Timetable
Time zone: Europe/Helsinki
Join us for an unforgettable visit to Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm, located in the charming village of Panuma, just under an hour’s drive from Oulu. This two-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of reindeer husbandry and the beauty of Lapland’s nature.
Your adventure begins by meeting and feeding the reindeer in their natural habitat, followed by a traditional rikiajallu sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Afterward, warm up with homemade pastries, hot drinks, and refreshing wild berry juice prepared by the herder family. Half of the tour will be outside (1 hour) and the other half indoors (1 hour).
Enjoy an engaging story session with the family, complete with a slideshow illustrating the reindeer’s year-round life. Learn fascinating facts about reindeer care, seasonal migrations, and the cultural significance of these majestic animals. This is more than a visit—it’s an intimate glimpse into a way of life that has thrived for generations.
Only one group at a time to ensure a personal and authentic experience.
Come as guests, leave as friends—with memories of Lapland that will last a lifetime.
Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm is located in the village of Panuma in Pudasjärvi, under one hour drive from Oulu.
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum participants is 60, 2 groups of up to 30 participants per tour).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: Two scheduled tours; (first tour: bus leaves Oulu city center at 9:0011:00–13:00).
Duration: 4 hour per tour. Approximately 2 hours at the farm (plus transport time 1 hour one way).
Where: Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm, Panuma village, Pudasjärvi,https://www.poropanuma.com/
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions and comfortable shoes.
Join us for a unique Nordic experience—ice fishing on the Baltic Sea! This four-hour ice-fishing event on the Bothnian Bay, near the iconic Nallikari area, offers participants an opportunity to connect with the local environment, traditions, and community spirit beyond the conference halls. This activity is a hands-on introduction to Finland’s winter lifestyle and the aquatic ecosystems of the northern Baltic Sea. In addition to gaining personal ice-fishing experience and the chance to win memorable prizes, participants will learn about local fish species, safe ice practices, and traditional fishing methods under the guidance of experienced local anglers and scientists. While enjoying the serene beauty of the frozen landscape, you will gain insights into how fishing traditions reflect the close relationship between people and nature in northern Finland.
All necessary equipment will be provided, and no prior experience is required. Warm drinks and light local lunch will be available to keep you comfortable on the ice. Please bring warm, windproof clothing and safe, comfortable footwear.
Come discover how science, culture, and nature come together in one of Oulu’s most memorable winter settings!
Who can join: recommendation of 12 years old and up (maximum 30 participants)
Cost: see sign-up form
When: Monday March 2nd, 9:00-13:00
Duration: 4 hours
Where: Nallikari beach, https://visitoulu.fi/en/product/nallikari-pohjolan-riviera/
What to bring: Very warm and wind-proof clothes: gloves, hat scarf, winter boots, jacket, snow trousers, leggings.
Toppila pulp-mill silo (1931–1985) excursion
The Toppila Silo is architects Alvar and Aino Aalto’s first industrial site, one of the remaining buildings of the Toppila cellulose factory, commissioned in 1929 and completed in 1931 for the production and storage of cellulose. After closure in 1985 the silo has been a controversial building. The combined effect of designating the silo as a heritage building and the insufficient resources and resourcefulness for finding meaningful use for the building has put it in a liminal state as a derelict building with special status for an extended period of time. In 2020 the silo was bought from the city of Oulu by Spain-based Factum Foundation which has new plans for revitalizing the silo as a future landmark of Oulu and as an active cultural center together with local community participation. Under the Factum Foundation the silo has already acted as stage for many interesting cultural events. On our visit we will be guided by the Project manager of the AaltoSiilo Ry Valentino Tignanelli, who will tell us about the history and the future plans of the silo.
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum number of participants is 20).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: Monday March 2nd, 9-13:00, Bus leaves Oulu city center at 9:00
Duration: 4 hour tour
Where: Alvar Aalto Siilo, https://aaltosiilo.com/en/What_is_AALTOSIILO
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions and comfortable shoes.
