Helsinki's Baltic Herring Fair

Cozy scene along the waterfront at the Helsinki Baltic Herring Market

Every year, on the first Sunday in October, colorful fishing boats from around the Finnish archipelago make their way to Helsinki and set anchor in the harbor just off the market square. This is an event that dates back to 1743 when Finland was still under Swedish rule. The King of Sweden at the time, Frederick I, gave Helsinki the right to organize the Mikkeli Fair every Fall. It is now known as the Helsinki Baltic Herring Fair (Silikkamarkkinat in Finnish).

This friendly couple was selling the best Herring Steaks, and alot of other tasty snacks as well

Here is what they had for sale

These were so delicious, we went back for more. Twice. Two days in a row.

The misty fog enhanced the whole scene

This friendly chap had a variety of herring for sell, including the very spicy "Devil's Herring"

Saaristoleipä (Archipelago Bread) was a hot item at the market

The Perho students did a great job with their menu

This Herring Tartar was perfect.

A view toward Helsinki across the bay with the fishing boats

Beautiful scene

Ferry coming through the fog toward Helsinki from Suomenlinna

so picturesque

The Herring boats, all lined up

Salmon soup and archipelago bread available here

Gorgeous winter apples

The opening day includes cooking displays by local chefs, musical performances, the selection of the most beautiful fishing boat, competitions on filleting herring, and a rowing competition. And then there is, of course, my favorite part, which is sampling the different products for sale at the festival.

We went twice, on Thursday and Friday evening. The weather was beautiful, with the fog and dampness lending a mystical, magical feeling to the market. On display and for sale where herring in many forms: mostly pickled, with mustard, with bilberries, with ginger or garlic. There were herring "steaks" - filleted herrings flattened out, a pile of dill or sautéed onion or leek placed on top of one, another herring placed on top, and the whole thing rolled in rye flour and pan-fried in butter. These are absolutely delicious straight off the hot grill. There was herring tartar with Saaristoleipä (Archipelago Bread) from Perho - one of our favorite dishes, and then there where the Herring Steaks, cold-smoked pike sandwiches, and other incredible delicacies served from the back of a boat by a smiling, middle-aged couple, selling for the very reasonable sum of €1 each. We then wandered down to a much larger fish, where we enjoyed a steaming bowl of salmon soup and some of the crunchiest apples I've had all season.

If you happen to be in Helsinki in early October, wander down to the market square and sample the flavors at the Baltic Herring Fair. It will tantalize your senses.