Orienteering was developed in the late 19th century within the military for land navigation training. The first orienteering competition was held in Norway in 1897, when Norway was in union with Sweden. As a sport, Orienteering developed further in Sweden.
Major Ernst Killander is considered the one who invented the sport and organized the first major competition in Sweden in 1919. Today, orienteering is popular in many countries, including the USA.
Practicing Orienteering in Sweden
Sweden is one of the world's leading countries in the sport with 500 clubs affiliated to the Swedish Orienteering Federation. There is a large series of competitions in Sweden called the Swedish League, which includes the Swedish Championships and many competitions that give World Ranking points (so-called World Ranking Event). An important factor in the popularity of Orienteering in Sweden is the Allemansrätten (Right of Public Access), which provides free access to nature for practicing the sport.
Related reading: Most popular sports in Sweden
Orienteering as a sport globally
The sport is officially present in 80 countries with the International Orienteering Federation (IOF) and holds regular World Championship events. The sport is most popular in the Nordic countries and Central Europe but is also growing in other parts of the world, such as North America and Asia. Sweden has a prominent position in the Orienteering world, both due to its successes in competitions, arrangements, and old traditions.
Orienteering in Urban Environment
Orienteering has also developed to take place in urban environments. For example, in Stockholm, a competition called Stockholm City Cup is held. It is organized by OK Södertörn and Sundbybergs IK. The competition has grown in popularity and has 3 stages in Gamla Stan, Ruddammen (KTH), and Södra Station.
