The opening ceremony will be in the
The welcome reception will be hosted by the City of Helsinki and takes place directly after the opening ceremony in
The conference dinner on Thursday will take place at
As part of the conference program, on Wednesday afternoon the participants are invited to join one of our exciting excursions showcasing the best of Helsinki. Each option provides a unique way to experience Helsinki’s culture and atmosphere while enjoying time with fellow participants. You can choose between a variety of different excursions.
See descriptions of all excursions in the menu below. Changes may occur.
Kuusijärvi is home to traditional smoke saunas, offering a unique opportunity to experience Finnish sauna culture in its purest form.
Relax in the peaceful surroundings of Kuusijärvi, where you can alternate between the toasty warmth of the sauna and refreshing dips in the lake.
What to wear: Swimsuit, towel, and weather-appropriate clothing.
Accessibility: Limited accessibility; natural terrain and facilities may not be fully accessible. Swimming ability is required if you plan to swim.
Kuusijärvi offers a variety of outdoor activities, including scenic hiking trails, swimming areas, and opportunities for picnics by the lake.
Explore the beautiful natural environment, take a swim in the clear waters, or enjoy the tranquil atmosphere. Family friendly location. We ask parents to supervise their children in the outdoor activities, especially at the beach.
What to wear: Comfortable outdoor clothing and sturdy shoes suitable for the weather, swimming suit and towel
Accessibility: Partially accessible; terrain may be uneven. Swimming ability is required if you plan to swim.
The National Library of Finland is the oldest and largest scientific library in the country. We are a cultural heritage organisation that is open to all and provide nationwide services to citizens, scientific communities and other societal operators. We secure the availability of cultural heritage published in Finland or relating to Finland as well as transmit and produce information content for research, studies, citizens and the society.
The tour at the library concentrates on its history, collections and services, as well as the architecture of what might well be the most beautiful public space in Finland. The library was taken into use 180 years ago, so the accessibility of spaces to visit may be slightly less than optimal. Please respect the library's quiet environment during your visit.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing.
Accessibility: Limited; older building and some areas may be less accessible.
Unwind like a local on our floating wood-fired sauna in Mustikkamaa pier/ Helsinki’s archipelago.(Mustikkamaantie 2) Your private two-hour session includes a toasty sauna, refreshing sea dips and a relaxed lounge deck with island/city views. Our crew takes care of heating and safety so you can simply enjoy.
What to bring
Swimsuit. Shower is the traditional Finnish cottage style: you mix hot water from the sauna’s wood-heated kettle with cold fresh water and pour it over yourself. We will provide towels.
What to wear: Swimsuit; casual, weather-appropriate clothing.
Accessibility: Limited; access may involve steps and moving between areas. Swimming ability is required if you plan to swim.
Church boat rowing has its origins in the Lake District of Finland, where waterways once separated villages and churches. To reach Sunday service, entire communities rowed across the lakes in large wooden boats – hence the name church boat. We warmly invite you to try out this unique Finnish sport! Church boat rowing brings you close to water and nature, creates a strong sense of team spirit, and offers an energizing workout.
Wear practical sportswear and sneakers (no loose or long items). Bring water and sun protection; keep phone waterproof. No facilities on site. Not suitable for reduced mobility or late pregnancy.
What to wear: Practical sportswear and sneakers (no loose or long items). Bring water and sun protection; keep phone waterproof.
Accessibility: Not suitable for reduced mobility or late pregnancy.
Be inspired by the highlights of the exhibition centre of Helsinki University Museum Flame!
This concise tour introduces the most interesting content and the treasures of the exhibitions. At the Passion for Knowledge exhibition, you will learn how the University has affected the lives of all of us, gaining an overview of its significance, history and people. The Angeloscope exhibition unites scholarship and art by weaving together people’s conceptions of angels and Hanne Kiiveri’s photographic art.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing.
Accessibility: Accessible.
Dive into the fascinating history of the Observatory and the wonders of space! The guide will take you on a tour to the world of astronomy and the eventful history of the Observatory, completed in 1834, in the dusky atmosphere of the old observation room. You will have the chance to climb one of the observation towers and visit the atmospheric planetarium. In the planetarium, we will examine the stars in the northern sky above us and the movement of the stars in the night sky.
The tour is only partially accessible. The towers and the planetarium are accessible by stairs. The towers are unheated facilities, and the route to the planetarium is outdoors.
What to wear: Comfortable clothing; warm layers recommended.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; stairs required and some areas unheated.
In need of green therapy? Kaisaniemi Botanic Garden offers unique plant experiences throughout the year. On the tour, we will visit different parts of the outdoor garden, e.g. the Moss Garden, the Lichen Garden and the Garden of senses. You will hear about the core functions of the botanic garden and learn about its historical buildings. In addition, we will admire some of the seasonal flowers.
The tour is accessible, and it covers approximately 400 meters. Please remember to dress according to the weather.
What to wear: Weather-appropriate clothing and comfortable walking shoes.
Accessibility: Accessible.
The Ateneum is Finland’s most renowned art museum. The collection spans from the 18th century to Modernism. In total, the collection includes nearly 30,000 national treasures.
This guided tour, led by an Ateneum guide, introduces you to the collection exhibition A Question of Time. The exhibition offers a fresh look at Finland’s oldest and most extensive art collection and its formation. The exhibition and its themes, The Age of Nature, Images of a People, Modern Life, and Art and Power, contribute to the debate on current issues. Alongside the familiar classics, the exhibition also features less frequently displayed works.
