NORTH & BALTIC REGIONAL CONGRESS 2025: FROM ICE TO LIFE

5 May from 08:00 to 9 May from 17:00 Europe/Helsinki
How many Days until NBRC 2025?
Introduction
It has been seven years since the last regional congress was held in Finland, and we are thrilled to invite you, dear Egeans, to NBRC 2025! Finland, a nation of 5.6 million, is celebrated for its happiness, design, and distinct four seasons. During the congress, nature will awaken from its winter slumber, offering a chance to welcome the sun and enjoy the arrival of spring while immersing yourself in Finnish culture and enjoying the company of other Egeans.
The congress is organized by EGEA Helsinki, EGEA Turku and EGEA Oulu
- Participant fee: 139,80€
- Available spots: 81
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About the Theme
The theme of the congress is the impact of the Ice Age on Finland. Almost every part of the country has been shaped by the massive ice sheets or meltwaters of the Weichselian glaciation. These forces created Finland’s unique landscape and still have an effect today: even 10,000 years later, land uplift is adding about 7 square kilometers to Finland’s area each year.
Modern Finnish life is built on this Ice Age legacy. Ridges form natural bridges over lakes, land uplift creates fertile fields for farming, and moraine soil filters some of the world’s cleanest drinking water. The retreating glaciers also gave us 180,000 lakes, making water a central part of our daily life, economy, and culture. The traces of the Ice Age remain vital today and will continue to shape Finland for generations to come.
Are you ready to explore the ice age’s impact on the society, environment and scenery?
Accomodation
Picture credits: Alex Inkiläinen. See more pictures here!
Kiljavan Leirikeskus (Kiljava camping center) is located in the heart of beautiful Finnish nature, offering a peaceful congress venue. Surrounded by lush forests and set near the serene waters of Lake Märkiö, the area provides a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. The natural landscape invites all egeans to unwind and connect with Finnish nature.
The venue itself is beautifully balanced with nature, and our accommodation building, named Kassu, offers facilities for 75 participants in bunk beds within cozy 4–6-person compartments. The accomodation doesn’t provide pillows or plankets, so mind that you need to bring your own sleeping bag, pillow and bed sheet! The venue offers 13 indoor toilets, with two accessible toilets located in the basement and on the first floor. There is one smaller sauna in the basement that comfortably seats 12, while the lakeside sauna has a shared electric sauna with space for 20 people. There are two separate dressing and shower rooms which provide an opportunity to go to the sauna together.
Our wonderful kitchen team, which consists of eight amazing egeans, is eager to serve you healthy, delicious, vegetarian or vegan meals made from local ingredients.
Kiljavan Leirikeskus is a perfect blend of practicality, comfort, and a connection to nature. The lakeside area is particularly inviting and offers possibilities for swimming or canoeing etc. The grounds are spacious and offer plenty of room for outdoor games by the water and woods. With its combination of modern amenities, thoughtful design, and breathtaking surroundings, Kiljavan leirikeskus is a perfect location for NBRC 2025 and we warmly welcome you all to enjoy your time with us.
We are organizing a group transportation from Helsinki to the scout center and back!
Programme

Workshops
We are having five amazing workshops lead by eight wonderful egeans around Europe! Here you can learn about our workshop topics and leaders.
1. Mobile big data in studying human-nature interactions
Topic:
How do people use national parks? What activities do they prefer? How do they move around? In this workshop we will use mobile big data sources derived from social media and activity tracking platforms to study human-nature interactions in Finnish national parks! We will use open source tools such as QGIS and Python. We will keep it simple so don’t worry if you don’t have much prior experience with these!
The leaders of this workshop:
Eliška: My name is Eliška and I was born and raised in Prague. I specialize in geoinformatics and I enjoy programming. I’m looking forward to exploring the Finnish nature and culture, spending some quality time with other EGEAns and, of course, sauna!
Max: I’m Max from EGEA Jena. I’ve specialized in geoinformatics and remote sensing and am currently working on my master thesis in cooperation with the ETH Zürich. Social media geodata can reveal some interesting insights into human behaviour so I’m looking forward to exploring this data together with you. And like my co-leader I’m excited for some Finnish sauna nights!
2. Mapping of geomorphological features
Topic:
Finland’s unique landforms have been shaped by the Ice Age. In this workshop, first we will explore the glacigenic and glacifluvial processes that have shaped these landforms. We will look into existing data sets, exploring some of the most interesting geomorphological areas in Finland. After this we will visit some of these formations in the field and learn about how we can map them in more detail using field research methods.
