11 sustainable travel tips

Yes, it’s true that we’re located off the beaten path – Finland is not the easiest location to reach. That’s why we’ve collected a few ways you can make more mindful choices when you reach us, so you know for sure the journey has been worth it. 

It’s better to do fewer, longer trips to curb your travel emissions. You don’t need to have fewer travel days – just think about how you use them. 

Particularly if you embark from the Baltic sea region, think about if you could travel by boat or train – or a combination of both. In many cases, flying is the only option to reach Finland, but if you can, why not take the boat next time?  It’s definitely more of an experience.

Make moving around the country a part of your travel experience with trips like a night train from Helsinki to Lapland. The Perille service details your options for getting from A to B, how long each option takes, the cost and the emissions. If you’re renting a car, consider choosing an electric vehicle – there is a network of charging stations listed on Latauskartta.fi.

If you have two equally good options for accommodation, go for the one with the Sustainable Travel Finland label. This label indicates a company has certification and a transparent, long-term plan to mitigate any harmful impact they have on people, the planet and society. 

Eating seasonal produce that’s locally grown is better for the environment, but it’s also better for you. Fresh fish from Finnish lakes, foraged nutty mushrooms and tangy berries, or umami game of any kind are all sustainable choices that happen to taste great. Most restaurants in Finland have vegan and vegetarian options, many of them based on Finnish food innovations like pulled oats. Discover Finnish food culture.

Before you pull your wallet out, consider if you need it. If you do, then choose something that will last. Finnish design is useful, beautiful and durable – a great choice. There are plenty of secondhand options for example in Helsinki, Tampere and Turku for fashion and design, get yourself something that has a history.

The Finnish recycling system is world-class. When you sort waste correctly, the material can be reused to make new products. Paper and cardboard, glass, metal, plastic, mixed waste, hazardous waste, electrical equipment and batteries are all sorted separately. It’s not waste, it’s raw material for something else. Find out where you can take your trash.

Finnish nature is for everyone to enjoy, which is why we have a special thing called Everyman’s Rights. While they are called rights, they also include responsibilities. The ground rule is to leave no trace behind. Finland’s arctic nature, particularly in Lapland, is very fragile.

Finnish tap water tastes great – just try it. Studies have show it’s even more pure than bottled water, so we suggest forgetting the single-use plastic bottles and filling your own straight from the tap. It’s clean, refreshing, cost-effective and easy. Restaurants also serve tap water, so be sure to order still.

When you have an option, choose and support local businesses. Your choices can impact the wellbeing of local communities and how they thrive. And when they thrive, you’re likely to come back.

Get to know local customs while travelling. A smile will do wonders; using the word “kiitos”, which means thank you, and “moi”, which means hello, will also go a long way. If you want to take pictures of Finns, both young and old, please ask for permission first.