We are organizing a research symposium called Ihan villinä! (Going Out Wild!) at the ULOS-UT-OUT event on Tuesday, June 9, 2026. Come and present your research on this topic and hear about others’ research! We hope to see presentations from a wide range of fields. Presentations will be held outdoors and indoors.

In keeping with the spirit of the ULOS-UT-OUT event, by outdoor education research we mean research that in one way or another relates to teaching and learning that takes place outdoors, “under the open sky.” Outdoor education applies to all age groups, from early childhood education to old age. We also welcome research that promotes understanding and use of the outdoor learning environment and increases knowledge about the importance of outdoor teaching and learning for well-being and learning, for example. The research presented may be empirical or theoretical. We hope to receive presentations from a wide range of fields and perspectives.

Research symposium program Tue, June 9, 2026

Tuesday, June 9, 2026

9:00 a.m. Registration
9:30–9:50 a.m. Opening speeches for the research symposium
10:00–11:30 a.m. Poster presentations and presentations outdoors and indoors
11:30 a.m.–12:30 p.m. Park lunch
12:30-13:00 Opening speeches for the ULOS-UT-OUT event
13:00-13:45 Keynote: Kirsipauliina Kallio, University of Tampere
14:00–15:30 Presentations and discussions

The ULOS-UT-OUT event continues after the Ihan Villinä research symposium on June 9–11.

Check out the full program for the ULOS-UT-OUT event!

Registration and participation fees:

Decisions on the acceptance of abstracts will be made in January 2026.

• Ihan Villinä research symposium, €130/1 day
  • Ticket type: research symposium -> Registration link
• Research symposium and entire ULOS-UT-OUT event, 3 days, €200
  • Ticket type: participation fee for 3 days -> Registration link
• Research symposium and entire ULOS-UT-OUT event for presenters €150
  • Ticket type: reduced participation fee for program organizers 3 days -> You will find the registration link in the acceptance letter.

More information about registering for the event

If enough high-quality scientific presentations are submitted to the symposium, we will promote a peer-reviewed conference publication specializing in the theme of outdoor teaching and learning.

The research symposium is organized in collaboration with the University of Tampere, the University of Helsinki, and ULOS-UT-OUT.

Further information:

ULOS-UT-OUT event organizers: info@ulosutout.fi
Arja Kaasinen, University of Helsinki: arja.kaasinen@helsinki.fi
Merike Kesler, University of Helsinki: merike.kesler@helsinki.fi
Essi Aarnio-Linnanvuori, University of Tampere: essi.aarnio-linnanvuori@tuni.fi

We are looking for

Workshops

• Workshops (on site) The workshops are practical and are mainly held outdoors. The length of the workshop is either 1.5 hours (short workshops) or 3 hours (long workshops). In exceptional cases, the workshop can also be longer than 3 hours. The workshop can be arranged once or twice during the event (depending on the organizer’s wishes and the participants’ interest). Workshops can also include preparation.
• If you want, you can in addition plan an virtual implementation of your workshop that will be presented in the autumn of 2026 at the “ULOS on IN” -event. The workshops for the “ULOS on IN” -event must operate independently (ie without guidance).

Round tables

• The round tables (duration 1,5h) will be organized virtually or on-site or in a hybrid implementation (the author of the program is responsible for the arrangements themselves).

Virtual lectures

• The duration of the speeches is about 15 minutes. You can tell us about your own research, the method developed, the successful experiment, the ongoing project, the upcoming campaign, etc. We recommend that you record your speech as a video or audio recording in advance. For example, you can give a video lecture or a podcast interview. Pay special attention to sound quality: We recommend using a headset microphone instead of a telephone or computer microphone. Recorded speeches can be viewed regardless of time and place on the event platform. You can also include an audience activation task or accompanying material. If you wish, you can communicate with your listeners as well as other speakers in the Discussion Area of ​​the event application.

Network meeting

A network meeting gathers your network around an evening campfire or evening program. The gathering can be on site or virtually as you wish. ULOS-UT-OUT is a good place to meet to train, network or just meet others for a long time.

Note: Call for program is open until September 30th. The program will be publihed in November. The estimated participation fee is 200€ . Program creators discount is -25%. Various accommodation options, from hammocks to hotels.

Call for program: Fill in this form until October 6.