The leaders of this workshop:
Mikko: I’m Mikko from EGEA Helsinki. I specialize in geoinformatics and just finished my thesis where I studied mountain biking with activity tracking data! I’m interested in all things related to GIS and I hope to use my skills in the future to improve outdoor recreation’s sustainability. In my free time I enjoy cycling, hiking and running long distances. As the science coordinator, I’m super excited about the workshops and training sessions of our congress. Just wish I could participate in all of them!
Aapo: I am Aapo from EGEA Helsinki. My speciality is physical geography, but I also have work experience with satellite positioning and remote sensing. I am currently working with my bachelor thesis about restorating rivers. I can’t wait to show you the amazing Finnish geomorphology and teach some mapping methods together with Mikko.
3. Exploration of Finnish Lakes
Topic:
Are you curious about the secrets of Finnish lakes and love being outdoors? In the Lake Hydrology Workshop, we will discover lake formations and ecosystems, collect water samples, and explore diverse aquatic environments. This hands-on experience is perfect for you if you are passionate about hydrology and fieldwork.
The leaders of this workshop:
We are Paweł and Eliina, a collaborative team from Kraków and Turku.
Eliina: I am from EGEA Turku. I specialize in physical geography, and am interested in water environments and monitoring changes happening in them. I’m really looking forward to giving some insight into Finnish nature, and meeting both new and old egeans.
Paweł: I come from Poland and I roll with the EGEA Kraków crew. I specialise in physical geography. Usually I work with hydrology and soil science teams but try not to limit myself to very narrow subjects. I look forward to spending some quality time outdoors, discovering the Finnish environment and hopefully meeting some other fieldwork enthusiasts.
4. Reindeers, Dog sledding and endless nightskies with the pole star and northern lights…
Topic:
The ideas and images we have about authentic experiences in northern Finland are endless and an invitation to dream of a simpler life in nature. Can reality confirm this dream? Join this workshop to learn about what authenticity has to do with tourism in northern Finland and get to know the role the Sami play as native inhabitants of the far north.
The leaders of this workshop:
Malte Rohrmoser: Hi I’m Malte, I am studying Geography in Osnabrück and I am currently finishing my Master of Education to become a teacher. Power Relations between stakeholders and cultural ownership fascinate me, which is why I’m looking forward to learning about these topics with y’all. Besides, I am realy looking forward to enjoy the finish Sauna during the NBRC.
Henrik Stein: Moin I’m Henrik and I am currently finishing my Masters Degree in Tourism and sutainable regional development and also work as a project manager in public transit. I had the opportunity to study northern tourism at the university of Oulu and the implications of cultural authenticity as well as general conflicts in the field of tourism interest me. I am happy to share the things I’ve learned and gather new insides. I am also realy looking forward for Sauna.
5. The significance of Finnish soil
Topic:
Finland’s landscape has been shaped by its glacial history, resulting in a diverse range of soil types that influence everything from forestry and agriculture to construction and environmental conservation. Understanding these soils is crucial for sustainable land use, economic growth, and climate resilience.
If you’re not afraid to get your hands dirty, join us in this workshop where we’ll be learning about different types of soil and soil management in Finland and its impact on agriculture, forestry, energy sector and country’s overall economy and environment.
The leaders of this workshop:
Barbara Kurtov: Hi! I’m Barbara and I’m currently finishing my Master’s in Physical Geography with Geoecology at the University of Zagreb. Although my focus of research is physical geography, I’m more interested in interdisciplinary approach when it comes to learning about the environment. What I’m looking forward the most on this year’s NBRC is the nature, the sauna (of course), Minttu and The Moomins! See ya!
Ognjen Ožegović: My name is Ognjen Ožegović and I live in Zagreb my whole life. Only time I moved is moving to another neighbourhood. My favourite field in Geography is Cultural Geography because I like to look for some meanings in landscape and because learning about different people’s cultures is also my hobby. Also, I love learning languages as much as I can. My other hobbies are reading (searching for knowledge), cycling and roller-skating. I’m looking forward to learn something more about physical geography and by that to sharpen my knowledge. I also want to say that I really appreciate time spent in nature or rural area what’s a big wish for literally every city resident, to be honest. That’s why I applied for this congress. See you in Finland!
Trainings
We are having four amazing training sessions organized by wonderful egeans around Europe! Here you can learn about our trainings and leaders.
1. Rights4All?
Topic:
Did you know that many young people face barriers to their basic rights—sometimes without even realizing it? In this interactive training, you’ll take part in a group task that simulates different conditions of participation. The activity creates space to experience collaboration and to reflect on how human rights can be limited in everyday situations.
Through guided discussion, we’ll connect the experience to real-world issues like discrimination and social inequality. You’ll also explore the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and develop small, practical ideas for how to stand up for equal rights in your own environment.
