Herring Fair, Market Square, South Harbour, 00170 Helsinki, Finland - Visit by rail

Herring Fair

Once a year Helsinki pays tribute to one of its most beloved foods: herring.

Once a year Helsinki pays tribute to one of its most beloved foods: herring, which Finnish people love to eat pickled, salted, on rye bread, with mashed potato, with berries or sweet mustard. You’ll be able to sample all these varieties at this fair, where you’ll find stalls and larger tents where you can sit down to enjoy your herring-based lunch. Helpfully, there are stalls selling thick wool clothing as it tends to get very chilly in October. The fair is the longest running event in Helsinki, as it dates back to 1743.

The Market Square, Cholera Basin and Lyypekinlaituri areas of Helsinki are all filled with fishermen, herring delicacies, music, and a family-friendly program.

The market fair is open early morning until early evening for a whole week, typically 7am–7pm, with an earlier finish on the final day only.

Map and hotels near Herring Fair

Gallery Pictures

Getting to Herring Fair by train

The railway station in Helsinki is located in the city centre with most areas being accessible on foot from there. To get to the port area you can travel on foot (it's only approx 0,5km), but also by taxi or on public transport; the tram leaves from the station itself. Head to Senaatintori on Tram 5, from where the walk is cut to approx 300 metres.

There is also a small bicycle parking area near the Suomenlinna ferry kiosk, whilst the nearest bike station is just by Havis Amanda plaza.

Nearest Train Stations to Herring Fair

Visitor information table