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Experience the vibrant 300 year Helsinki Baltic Herring Market: A Must-Visit Autumn Tradition

Marketplaces around the world often serve as vibrant hubs of culture, tradition, and local flavours, celebrating unique themes that draw both locals and tourists alike. One such remarkable event is the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, taking place from October 6 – 12 at the city’s iconic Market Square.

This annual celebration is a cherished tradition in Helsinki’s autumn calendar, bringing together fishers and artisans from across Finland. Visitors can immerse themselves in the maritime market atmosphere, sampling the freshest Baltic Sea products while exploring a variety of artisanal goods.

A highlight of the event is the Baltic herring jury’s selection of the best products, which takes place on the opening day, adding an element of anticipation and excitement. Whether you’re a lover of seafood or simply enjoy unique market experiences, this gathering is a testament to the enduring appeal of marketplaces that embrace regional traditions and local craftsmanship.

The Helsinki Baltic Herring market is held by the sea. Image source: City of Helsinki / City Environment Sector
The Helsinki Baltic Herring market is held by the sea. Image source: City of Helsinki / City Environment Sector

Helsinki Baltic Herring Market has been celebrated in Helsinki since 1743, making it one of Finland’s oldest public events. The Helsinki Baltic Herring Market kicks off the autumn season in Helsinki and, in keeping with tradition, opens at the Market Square on the first Sunday of October when, at 10 am, Mayor Juhana Vartiainen will welcome fishers and visitors to the market from aboard the sailing ship Vivan, which berthed at the Square quay.

Through the years, the market has changed from a marketplace to a wider public event bringing together archipelago traditions and modern food culture. The fishermen working on the Baltic Sea will once again bring their salted herring to market, as well as a delicious selection of herring marinades from rowan berries to red pepper. Of course, you can also find delicious dark bread in the archipelago style, clothes made from the wool of island sheep, and other handicrafts. Not to forget the tasty market food!

image 18 Experience the vibrant 300 year Helsinki Baltic Herring Market: A Must-Visit Autumn Tradition
The Helsinki Baltic Herring market image courtesy Visit Finland

Visitors will be able to buy mouthwatering fish products, savour the market atmosphere and enjoy the traditional programme until Saturday 12 October. The event has a strong reputation as one of the most vibrant food events in the city and the offering is a good example of the rough Northern seasons that have had a huge effect on the local culinary culture.

“Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is a fine Helsinki tradition that has been part of the Helsinki autumn landscape for almost 300 years. The Baltic Herring Market was originally intended for people to stock up on food for the winter, but nowadays the event attracts fans of maritime flavours and archipelago culinary culture to savour the autumn market atmosphere at the Market. This year, we’re celebrating Helsinki’s culinary culture and its talented creators, which naturally include seafood and traditional fishers. For me, Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is one of the most anticipated experiences in the Feast Helsinki food year,” says Mayor Juhana Vartiainen.

This year, the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market will attract more than 25 fishers from around Finland, with plenty more fishing boats berthing than last year. Other traditional artisan, archipelago and bakery products will also be on sale at the Market. In addition to fishing boats, the traditional sailing boats Albanus, Olga, Valborg and Vivan will drop anchor at the Square for the Market week where visitors will be able to enjoy delicious fish dishes. 

Raising awareness of the protection and sustainable development of the Baltic Sea is one of the key aims of the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market. Eating sustainably caught local fish cleans the sea, and buying fish directly from the fishers supports their livelihood. Helsinki Baltic Herring Market aims to enable environmentally friendly operations for both sellers and visitors and to make visible the importance of protecting the Baltic Sea, the consumption potential of local fish and fishing as a livelihood.

Market visitors will also be treated to live music with a maritime flavour

In addition to the Mayor’s opening speech, the programme of the opening day of Helsinki Baltic Herring Market includes accordion music with a maritime flavour from Seija Vesterinen. The Baltic Herring row and hike, which will raise money for the protection of the Baltic Sea, will finish in front of the Lyypekinlaituri quay at noon to the beat of the Helsinki Finnish Club’s wind orchestra. On Wednesday 9 October, the market will feature Spelmän Ohoj Trio performing folk music at 12 noon, 3 pm and 5 pm.

Baltic herring jury to award the best products on the opening Sunday

While the Baltic herring market will be held on October 6 – 12, on the opening day of the market, the Baltic herring jury, which has a different line-up each year, selects the best products in two categories: Herring Surprise of the Year and Pickled Fish of the Year. The winners will be announced from aboard the sailing ship Vivan on Sunday, 6 October at 4 pm.

This year’s Baltic herring jury comprises Tapio Bergström, Chef de cuisine at Fazer, Marjukka Mikkola from the Martha Association, Mark Ikonen, Representative of Helsinki Youth Council, Kai Kilpinen, Master Blender at The Helsinki Distilling Company, Dan Koskinen, Head of Hospitality Division at Helsinki Vocational College, Johanna Laisaari, Deputy Mayor of Helsinki, Tom Nylund, journalist and content provider, Heli Saavalainen, journalist at Helsingin Sanomat, Anu Syrmä, Brand, Marketing and Communications Director at Helsinki Partners, Pasi Tuomiranta, Product Development Manager at Palmia Foods, and Harri Veckman, Food Development Manager at Kespro. The results of the Baltic herring jury will be communicated on 6 October.

Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is open at the Square from Sunday 6 to Saturday 12 October 2024. The stalls will be open from 9 am to 7 pm from Sunday to Friday and from 9 am to 4 pm on Saturday.

As part of Helsinki’s food year 2024, this event is a highlight of the city’s autumn season. Following the conclusion of the Baltic Herring Market, the Square will continue its celebrations with the 37th Traditional Sailing Ship Day on Sunday, October 13, adding another layer of maritime charm to this festive period.

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