The leaders of this training:
India: I am a member of EGEA Marburg and I am in the Master’s program “Sustainable Development”. This is going to be my first congress and I am very excited to meet you all, have great time together and to learn something about Finland. I hope I will be able to give you something on the way with our training 😊
Nicole: I am from EGEA Marburg and I’m currently finishing my Master’s degree in English, philosophy and politics. While I don’t study geography or geology directly, I’m very interested in global topics and I’m committed to educating my students to become responsible global citizens. I am very excited to go to Finland because I look forward to get to know you and learn from each other. 🙂
2. Group Dynamics: A Role-Playing Adventure
Topic:
Did you know that every group—whether it’s your study team, a professional project, or your circle of friends—has both visible and invisible roles? And that these roles are given to people both on purpose and sometimes without anyone even realizing it? Understanding these dynamics is key to better collaboration and communication in any group setting.
Join us for an engaging awareness training that dives into how these roles are formed, assigned, and how they shape group interactions. Whether you’re navigating group projects or preparing for international teamwork, this session will give you the tools to see beyond the surface.
The leaders of this training:
Your two lovely training masters will be Laurent from Switzerland and Alexandra from Austria.
Alexandra: I am from EGEA Vienna and currently studying GIS, but in my free time I love everything related to geomorphology! Some of my favorite memories involve volcanoes, glaciers, caves or really cool rocks:) I did my Erasmus in Finland so now I am looking forward to experiencing the finnish house-at-the-lake lifestyle again.
Laurent: I am from EGEA Zürich, and I completed my master’s degree in Geology, so unsurprisingly my favourite field is geology, although geomorphology is a close second. I’m looking forward to reconnect with old EGEA friends, make some new ones, have a nice trip to Finland, which is one of my favourite places in Europe – and of course, to be co-leading this training 🙂
3. Hey, let’s take a bath in the forest 🛁🫧🌿🌳
Topic:
Ever heard of shinrin yoku? The Japanese practice, known as “forest bathing,” involves spending time in a forest to relax, reduce stress, and improve well-being. It encourages mindfulness and a deep connection with nature.
The busy congress days can drain your energy and it can be hard to find some relaxing time for yourself. This is why we would like to invite you for a relaxing time in the beautiful Finnish forest! What place could be better for a forest bath than this congress location? 💚🌿🌱
The leaders of this training:
Who we are? Alina and Laura! We‘re both from Bochum, studying Geography at our lovely RUB and we’re a part of EGEA Bochum since 2022.
Alina: I recently discovered my interest in remote sensing and GIS, although I’m also still very much invested in everything related to mountains and especially glaciers. The most exciting thing will be to see Finland for the time and maybeee try a sauna!
Laura: I’m also excited about mountains and glaciers and I just looove to be on field trips to nerd out about everything geographical out there. For this congress I’m most excited about finding some glacial traces, getting to know Finland and meeting some old and new friends 🙂
4. First aid
Topic:
First-Aid Training is very important because everybody should know the basics and refresh them regularly. It is one easy way to make the world a safer place if everyone knows how to save someone else’s life in everyday situations! In this training session you will learn the basics of First-Aid from experienced teachers!
The leaders of this training:
This training will be done by Luca and Arne from Egea Marburg 😉 We are also both more into physical Geography, Arne even has Geology as second subject. That’s also why we are especially interested in this congress, since it‘s the only one with a more physical topic.
For the Training theme we want to do a Basic First aid course. It’s a topic that can not be talked about enough and Arne already did it successfully at NBRC24 and AC24. Arne worked as paramedic Assistant for one year before Uni and Luca also has extended first aid Knowledge, that’s why we feel appropriate to do a beginners course.
Excursions
We are organizing three amazing excursions to various interesting places around Uusimaa province, Southern Finland, giving you an opportunity to dive into Finnish culture and nature!
Rajamäki beverage plant and alcohol museum
In this excursion you have an opportunity to go and explore the Finnish war history and the significance of alcohol production during WWII. The Factory and Alcohol Museum Rajamäen Ryyppi is a journey through the history of Finnish labor, industry, and alcohol culture.
Hard hike to the Finnish forest
In this excursion we will hike deep into the Finnish forest to practice outdoor skills, make food on a campfire and experience the unique Finnish right to roam!
Bus excursion to Porvoo
In this excursion we will visit the city of Porvoo and its surrounding areas. We will visit the Baltic coastline and archipelago, the famous old town of Porvoo and Finland’s biggest giant’s kettle site that was formed by the ice age!
Do you need financial support?
Please keep in mind that you can apply EGEA support fund if you need financial support! Fill the application from here!