in autumn 2026, and applicants will not be ranked against one another. If you or your group are not selected this time, we strongly encourage you to apply again in the future.

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

Northern Finland can be reached in an environmentally friendly way by rail. We especially recommend the overnight train to Kemijärvi for those traveling to Pyhä from southern Finland. From Kemijärvi, there is a morning bus connection (approx. 1 hour) to Pyhätunturi (Pelkosenniemi). During the daytime, trains arrive in Rovaniemi, from where Pyhä can be reached by ski bus. Please check connections and book your travel with VR and Matkahuolto.

Finnair and Norwegian operate flights to Rovaniemi. A ski bus (approx. 2.5 hours) runs from Rovaniemi to Pyhätunturi (Pelkosenniemi). Please remember to check bus connections via Matkahuolto and to book your bus tickets in advance (online if possible), so that the bus company can prepare vehicles of sufficient size.

We also warmly recommend carpooling.

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

Welcome to the fell, friends!

Book festival accommodation with Ski-Inn

The new mountain-luxury Hotel Kultakero with its rooms and apartments, the atmospheric Hotel Pyhätunturi, as well as the PyhäLinna and PyhäSuites apartments are all located close to the festival venues. Bed linen and final cleaning are always included in the price!

Book Ski-Inn accommodation

Aittakuru Outdoor Stage

The Aittakuru outdoor stage is located in the dramatic Aittakuru ravine, next to the ski resort. The stage is set at the bottom of the ravine, with the audience seated along the ravine wall. Check the exact location on the map.

Aittakuru is a few kilometers from Hotel Pyhätunturi. You can walk (approx. 2.5 km) or cycle (approx. 4 km) to the venue. On foot, the shortest route goes via Tajukangas along a fairly steep trail. Walking towards Aittakuru is mostly downhill, while the return journey is of course uphill. Cycling is possible along ski tracks or pedestrian paths.

You can also arrive by car. From the Aittakuru parking area or the North Slopes asphalt parking area, the walking distance is approximately 1.5 km. From the parking areas, access to the ravine is via gravel trail paths and boardwalks.

Age limits:

Performances at Aittakuru have no age restrictions. A child seated in their own seat requires their own ticket.

Please arrive on time: 

Performances always begin at the announced time. The “gates” open approximately half an hour before the performance starts, or as soon as the soundcheck is complete. Please allow the performers time to prepare and move to the audience area only once the stage is ready.

Moving around the event area:

Please allow enough time to move within the event area. Walking to Aittakuru and climbing to the seating area can be physically demanding, so take the journey at an unhurried pace. Walking through the magical ravine is an experience in itself—there is no need to rush.

The boardwalks in Aittakuru are relatively narrow, so overtaking should be avoided. In rainy conditions, the boardwalks and seating structures can be slippery, and extra caution is advised. We recommend sturdy walking shoes with good grip. Leaving the seating area toward the rocky slope is strictly prohibited due to the risk of falling rocks.

After the concert, exit from the seating area follows the same route as entry, via the lower path.

Guided walks to Aittakuru:

We also recommend free guided walks to the Aittakuru performances. Walks depart 1 hour before performances from in front of the main entrance of Hotel Pyhätunturi. The walking distance is approximately 2.5 km.

Cycling to Aittakuru:

Cycling is a convenient way to reach Aittakuru. You can cycle all the way to the beginning of the boardwalks. Bicycles may be parked anywhere they do not pose a hazard to others or block ski tracks. The forest edge offers plenty of suitable parking spots.

Arriving by car to the Aittakuru parking area:

Parking for visitors arriving by car is available at the small Aittakuru parking lot and at the large asphalt parking area near the North Slopes.

Taxi transport:

When arriving by taxi, the drop-off point is the Aittakuru parking area, as private cars and taxis are not permitted to drive on the ski track base.

Accessibility at Aittakuru:

Please contact us in advance at tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi to receive driving permission and directions. By car, it is possible to drive close to the start of the Aittakuru boardwalks to make access as easy as possible. However, everyone must still travel approximately 500 meters along boardwalks to reach the outdoor stage. Boardwalks may be slippery during and after rain. Personal assistants are admitted free of charge. Wheelchair spaces are limited and located in the lower part of the ravine, opposite the stage.

What to bring:

Please dress appropriately for weather conditions at the Aittakuru outdoor performances. Umbrellas are not permitted in the seating area for safety reasons. Fortunately, Gore-Tex jackets and rubber boots are always in style in the fells.

Drinks and food:

Pelkosenniemi students operate a kiosk at the end of the boardwalks in the lower seating area, offering refreshments and light snacks. Payment methods accepted are cash and MobilePay. Alcohol is not served on-site. Glass bottles are prohibited in the seating area. Smoking is not permitted in the audience area.

Let’s keep the fell clean:

Please take all items you bring with you when leaving after the performance. Trash bins are scarce in natural areas.

First aid:

During performances, a trained first aid unit is on duty at the upper part of the seating area. Assistance is available by moving uphill from the audience area or by contacting event stewards.

WC:

Three outdoor toilets are located at the start of the boardwalks. One of them is accessible.

Event photographers will be present in the event areas:

Our event photographers move around the event areas with their cameras, capturing memories throughout the days. You are more than welcome to approach them, and posing for the camera is encouraged. Images may be used across Pyhätunturi Oy’s communication channels. We always select images carefully and never intend to publish unflattering photos of anyone. Please feel free to contact us if you have any concerns: tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi

 ``

Tajukangas Outdoor Stage

The stunning Tajukangas outdoor stage is located right next to the ski resort slopes. The walking distance from Hotel Pyhätunturi is approximately 400 meters.

