The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 1989 took place 17–26 February 1989 in Lahti, Finland, for a record fifth time (1926, 1938, 1958, 1978). The women's 5 km was not held after being reintroduced in the previous championships. These championships featured separate races of men's 15 km and women's 10 km both in the classical technique and in the freestyle technique. Additionally, the women's 15 km event debuted and the women's 20 km event was lengthened to 30 km.
The event was originally scheduled for 25 February, however, due to adverse weather conditions it was postponed to the following day. Due to strong winds no second round took place and results were taken from the first round.