Helsinki Baltic Herring Market, which officially kicks off the autumn season in Helsinki, brings flavours of the sea and the archipelago to the heart of the city. The market will feature Finnish fish and archipelago products – to eat on site or take away – as well as a traditional market atmosphere that has attracted locals and tourists alike for decades. On the opening day of the market, the Baltic herring jury will award the best products of the year, which have traditionally become hit products that sell out quickly.
Fishers from throughout Finland, including old favourites of visitors to the market
This year will see more than 10 fishers moor their boats at the Market Square quay, and nearly 30 fishers and archipelago food delicacy operators will set up stall at the market sales points. Many of the market visitors' favourite vendors from throughout Finland will once again be at the market, and favourite products available once a year will soon sell out.
The majestic creators of the maritime milieu, the traditional heritage sailing ships Valborg, Vivan and Albanus, will serve fish delicacies to be eaten aboard in an atmospheric setting. At the market stalls, visitors will be able to enjoy salmon and herring soup, freshly smoked and glow-fried fish, lampreys, savoury fish doughnuts, fish salads, as well as microbrewery beers and other refreshments. In addition, the market will have on sale many kinds of pickled fish, fish patties and mousses, skagen shrimp salad, cucumber salads, pickled, lactic acid, sea buckthorn, apple and honey products, pies, doughnuts, breads and rösti waffles.
Responsibility and sustainable choices for the Baltic Sea
Protection of the Baltic Sea and support for sustainable fishing are at the heart of Helsinki Baltic Herring Market. Buying local fish directly from fishers supports not only their livelihoods, but also the wellbeing of our sea. The market aims to enable eco-friendly activities both for sellers and visitors alike.
“The sea and a maritime atmosphere is an integral part of the identity of Helsinki and its residents. The Baltic Sea provides Helsinki residents with a place for recreation and to engage in livelihoods and leisure activities. The Baltic Herring Market is a fine event that combines great maritime market trading, a fun market atmosphere and the message of protecting the Baltic Sea. For me, the Baltic Herring Market is definitely an annual tradition,” says Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov.
Best products of the market awarded on the opening day
Helsinki Mayor Daniel Sazonov will open Helsinki Baltic Herring Market from the deck of the sailing ship Valborg at 10am on Sunday 5 October. At 12 noon, visitors will be able to watch the finish of the Baltic herring row and hike in front of the Lyypekinlaituri quay, accompanied by Helsinki Finnish Club brass band, and Seija Vesterinen will perform maritime accordion music throughout the day. On Thursday 9 October, early childhood education groups in Helsinki will be invited to a secret Baltic herring orienteering event.
The Baltic herring jury’s prizes – Herring Surprise of the Year and Pickled Fish of the Year – will be handed out at 4pm on the deck of the sailing ship Valborg. On this year’s jury choosing the best Baltic herring products are Miitta Sorvali, actor, Eino Missi, member of the Youth Council, Peter af Björksten, sous chef at Finland’s Swedish Food Academy, Maarit Vierunen, Deputy Mayor for Social Services, Health Care and Rescue Services in Helsinki, Antto Melasniemi, chef-restaurateur and musician, Kia Arpia and Petra Wettenranta, food influencers, Sandra Mellgren from the Swedish-speaking Martha Association in Finland, Lennart Petterson, Project Director at the City of Helsinki and restaurateur Mikko Leisti. This year’s jury also has a surprise member – a huge fan of Baltic herring foods, whose identity will not be revealed until the opening day of the market. The results of the Baltic herring jury will be announced on the opening day of the market.
Helsinki Baltic Herring Market is open at the Market Square from Sunday 5 to Saturday 11 October 2025. The stalls will be open from 9am to 7pm from Sunday to Friday and from 9am to 4pm on Saturday. After the Baltic Herring Market on Sunday 12 October, the Market Square will host the 38th traditional Sailing Ship Day.