Age limit:

All performances at Tajukangas are strictly K18 (18+).

Please arrive on time:

Performances always begin at the advertised time. The “gates” open approximately one hour before the start of each performance.

Getting to Tajukangas:

Tajukangas is located about 400 meters from Hotel Pyhätunturi. Access is on foot from the far end of the hotel parking area, past Restaurant Mesta, continuing along the service road. Please follow the directional signs to the venue.

Taxi transport:

When arriving by taxi, the drop-off point is the courtyard of Hotel Pyhätunturi, as private cars and taxis are not permitted to drive on the service road. Fortunately, the walk to Tajukangas is very short.

Accessibility:

Please contact us in advance at tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi to receive driving permission and directions. It is possible to drive close to the Tajukangas stage to make access as easy as possible. Personal assistants are admitted free of charge. The nearest accessible WC is located at Hotel Pyhätunturi.

What to bring:

Please dress appropriately for weather conditions at Tajukangas outdoor performances. Umbrellas are not permitted in the audience area for safety and visibility reasons. 
 

Drinks and food:

Hanki Baari operates at Tajukangas, offering drinks for purchase. The venue has full alcohol serving rights, and bringing your own alcoholic beverages is not permitted. Card payment is accepted. 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 or burgers may be brought into the area from there.

Let’s keep the fell clean:

Please take all items you bring with you when leaving after the concert. Trash bins are scarce in natural surroundings.

First aid:

A trained first aid unit is on duty at Tajukangas throughout the concerts.

WC:

Two outdoor toilets are available on site. The nearest accessible WC is located at Hotel Pyhätunturi.

Event photographers will be present in the event areas:

Our event photographers move around the event areas with their cameras, capturing memories throughout the festival days. You are welcome to approach them, and posing for the camera is encouraged. Images may be used across Pyhätunturi Oy’s various communication channels. We always select images carefully and never wish to publish unflattering photos of anyone.

You can always contact us if you have any concerns: tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi

https://www.pyha.fi/sites/pyha/files/images-inline/Tajukankaan%20ulkoilmalava.jpg

``

Aittakuru Outdoor Stage: See detailed information above. Students from Pelkosenniemi operate a kiosk in the ravine, offering baked goods and refreshments. Aittakuru is not a licensed alcohol serving area, and bringing your own food is permitted.

Tajukangas Outdoor Stage: See detailed information above. Hanki Baari operates on site with full alcohol serving rights. Consumption of your own drinks is prohibited. Takeaway food purchased from other restaurants may be brought to the venue.

Restaurant Mesta is located at the far end of the Hotel Pyhätunturi parking area, next to the Kultakero 2 building in the ski slope area. Mesta is a great place to relax with refreshments and pub-style 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. You can take a scenic ride to the summit on the Pyhä Express chairlift. Tickets can be purchased with a card from the ticket machine at the departure point.

Restaurant Neidon sydän: Kultakeronkatu 4, in connection with the Pyhä shopping centre. Neidon sydän offers delicious lunch options and cakes.

Restaurant Huttuhipun is located at Ukonhattu 1. The venue is right next to the Family Slopes, halfway up the hill when driving toward Hotel Pyhätunturi.

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

We want to make it possible for as many people as possible to experience performances in the middle of fell nature. The event areas are not fully accessible, and arrival requires some advance planning. Please read the instructions below and feel free to contact us—we are happy to help plan your visit as smoothly as possible.  

Aittakuru

At Aittakuru, performances can be viewed from a small audience area close to the stage at the end of the boardwalks. Please purchase a regular ticket for your chosen performance from the Liveto online store. After that, contact us well in advance at tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi to receive driving permission and directions. You may drive carefully along the gravel trail close to the start of the Aittakuru boardwalks using your own car or a self-booked accessible taxi, to make access as easy as possible. However, everyone must continue to the audience area along the boardwalks. The boardwalks are approximately 500 meters long. In wet conditions or after rain, the boardwalks may be slippery.

The gravel trail may be very soft, especially in rainy conditions, so we recommend arriving only with a four-wheel drive vehicle or a local taxi. A personal assistant is admitted free of charge with the assisted ticket holder.

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

Tajukangas

Purchase a regular ticket for your chosen performance from the Liveto online store. After that, please contact us in advance at tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi to receive driving permission and directions. You may drive close to the Tajukangas area to make access as easy as possible. Please park your car safely and out of view of the audience areas. A personal assistant is admitted free of charge with the assisted ticket holder. 

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

Performances at the Tajukangas stage take place on autumn evenings, when it is dark in the area. The site is lit with stage and ambient lighting, which does not fully illuminate the entire area. The official event area includes the stage, the audience areas, and the stretch of road leading to the outdoor toilets. Please take care if moving outside the event area in the dark, as the rocky terrain may be slippery. 

Everyone is welcome in Pyhä and at PYHÄ SANA exactly as they are. We do not tolerate racism, harassment, discrimination, violence, or offensive behavior. 

Please approach others with respect, kindness, and consent.

If you witness offensive behavior toward anyone, please intervene if you feel able, or contact event security or any member of the event staff.

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 available in limited numbers.

• For festival-related inquiries, please contact tapahtumat(a)pyha.fi.
• For questions regarding Liveto’s ticket sales page, please contact Liveto’s customer service directly.
• For accommodation-related inquiries, the best point of contact is myynti(a)pyha.fi.