Long Live the Baltic Sea - Honouring Wetlands

Baltic herring rowing and hiking for the Baltic Sea 

Improving the condition of the Baltic Sea and the waterways flowing into it is important for the well-being of both nature and humans. Wetlands will be of great importance in the future, as the amount of precipitation will increase due to climate change. The leaching of nutrients and solids into the Baltic Sea will increase significantly. Wetlands are areas that effectively slow down this flow. Curbing the eutrophication of the Baltic Sea also increases biodiversity, as wetlands provide habitats for numerous plant and animal species. Waterfowl are particularly beneficial.

HERRING ROWING AND HERRING HIKE is Finland's largest public Rotary event - and in the middle of Helsinki. Silakkasoutu and -patikka will this year expand its focus from the Baltic Sea to inland water protection. The proceeds from the event will be donated to WWF Finland’s work on wetland construction. Wetlands play a crucial role in combating eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and in safeguarding biodiversity.

The event, intended for Rotary clubs, communities and companies, will be held in Helsinki on the first Sunday of the Baltic Herring Market, 4 October 2026.

The event includes rowing church boats from Kaisaniemi Bay to the MarinaBay Katajanokka or hiking a similar distance along the shores.

The outdoor day culminates in a joint herring lunch and a seminar where Baltic Sea experts talked about the state of our sea.

The Rotarians' charity event is being held for the 14th time! The proceeds from rowing and hiking will be donated to an organisation that works for the benefit of the Baltic Sea. The Baltic Herring Rowing has been organised since 2013 and has raised about 100,000 euros for Baltic Sea work.

Join us in rowing for a cleaner Baltic Sea!

Rotarians invite all people, companies and communities to a relaxed and sporty recreational event! In the herring rowing, the team spirit is strengthened while we work together for a better state of the Baltic Sea.

The event is open to all Rotary clubs and other organizations and companies. There are different ways to participate in the event:

  • rowing a church boat

  • hiking along the shores along the rowing route

  • by sponsoring the event and donating funds for the Baltic Sea

  • by participating in the arrangements of the event.

News

Long Live the Baltic Sea – Wetlands Matter

The Rotary clubs in Helsinki organize the Silakkasoutu (Baltic Herring Rowing Event) every year on the first Sunday of October, coinciding with the opening of the Baltic Herring Market. This year marks the 14th Silakkasoutu.

Each year, a theme related to the state of the Baltic Sea is highlighted for participants. This year’s theme is wetlands.

What exactly are wetlands, and why are they important?

Elagu Läänemeri – Märgalad au sisse

Rotary klubid korraldavad Helsingis igal aastal Silakkasoutu (Silgusõudmise) ürituse oktoobri esimesel pühapäeval, samaaegselt Silakkaturu avamisega. Tänavu toimub Silakkasoutu juba neljateistkümnendat korda.

Igal aastal tuuakse esile teema, millest osalejatel oleks hea teada Läänemere seisundi mõistmiseks. Selle aasta teemaks on märgalad.

Mis on märgalad ja miks need on olulised?

Mayor of Helsinki Daniel Sazonov appointed as patron of Baltic herring rowing in 2026

"The Baltic Sea is an inseparable part of Helsinki, the everyday life and identity of Helsinki residents. The marine nature, the Baltic Sea archipelago and the seashores are beloved places for recreation by the people of Helsinki, and we want to protect and cherish them. It is therefore our shared responsibility to ensure that the Baltic Sea remains clean and vibrant in the future as well," says Mayor Daniel Sazonov.

Registration for the Herring Rowing Event Is Open!

Now is the time to gather your teams and grab the oars! The traditional charity event, the Herring Rowing and Herring Hike event, will take place on Sunday, 4 October 2026. Join us to do good and enjoy a wonderful atmosphere in the beautiful maritime scenery of Helsinki.

Oars in the Water for the Baltic Sea and Wetlands – Silakkasoutu Raises Funds for WWF Finland’s Wetland Work

The traditional charity event Silakkasoutu and -patikka, held in Helsinki, will this year expand its focus from the Baltic Sea to inland water protection. The proceeds from the event will be donated to WWF Finland’s work on wetland construction. Wetlands play a crucial role in combating eutrophication in the Baltic Sea and in safeguarding biodiversity.

Follow us and the preparations for the event

Facebook @silakkasoutu , Instagram @silakkasoutu_fi , or LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/company/silakkasoutu