Inspired by the BBC’s hit show Race Across the World, the age-old sport of orienteering is capturing a new wave of adventurous travelers. Combining exploration, physical challenge, and unplugged navigation, it’s a return to analog adventure — and it’s gaining global traction.
The rise of orienteering in a digital world
In an era where every direction is a swipe away and every journey is plotted by GPS, orienteering offers something refreshingly different: the thrill of getting lost — and then finding your way. The BBC’s Race Across the World, now in its fifth season, has played a significant role in popularising the concept, inviting contestants to race across continents with no flights, no phones, and only a paper map and a tight budget.
This sense of analog adventure is at the heart of orienteering, a sport that challenges participants to navigate varied terrains — forests, moors, parks, even cities — using just a compass and a detailed map. It’s a race not against others, but against the landscape and your own instincts. Once a niche pursuit rooted in Scandinavian military training, orienteering is now seeing an upsurge in global interest, driven by a growing desire to reconnect with nature and disconnection from digital life.
What exactly is orienteering?
At its core, orienteering is both a mental and physical challenge. The objective is simple: use a map and compass to locate a series of checkpoints, usually small posts or markers, scattered across a designated area. These points are often in parks, nature reserves, or urban environments, each one testing a participant’s navigation skills and spatial awareness.
Originating in late 19th-century Sweden, orienteering quickly expanded beyond its military roots to become a civilian sport, aided by Nordic countries’ liberal ‘right to roam’ laws. Today, there are thousands of permanent orienteering courses across Europe — including more than 1,000 in the UK — making it an accessible way to explore new landscapes with a touch of competitive flair. For some, it’s about racing the clock; for others, it’s a mindful way to experience the outdoors without relying on screens or schedules.
An emerging global movement
“We’re seeing stronger interest in experiences in nature, and orienteering provides a fantastic combination of adventure, exercise and learning navigation skills,” says Tom Hollowell, president of the International Orienteering Federation (IOF). He notes that while the sport has long been dominated by Nordic countries such as Sweden, Norway, and Finland, participation is growing in the UK, Australia, and New Zealand — particularly since the pandemic, which spurred a renewed appreciation for local outdoor activities.
The annual World Orienteering Championships, organized by the IOF, has become a bucket-list event for both elite athletes and casual adventurers. This year, the city of Kuopio in central Finland will host the championship from 7–12 July, with open-entry “spectator” races running alongside the main competitions. According to Hollowell, these festivals are helping orienteering evolve from a niche sport into a global travel experience, especially for those seeking active, eco-conscious holidays.
Five orienteering events worth traveling for
World Masters Orienteering Championships, Spain: Held this summer in Girona, this prestigious event is open to competitors aged 35 and over and attracts thousands of participants. Younger enthusiasts can take part in the parallel Costa Brava Cup, which features courses through the historic streets and lush forests of Catalonia. Dates: 8–15 August.
Sintra PH30 Festival, Portugal: As part of celebrations marking 30 years of Sintra’s UNESCO World Heritage status, this Portuguese gem will host a variety of outdoor events in September. Orienteering routes will wind through oak forests, exotic gardens, and the fairy-tale surroundings of the town’s vibrant castles and palaces. Dates: 13–14 September.
Antalya Orienteering Festival, Turkey: When Northern Europe cools down, orienteers head south. The Antalya festival, now in its 12th year, offers races through pine-covered mountains and coastal forests overlooking the Mediterranean. It’s both a competitive event and a warm-weather escape, drawing around 1,000 participants annually. Dates: 27 October–1 November.
World Orienteering Championships, Finland: Kuopio’s lakes and forests will serve as the dramatic backdrop for this year’s main event in the orienteering calendar. In addition to elite races, the open-entry tracks will showcase Finland’s natural beauty during the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations. Dates: 7–12 July.
White Rose Weekend, England: Hosted by EB Orienteers in North Yorkshire, this family-friendly event celebrates its 50th year with a weekend of races, camping, night events, and social activities. Set in the scenic Dalby Forest, it’s ideal for first-timers and families looking for a hands-on adventure. Dates: 22–25 August.
Why orienteering is the perfect travel companion
At a time when travelers are seeking more meaningful, grounded experiences, orienteering ticks all the right boxes. It’s affordable, eco-friendly, and taps into the rising trend of “slow travel” — the idea that journeys should be immersive and intentional rather than rushed.
Moreover, orienteering fosters resilience and curiosity. Without the crutch of digital navigation, participants learn to read the land, trust their instincts, and adapt on the fly. It’s an empowering reminder that getting lost isn’t something to fear — it’s the beginning of an adventure.
Ready to get started?
For those new to the sport, many countries offer beginner-friendly courses, often in local parks or reserves. Clubs like British Orienteering or regional groups such as Orienteering USA or Orienteering Australia offer maps, tutorials, and community events to help you find your footing. You don’t need fancy gear — just comfortable shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure.
Whether you’re aiming to compete or just looking for a new way to explore the world, orienteering offers something rare: the chance to reconnect with your surroundings — and yourself — one checkpoint at a time.