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Accommodation in tent and at school

On-site accommodation options include accommodation in a tent and hammock as well as shared accommodation on the school floor. These spots can be reserved when registering for the event. More detailed information about tent and school accommodation will be provided later. Note! For school and tent accommodation, you will need your own mattress and sleeping bag; for tent accommodation, you will also need to bring your own tent. Availability is limited.

Tent sites are also available at Härmälä Camping, located about 6 km from the event venue.
You can easily reach the venue from the campsite using Nysse, Tampere’s public transport.

Hostels and hotels

Our partners offer hostel and hotel accommodation within walking distance or a short tram ride from the event venue. These should be booked directly with the accommodation providers (contact details and booking instructions below). Rooms are available in limited numbers – so please make sure to book your accommodation in good time!

Uumen Hotels

Bookings: Via the website
NOTE! Use the booking code UUO26 to get a 10% discount on rooms.

Prices (€/night):

• 1 person room from €39
• 2 person room from €49
• 4 person room from €89

Breakfast can be booked through the reservation system when making your room booking or upon check-in at the hotel (except for gluten-free and vegan options, which must be ordered before arrival). Price from €8. The hotel has shared shower and toilet facilities.

Our hotel, opened in spring 2025 in Tampere’s Finlayson area, is born from a passion for life and creativity. Our mission is to provide an accommodation experience where a cozy atmosphere, excellent customer service, quality sleep, and affordable prices come together in a compelling way. 

Dream Hostel & Hotel

Location: Tampere city center, approx. 1.2 km from the event venue
Bookings: by email at info@dreamhostel.fi
NOTE! When booking, please mention the code ULOS-UT-OUT 2026 to receive the special prices.

Prices:
HOTEL (private shower and toilet):

• 1h Single en Suite €90/room
• 2h Twin en Suite (separate beds, no window) €105/room
• 2h Double en Suite (double bed, window) €105/room

HOSTEL (shared shower and toilet facilities):

• 16-bed room €600/room or €40/bed
• 10-bed room €385/room or €39/bed (this room has its own shower and toilet)
• 4-bed room €149/room or €38/bed
• 3-bed room €122/room (not sold per bed)
• 2-bed room €90/room (not sold per bed)

Prices include breakfast and bed linen.

Please review the cancellation terms. Note that different change and cancellation terms apply for individual bed bookings and group bookings over 10 beds.

Playful and cozy, internationally recognized hostel & hotel in the city center of Tampere

Lapland Hotels Tampere

Location: Tampere city center, approx. 1.1 km from the event venue
Bookings: by phone +358 3 383 0000 or by email tampere@laplandhotels.com
NOTE! Mention the code ULOSUTOUT when booking to receive the special prices. Offer valid until May 15, 2026.

Prices (€/night):

• Single room Northern Comfort €145
• Double room Northern Comfort €165

Prices include a buffet breakfast with authentic flavors and access to the hotel’s guest saunas. The rate also entitles you to Lapland Hotels Club points and benefits.

Free modification and cancellation until 6:00 PM on the day of arrival.

Experience the magic of Lapland in the heart of vibrant Tampere. Lapland Hotels Tampere brings the enchanting atmosphere and warm hospitality of Lapland to the city.

Lapland Hotels Tampere invites you to enjoy the unique experiences of Lapland in the heart of the city, just a couple of hundred meters from the train station. The atmospheric and modern rooms charm both vacationers and business travelers alike.

Scandic Hotels

Location: 5 hotels in different parts of Tampere
Bookings: Via the website (Discount code EVNT is applied automatically)

Prices:

• Scandic hotels offer discounted room rates at all Scandic hotels in Tampere.
• Please check the price for your chosen hotel and room type.

Cancellation terms depend on the booking type you select. To confirm your reservation, you must provide valid credit card details. Rooms can be booked subject to availability no later than 10 days before arrival.

Scandic Friends members should also check available loyalty offers.

Welcome to Scandic Hotels, where every stay is crafted with genuine care and attention to ensure you experience the perfect balance of warmth and comfort.

Original Sokos Hotel Ilves

Location: Tampere city center, approx. 1.9 km from the event venue
Bookings: Via the website or by phone +358 20 1234 631
NOTE! Enter the code BUUO26 when booking to receive the discounted price. Offer valid until June 1, 2026.

Prices (€/night):

• Standard single room €139
• Standard double room €169

Room rates include a generous hotel breakfast. S-Card loyalty benefits are also included in the room price.

