EUROPARC Conference

Picture by Miika Kangasniemi; Hameenlinnan kaupunki

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The EUROPARC Conference happens face to face every two years and is the most prominent event for those working in Europe’s Protected Areas and Natura 2000 sites. In 2027, the EUROPARC Conference will take place in Hämeenlinna, Finland, from 28 September to 1 October 2027.

EUROPARC Conference 2027 – Welcome to Finland!

Nature’s Game Changers – Protected Areas leading the way

We are delighted to announce that the EUROPARC Conference 2027 will take place in Hämeenlinna, Finland, from 28 September to 1 October 2027, generously hosted by Metsähallitus Parks and Wildlife Finland and the City of Hämeenlinna.

Surrounded by forests, lakes and Protected Areas, Hämeenlinna provides an inspiring setting for conservation professionals, policy-makers, researchers and partners from across Europe to explore how Protected Areas can lead the transformative change required to tackle biodiversity loss and climate challenges.

Conference Theme

Nature’s Game Changers – Protected Areas leading the way

Across Europe, Protected Areas are developing practical solutions for nature and people. The Conference will focus on four key questions:

What needs to change?
What changes the game?
Who makes it happen?
How do we ‘scale up’?

Including inspiring examples from Finland and across Europe, participants will explore how knowledge, innovation, restoration, community engagement and partnerships can create lasting impacts that benefit biodiversity.

Picture by Vesa Nikkanen, Torronsuo National Park

Special attention will be given to ecological restoration, Protected Area networks, biodiversity financing, marine conservation and successful collaboration between conservation professionals and local communities.

Explore Finland’s Nature

Our field trips offer a choice of guided visits showcasing Finland’s natural and cultural heritage.

Participants can explore forests, wetlands, geological landmarks and cultural landscapes in destinations such as Aulanko Nature Reserve, Evo Hiking Area, Liesjärvi and Torronsuo National Parks, Päijänne National Park and Salpausselkä UNESCO Global Geopark.

Various excursions will also highlight practical conservation work carried out through two major LIFE projects:

Priodiversity LIFE – Finland’s largest biodiversity project, bringing together partners across society to halt biodiversity loss.
Biodiversea LIFE IP – a large-scale initiative strengthening the protection and sustainable use of the Baltic Sea’s valuable marine ecosystems.

Discover Hämeenlinna

Located in Southern Finland, Hämeenlinna is a vibrant lakeside city known for its historic castle, beautiful nature and excellent accessibility. Just one hour by train from Helsinki and approximately 1.5 hours from Helsinki Airport, Hämeenlinna is an ideal gateway to both Finnish nature and culture.

Picture by Miika Kangasniemi, Hameenlinnan kaupunki

Getting to Finland and Hämeenlinna

Travelling to the conference is easy and convenient.

By Rail

Helsinki Central Station – Hämeenlinna: approximately 1 hour
Helsinki Airport – Hämeenlinna: approximately 1.5 hours

By Ferry

Regular ferry connections link Helsinki with:

Tallinn, Estonia
Stockholm, Sweden

By Air

Most European capitals offer direct flights to Helsinki Airport (HEL). From the airport, Hämeenlinna can be reached by train in approximately 1.5 hours.

We encourage participants to choose sustainable travel options whenever possible by combining rail and ferry connections. Alternatively, you may wish to journey by bike … let’s be open-minded!

Meet the Star of the Conference Logo

You may have already noticed the Saimaa ringed seal featured in the Conference logo. This ice-loving seal is one of the world’s rarest and most endangered seal species and can be found only in Lake Saimaa, Finland’s largest lake.

The Saimaa ringed seal has become a symbol of successful conservation through cooperation between Protected Areas, researchers, local communities, volunteers and businesses. During the Conference, participants will learn more about the innovative conservation efforts helping to secure the future of this unique species.

See you in Finland!

Join us in Hämeenlinna in the golden colours of the Nordic autumn and discover how Protected Areas are becoming true game changers for biodiversity, climate resilience and human well-being. Registration will open in 2027 – for now: save the date!

First time in a Finnish sauna? No worries! We’ll send every participant a Finnish Sauna Survival Guide before the Conference, so you’ll be ready to enjoy one of Finland’s most beloved traditions.