The meeting will be held at the charming Hotel Kakola in Turku for the first four days, followed by a final day on board the cruise ship Viking Glory.
Kakola was once known as Finland’s largest and most dangerous prison. It has a colorful history behind it as a home for bad boys. Today, Kakolanmäki (Kakola Hill) in Turku offers unforgettable experiences such as spa services, modern meeting and party facilities, and a private hotel whose operations focus on personal service and responsible choices.
The first four days of the Symposium will be held in room Kirkko, on the third floor of Hotel Kakola, during Monday-Thursday, 18-21 May 2026. Posters will be displayed in the coffee break area outside the room. Buffet lunch will be served daily at the hotel’s restaurant.
On the fifth and final day of the Symposium (Friday, 22 May 2026), we will have the sessions and conference dinner on board Viking Glory, the newest cruise ship of the Viking Line cruise company. The cruise will follow the Turku – Mariehamn (Åland Islands) – Stockholm – Mariehamn – Turku route on the Baltic Sea. The ship will depart from Turku harbor in the morning of 22 May, and return there on the morning of 23 May. The harbor is only 2 km along the Aura river from Hotel Kakola, and can be easily reached by city bus. Direct train connection to Helsinki and HEL airport is available from the harbor. Participants staying at Hotel Kakola may store their luggage in the hotel during the cruise if they wish.
Viking Glory is one of the world’s most climate-smart vessels, specially designed for an out-of-the-ordinary cruise. Its interiors, leisure facilities and entertainment programs provide a world-class experience. Viking Glory has a 2800 persons capacity. The conference room will host the final day of the Symposium, which includes regular sessions and a final concluding remarks, and the conference dinner. Participants will then have ample free time in the evening for further discussions, networking, or simply leisure.
Preliminary cruise schedule (all Finnish time):
8:45 Departure from Turku harbor, Viking Line terminal
9:30-12:00 Conference sessions
12:30 Buffet lunch
(14:10 Mariehamn stopover)
15:00-18:30 Conference sessions
18:30-19:00 Concluding remarks and closing
(19:55 Stockholm stopover)
21:00 Conference dinner
7:35 (+1) Arrival at Turku harbor