Bookings must be confirmed with a credit card or paid at the time of reservation. The last free cancellation date is 4 days before arrival.

Original Sokos Hotel Ilves is the center of events in Tampere in the wonderful scenery of Tammerkoski.

The event will be held in Tampere, at Sammon koulu (school), Kaupinkatu 29 (map). The workshops are spread across the parks surrounding Kaleva Church and Sammon School, as well as Kauppi Forest and the shores of Iidesjärvi bird lake.

Open map

Workshop places

1) Saukonpuisto (A)

• In the park, there are a flat lawn, a playground, and a fountain.

2) Saukonpuisto (B)

• On this side of the park, there are trees that create a shaded area. This side of the park is on a slope.

3) Litukanpuisto (A)

• In the park next to an allotment garden, there are trees and a stream.

4) Litukanpuisto (B)

• On the other side of the park, there is a flat lawn with trees and lilac.

5) Liisanpuisto (A)

• Next to Kaleva church, there are flat lawns, flower beds, trees, and a sculpture.

6) Liisanpuisto (B)

• On the other side of the church, there is a big flat lawn with trees on the side. There is also a meadow area next to the church.

7) Kiovanpuisto

• In the park surrounding the Tampere Swimming Centre, there are flat lawns, a playground, trees, a statue, and many flower beds.

8) Kalevankankaan hautausmaa

• The pathways of the cemetary are lined with diverse vegetation and old trees. Near the memorial for wartime air defense, there is a viewpoint.

9) Iidesjärvi

• A bird lake surrounded by abundant vegetation.

10) Koskipuisto

• A park located near the Tammerkoski rapids. The park features trees, both flat and hilly lawn areas, and a sculpture. Gravel paths run through the park.

11) Hämeenpuisto

• An esplanade-style parkway with a gravel path bordered by trees and lawns.

12) Pyynikki

• In Pyynikki, near Lake Pyhäjärvi, there are hilly jogging trails, trees, and both shaded and sunny lawn areas. The Rosendahl and Pyynikki beaches are also located here.

UUO2023, Nurmes, summer 2023

UUO2021, ONLINE, summer 2021

UUO2017, Turku Castle, summer 2017

Lectures in English

Moments

All lectures (mainly Finnish or Swedish)

Published 7.6.2017

The health and well-being effects of Finnish nature for children and young people are undeniable. Nature is a dynamic learning environment that supports personal development, social interaction and participation, in contrast to a sedentary lifestyle. Versatile activities in nature also strengthen the immune system and promote mental health.

Our diverse nature is a source of numerous well-being effects that the Ulos-Ut-Out! international conference organisers encourage others to take advantage of from early childhood to adulthood. A good relationship with nature in childhood gives solid ground for a sustainable lifestyle.

The long-term wellbeing effects of Finnish nature can be utilised by moving teaching in pre-school and schools and youth work outdoors. Education, youth work and social work professionals however, need support and training in outdoor learning.

Ulos – Ut – Out! organisers emphasise that teacher training for all educators must include methods of outdoor learning. Those who are already in the profession need continuing professional development. Organisations that promote outdoor learning organise numerous training events, school visits and events and publish outdoor learning materials. In addition, the state administration must ensure that a national plan for education and training in sustainable development is drawn up.

The methods presented in Turku and Sauvo at Ulos – Ut – Out! in June 2017 should be available throughout Finland. The Out – Ut – Out! organisers would like to challenge all of Finland’s municipalities to promote outdoor learning and to support educators in this important work.

How can the diverse benefits of Finnish nature be utilised? Share your ideas on social media! #ulos2017

The international outdoor learning conference Ulos – Ut – Out! was organised in Turku 5.–6. June 2017. It was arranged collaboratively by FEE Suomi, Suomen luonto- ja ympäristökoulujen liitto ry, Suomen ympäristöopisto Sykli Oy, Suomen nuorisokeskusyhdistys ja Valtakunnallinen seikkailukasvatusverkosto, Suomen Metsäyhdistys, Finlands Svenska Idrott rf, WWF Suomi and Valonia.

For more information please contact:

Maija Ihantola
Conference co-ordinator
Ulos–Ut–Out!
Suomen luonto- ja ympäristökoulujen liitto ry
Tel: 041 536 8232
maija.ihantola@luontokoulut.fi
www.ulos2017.fi