Musicians and all kinds of watercraft will travel the entire River Pyhäjoki from Lake Pyhäjärvi all the way to the sea on June 10–14, 2026.

During the five-day Soiva joki (The Singing River) event, the full length of the river will be sailed from Lake Pyhäjärvi to the sea. An international group of musicians and other artists will perform onboard a boat that will also stop to give performances in riverside villages along the way. Local village associations will organize their own activities on the shore, including meals and pop-up cafés. Finally, at the point where the river meets the sea, the musicians will improvise a site-specific soundscape inspired by the surroundings.

At the same time, after several years’ break, the Pyhäjoki Paddling Event will also take place. Everyone is encouraged to take to the water using different kinds of boats or even SUP boards, and to make music along the way. The 166-kilometre journey passes through six municipalities connected by the river.

The event is part of the official program of Oulu2026 – European Capital of Culture.

The public swimming beach in Pyhäjoki is Pyhäluoto beach located in Etelänkylä. The sandy beach is also perfect children of all ages. The landscape of the swimming beach is dominated by magnificent cliffs that slide smoothly into the sea. The place is also popular with windsurfers and kite surfers.

Water quality is monitored throughout the summer. The beach has changing rooms, a dry toilet and waste disposal. Take care of your safety - the swimming area is unsupervised.

Pyhäjoki also has informal swimming spots on the riverside, on the seashore and in rock quarries.

Swimming spots by the sea
In Parhalahti, Kultaranta by Puustellintie, sandy beach
In Yppäri, the sandy beaches of Leto and Merimaja, Pylhy beach, Veteraanimaja beach.

Swimming spots on the river bank
In the center are the Kielosaari and Kittipuhto swimming spots and Hourunkoski beach on the north side of the river
At Pirttikoski Kuusiniemi's swimming spot next to the bridge

Swimming spots in rock quarries
Rautiperä swimming spot, open also in winter.
Yppäri Grekunperä swimming spot along Alavieskantie road.