While the O-Ringen competitors enjoyed a break between stages, orienteering took over other parts of Gothenburg. At the Chalmers Student Union building, participants tackled the challenges of indoor orienteering, Chalmers Sprint attracted large crowds to Kungstorget in the city centre, and in Tuve, visitors of all ages had the chance to try mountain bike orienteering.

At the Chalmers Student Union building, corridors, lecture halls and staircases were transformed into a three-dimensional orienteering arena. Competitors navigated between different floors, ran through long hallways and exited the building only to re-enter through another entrance moments later.

For map maker Per-Ola Olsson of OK Vilse, the main challenge was not finding the controls themselves.

"You find the control, but then you have to figure out how to get to the next one. You're constantly keeping track of which floor you're on and where it's actually possible to run," he says.

Unlike traditional forest orienteering, choosing the right direction is only part of the challenge. Staircases, changes in elevation and multiple route options mean competitors constantly have to think one step ahead.

Among the participants was orienteering legend Simone Niggli, who competed together with her son Lars, who particularly enjoyed the transitions between the indoor and outdoor sections of the course.

"It went well and it was great fun," says Simone Niggli.

The Chalmers Student Union also appreciated the opportunity to welcome O-Ringen to its campus.

"We're very proud of this building and everything we do at Chalmers. It's great to be able to show a small part of it to everyone taking part in O-Ringen," says Student Union President Tobias Filmberg.

Later in the day, large crowds gathered at Kungstorget, near Gothenburg's historic Market Hall, where Chalmers Sprint took place. Narrow passages and the urban setting created a spectacular atmosphere as the world's elite battled for victory. Men's winner Kasper Fosser described the experience in an interview with the local newspaper Göteborgs-Posten External link, opens in new window..

"It's almost like the Tour de France. So many people cheering and shouting your name. At times you're running through corridors of spectators. It's really fun," he said.

Women's winner Simona Aebersold also highlighted the atmosphere.

"It's so much fun to race here. It's completely different from running alone in the forest. There were spectators all the way from start to finish," she told GP. External link.

Further north, in Tuve, mountain bike orienteering took centre stage. Both young and old could try the sport on courses ranging from Very Easy to Difficult. Those who wanted to give it a go could rent special map holders mounted on their bikes, allowing them to read the map while riding.

Despite this practical setup, the challenge was far from easy. In mountain bike orienteering, success is rarely about finding the shortest route. Because riders must stay on roads and trails, the key is to identify the fastest route between the controls.

These were just a few of the many activities available to O-Ringen participants on Activity Day, showcasing the remarkable diversity of orienteering. By the end of the day, Gothenburg had been transformed into one giant orienteering arena before O-Ringen continues with the next stage on Thursday.

More pictures from indoor: https://mediebank.tt.se/p/svenskorientering/album/119801 External link.

More pictures from the elite sprint: https://mediebank.tt.se/p/svenskorientering/album/119784 External link.

More pictures from MTB-O: https://mediebank.tt.se/p/svenskorientering/album/119802 External link.