All exhibition areas and services are accessible either by elevator or via gently sloped ramps.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing.
Accessibility: Fully accessible.
Kiasma is a museum of contemporary art in the centre of Helsinki. It is a place where people meet art and where everyone is welcome.
The tour covers highlights of current exhibitions and the museum building. See and learn about the hottest aspects of Kiasma right now.
All exhibition areas and services are accessible either by elevator or via gently sloped ramps.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing.
Accessibility: Fully accessible.
Welcome to Masis Brewery. We're a craft brewery located in the heart of Otaniemi. We offer a wide range of beers from lagers to IPAs and from sours to imperial stouts. The brewery tour and tasting will take place indoors at the production side. So normal indoor clothes are enough but you should wear closed shoes although the production is on hold during the tour and tasting. The tour is mainly accessible with a wheelchair but the tasting will take place at the second level of our brewery so there is no access with a wheelchair.
What to wear: Normal indoor clothing; closed shoes required.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; tasting area not wheelchair accessible.
Seurasaari Open-Air Museum, which opened in 1909, is a place for visitors of all ages. When you arrive on the island, you are immediately transported to a rural landscape from the olden days, far away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Take a peek at life in days of yore in smoke cabins, crofts and manors, participate in a guided tour, have a closer look at the renovated parsonage and its garden, and immerse yourself in history with a hands-on approach. Cafe.
Most outdoor areas are accessible by wheelchair, but high thresholds, stairs, and low lighting inside some buildings may cause difficulties. Visitors using a manual wheelchair are advised to bring a personal assistant; assistants are admitted free of charge.
What to wear: Comfortable outdoor clothing and walking shoes.
Accessibility: Partially accessible; some buildings have stairs and thresholds.
Heureka in Vantaa is a hands-on science centre where visitors of all ages can explore interactive exhibitions, experiment with scientific phenomena, and enjoy planetarium films and science shows. It presents science and technology in an engaging, playful way and attracts nearly 300,000 visitors annually. Family friendly location, popular among children.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing.
Accessibility: Accessible.
Explore Helsinki’s most iconic sights comfortably by bus, guided by professional Helsinki guide. The tour covers historic districts such as Kruununhaka, Kaivopuisto and Eira, as well as major landmarks including the Presidential Palace, City Hall, Parliament House, Oodi Library, the Music Centre, Finlandia Hall and the Opera House. A short photo stop is included at the Sibelius Monument.
What to wear: Light layers for summer and comfortable shoes. Even in July, weather can change quickly.
Good to know: The coach does not have a restroom.
Accessibility: Boarding requires steps. The coach is not accessible for wheelchair users.
What to wear: Light layers and comfortable shoes.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; steps required.
Discover the neoclassical city centre designed by architect Engel. The route includes the University’s main building, the Government Palace, Helsinki Cathedral and the statue of Alexander II. You will also see the Bank of Finland, the House of the Estates, the House of Nobility and the President’s Palace before finishing on the charming museum street Sofiankatu.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and light summer layers.
Accessibility: The route includes uneven surfaces and cobblestones. It may be challenging for participants with limited mobility and is not accessible for wheelchair users.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and light layers.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; uneven surfaces.
Experience Helsinki from the water and enjoy the stunning silhouette of the city against the Baltic Sea. This private cruise passes the cruise ship harbour, the historic Kaivopuisto shoreline, the island fortress of Suomenlinna and the Katajanokka icebreakers resting for the summer season. Relax indoors in the cosy café-bar or admire the views from the spacious sun deck.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes are recommended. Otherwise, normal casual clothing (similar to what you would wear in a restaurant) is suitable. The boat has both air conditioning and heating, but please note that the sun deck can be cooler even in July, so an extra layer is recommended when spending time outdoors.
Accessibility: There are steps when boarding and inside the boat. The boat is not accessible for wheelchair users.
What to wear: Comfortable shoes; casual clothing and an extra layer.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; steps required.
Join your guide for a journey to Suomenlinna, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Finland’s most fascinating historic attractions. After a short waterbus ride, explore the fortress’s eventful past and vibrant present. Highlights include the Great Courtyard of Susisaari and the historic dry dock—once the largest in the world. After the 1.5-hour guided walk, you will have free time to explore on your own. The guide remains available throughout.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and light layers. Suomenlinna can be windy even in summer.
Accessibility: The Suomenlinna Sea Fortress has uneven surfaces, cobblestones and hilly sections. Suomenlinna tour is not accessible for wheelchair users.
What to wear: Comfortable walking shoes and light layers.
Accessibility: Not wheelchair accessible; uneven terrain.
Enjoy a compact introduction to the world of Fazer, one of Finland’s most iconic and beloved brands. At the Fazer Experience Visitor Centre, you’ll get an overview of the company’s history and its role in Finnish food culture. The visit includes a guided tour with tastings and each participant will receive a complimentary gift bag. There is also a short opportunity to browse the shop’s wide assortment of chocolates, sweets and baked goods — perfect for bringing home a small souvenir from Finland.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing and light outerwear for transfers.
Good to know: Transfers are by bus, and the bus does not have a restroom.
Accessibility: Boarding the bus requires steps, and the coach is not accessible for wheelchair users. The Fazer visitor centre itself is fully accessible.
What to wear: Comfortable indoor clothing and light outerwear.
Accessibility: Visitor centre accessible; transport not wheelchair accessible.