Join us for an unforgettable visit to Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm, located in the charming village of Panuma, just under an hour’s drive from Oulu. This two-hour experience offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the traditions of reindeer husbandry and the beauty of Lapland’s nature.
Your adventure begins by meeting and feeding the reindeer in their natural habitat, followed by a traditional rikiajallu sleigh ride through the snowy landscape. Afterward, warm up with homemade pastries, hot drinks, and refreshing wild berry juice prepared by the herder family. Half of the tour will be outside (1 hour) and the other half indoors (1 hour).
Enjoy an engaging story session with the family, complete with a slideshow illustrating the reindeer’s year-round life. Learn fascinating facts about reindeer care, seasonal migrations, and the cultural significance of these majestic animals. This is more than a visit—it’s an intimate glimpse into a way of life that has thrived for generations.
Only one group at a time to ensure a personal and authentic experience.
Come as guests, leave as friends—with memories of Lapland that will last a lifetime.
Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm is located in the village of Panuma in Pudasjärvi, under one hour drive from Oulu.
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum participants is 60, 2 groups of up to 30 participants per tour).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: Two scheduled tours; (first tour: bus leaves Oulu city center at 9:0011:00–13:00).
Duration: 4 hour per tour. Approximately 2 hours at the farm (plus transport time 1 hour one way).
Where: Poro-Panuma Reindeer Farm, Panuma village, Pudasjärvi, https://www.poropanuma.com/
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions and comfortable shoes.
We have reserved the sauna boat on two evenings during the conference entirely for ECSA guests. Koivuranta’s Sauna Boat is an adventure and an experience. Imagine a gently changing landscape, the picturesque Oulu River, the warmth of the sauna, and the freshness of the water. Eat and drink well, relax, and enjoy the company of friends. Sauna is a quintessential Finnish experience. Don’t miss out! There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase. Snacks include salty and sweet waffles and other snacks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum number of participants is 20 at a time per one and half hour slot).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: one and a half hour slots on Tuesday March 3rd, between 19:00-24:00 and Wednesday March 4th, between 16:00-24:00
Duration: 1.5 hour sauna turn
Where: Koivurannan sauna boat, https://koivurannansaunalautta.fi/
What to bring: bathing suit, towel, water bottle, and purchase method for snacks
Recharge your energy, breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and start your day inspired by the harmony of science and nature. Join us for a unique Arctic wellness experience with Snow Yoga: Sun Salutation in the Snow, taking place just in the middle of a busy schedule of the conference. As the northern sun begins to return after the long winter, we’ll greet the morning with mindful movements and deep breaths surrounded by the beauty of Finnish nature. It’s an invigorating yet grounding way to connect body, mind, and environment - a perfect balance to days filled with scientific sessions and discussions.
*If the weather conditions do not allow to do the activity outside, the activity may be moved indoors.
Who can join: All conference participants – no prior yoga experience needed (space ulimited)
Cost: free
When: Tuesday March 3rd, Wednesday March 4th, and Thursday March 5th, 8:15-8:35
Duration: 20 minutes
Where: Botanical Garden of University of Oulu, just steps from the conference venue, https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/botanical-garden/visit-garden
What to bring: Warm layered clothing, gloves, and a smile
Join us for an inspiring afternoon in the snow-covered boreal forest! This guided nature walk offers a unique opportunity to experience the magic of winter ecology while contributing to citizen science. Led by biologists, a 2-hour walk will take us through the scenic Sanginjoki Nature Reserve, a protected forest threaded by rivers and rich with wildlife. Together, we’ll learn to identify animal tracks in the snow, observe wintering birds, and uncover the clever adaptations that allow plants, animals, and fungi to thrive even during the frozen season. All observations will be recorded in iNaturalist as part of the Winter Bioblitz, helping build a snapshot of biodiversity in wintertime. After the walk, we’ll gather around a warm fire for light snacks and time for free exploration. Binoculars, magnifying lenses, and identification guides will be provided, just bring warm clothes and a smartphone to record your observations of the day. This excursion is open to all participants, no previous experience needed. The walk is ~5km, on an easy and accessible trail. Places are limited to 30 people, so register early to secure your spot!
