Baltic Sea Day 28 August 2025: Research vessel Aranda's open day in Helsinki
Aranda open day, Pier of Pakkahuoneenlaituri
On Baltic Sea Day, Thursday 28 August 2025, from 12.00 to 19.00 (visiting time on board ends at 19:30), the public will have the opportunity to explore the research vessel Aranda. Experts from the Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), the Meteorological Institute, and Natural Resources Institute (Luke) will be on hand to answer questions about the Baltic Sea and marine research. Guides from Harakka Nature Centre will also share insights into the sea’s tiny organisms. Aranda is a versatile vessel designed for multidisciplinary marine research. In addition to the Baltic Sea, it has been used for studies in the North Atlantic and southern hemisphere seas.
Next to Aranda at Pier of Pakkahuoneenlaituri, you’ll also find the diving support vessel DSV Stella, the rescue cruiser Jenny Wihuri, and the Carbon Neutral Port tent.
Kansalaistori Square
At the Baltic Sea Festival tent village in the Kansalaistori Square, many organisations will showcase their work for the benefit of the Baltic Sea with activities available for all ages. You can listen to fascinating stories about shipwrecks resting on the seabed and about the origins of water-related sayings. There will also be interviews on maritime themes and fun games for everyone. Experts from the Finnish Environment Institute will offer insights into mapping the Baltic Sea’s underwater life and ongoing research projects. Syke and Rotary will guide visitors in environmental observation activities such as cyanobacteria monitoring, water quality measurements, and mapping marine litter. Information will also be shared about international environmental networks and activities like the Herring rowing and Hike event, which everyone can join.
Aranda Open Day, Pier of Pakkahuoneenlaituri
Finnish Environment Institute (Syke), Finnish Meteorological Institute, Natural Resources Institute Finland, Harakka Nature Center
Location: Pier of Pakkahuoneenlaituri, South Harbour, Eteläranta 7, 00130 Helsinki
Time: Open Ship 12.00-19.00 (Please note: visiting time on board ends at 19.30)
Admission: Free
Accessibility: The research vessel is not accessible for people with reduced mobility. Children are welcome with a supervising adult. However, carrying infants on board is not recommended. For safety reasons, Aranda does not accept kindergarten groups or other groups of children.
Visitors should be prepared to wait before boarding, as the number of people allowed on board at one time is limited.
Contact: Mika Raateoja, +358 295 251 536, firstname.lastname(at)syke.fi
Kansalaistori Square
Location: Kansalaistori Square, Alvar Aallon kuja 1, 00100 Helsinki
Time: 12.00–19.00
Admission: Free
Accessibility: The event is accessible and suitable for visitors of all ages.
Contact: Oona Piiroinen, +358 50 434 4879, oona.piiroinen@jnfoundation.fi, John Nurminen Foundation
Baltic Sea Day, initiated and coordinated by the John Nurminen Foundation, is celebrated annually on the last Thursday of August with various events and activities. The aim of the theme day is to highlight important maritime topics and inspire concrete actions for the benefit of the Baltic Sea. In addition to celebration, the goal is to is to raise awareness of the sea’s nature, culture, and history. In 2025, Baltic Sea Day will be celebrated on 28 August.
#BalticSeaDay #Aranda #OceanDecade #Itämeripäivä #Östersjödagen