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum number of participants is 30).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: Wednesday March 4th, 13:00–17:00 (departure from the University)
Where: Sanginjoki Nature Reserve (30 min drive)
Duration: 2 hour walk plus transport time by bus
Where: Sanginjoki Nature area,
What to bring: Warm outdoor clothing suitable for winter conditions and comfortable shoes.
We have reserved the sauna boat on two evenings during the conference entirely for ECSA guests. Koivuranta’s Sauna Boat is an adventure and an experience. Imagine a gently changing landscape, the picturesque Oulu River, the warmth of the sauna, and the freshness of the water. Eat and drink well, relax, and enjoy the company of friends. Sauna is a quintessential Finnish experience. Don’t miss out! There will be snacks and drinks available for purchase. Snacks include salty and sweet waffles and other snacks, and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks are available.
Who can join: All ages welcome (maximum number of participants is 20 at a time per one and half hour slot).
Cost: See sign-up form.
When: one and a half hour slots on Tuesday March 3rd, between 19:00-24:00 and Wednesday March 4th, between 16:00-24:00
Duration: 1.5 hour sauna turn
Where: Koivurannan sauna boat, https://koivurannansaunalautta.fi/
What to bring: bathing suit, towel, water bottle, and purchase method for snacks
Recharge your energy, breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and start your day inspired by the harmony of science and nature. Join us for a unique Arctic wellness experience with Snow Yoga: Sun Salutation in the Snow, taking place just in the middle of a busy schedule of the conference. As the northern sun begins to return after the long winter, we’ll greet the morning with mindful movements and deep breaths surrounded by the beauty of Finnish nature. It’s an invigorating yet grounding way to connect body, mind, and environment - a perfect balance to days filled with scientific sessions and discussions.
*If the weather conditions do not allow to do the activity outside, the activity may be moved indoors.
Who can join: All conference participants – no prior yoga experience needed (space ulimited)
Cost: free
When: Tuesday March 3rd, Wednesday March 4th, and Thursday March 5th, 8:15-8:35
Duration: 20 minutes
Where: Botanical Garden of University of Oulu, just steps from the conference venue, https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/botanical-garden/visit-garden
What to bring: Warm layered clothing, gloves, and a smile
Recharge your energy, breathe in the crisp Arctic air, and start your day inspired by the harmony of science and nature. Join us for a unique Arctic wellness experience with Snow Yoga: Sun Salutation in the Snow, taking place just in the middle of a busy schedule of the conference. As the northern sun begins to return after the long winter, we’ll greet the morning with mindful movements and deep breaths surrounded by the beauty of Finnish nature. It’s an invigorating yet grounding way to connect body, mind, and environment - a perfect balance to days filled with scientific sessions and discussions.
*If the weather conditions do not allow to do the activity outside, the activity may be moved indoors.
Who can join: All conference participants – no prior yoga experience needed (space unlimited)
Cost: free
When: Tuesday March 3rd, Wednesday March 4th, and Thursday March 5th, 8:15-8:35
Duration: 20 minutes
Where: Botanical Garden of University of Oulu, just steps from the conference venue, https://www.oulu.fi/en/university/botanical-garden/visit-garden
What to bring: Warm layered clothing, gloves, and a smile
Citizen Science Festival:
Citizen Science Festival on March 6 (2026) at the shopping mall Valkea, downtown Oulu, from 17.00 to 20.00. Free and open to all.
The festival introduces the public to citizen science through interactive stations, where researchers from Oulu, Finland, and across Europe will present their work. Visitors can learn about different research topics and try hands-on activities. The program is designed for all age groups, including families with children, students, professionals, retirees, and tourists. The goal is to make science accessible and engaging for everyone. Participants will have the chance to explore ongoing projects, talk with researchers, and take part in simple experiments, aimed at encouraging curiosity and public involvement in scientific discovery. The evening concludes with a screening of citizen science films, highlighting stories from the projects and participants.