Sustainable Holiday

Tips for responsible tourists

What is sustainable tourism, and how can I make sustainable choices? Visit Espoo put together a list of sustainable travel tips. Make sustainable choices both before the trip and at the destination. 

1) Favor Eco-Friendly Transport 

Public transport is an eco-friendly way to travel from one place to another. Espoo provides many effortless means of transport. Take the metro to the seaside, grab a city bike, or rent an electric boat. Catch a bus to the woods and enjoy nature while riding a fat bike. Commuter trains and the metro take you to Finland's most sustainable shopping centers and cultural events around the city.

2) Relax in sustainable accommodations 

Most of Espoo's accommodations are located near pure nature by the sea or a lake or in the shade of a forest with excellent access by public transport. Companies providing accommodation in the Espoo region have worked hard for years to champion more sustainable tourism.  

Available eco-certified accommodations vary from hotels to cottages and lodges to tents hovering among the trees. Would you like to stay in a hotel that co-operates with a local nature protection organization and plants a tree for each guest who asks for their room to not be cleaned during their stay? Or what about a cottage that produces zero carbon-dioxide emissions? 

3) Support Locals – Drink and dine in local cafés and restaurants

Many local restaurants serve pure local food by picking wild herbs, berries, and mushrooms from the local forests and using small farm products. Can you believe there is a hotel in Espoo that has its own fisher? In 2009, Espoo became the first-ever Fair Trade City in Finland. Our city has many Fair Trade cafés and restaurants. On our website, go to Support Local Businesses and book accommodation and unique experiences for yourself or treat a friend!  

4) Explore nature responsibly 

Nature plays a significant role in our everyday lives, and its impacts on health are undeniable. Simply a 15-minute break in nature relieves stress. Recharge your batteries in nature: try forest yoga, go on a Forest Mind wellness hike, take a wild herb course, pick berries, hire a canoe, or go on a guided birdwatching trip. Favor program service providers committed to the principles of sustainable tourism of Metsähallitus.  

When spending time in nature, remember the proper etiquette to ensure the generations to come may also enjoy our pure nature as we enjoy it today. Everyone knows the public right of access, but we should also remember the general responsibility of access. Stay on marked paths, set open flame only in designated places, respect others, and do not litter! 

5) Travel during different seasons and consider to stay longer

Finland is a country of four seasons, each bringing unique experiences. When planning your travels, consider visiting Espoo during its different seasons. Next to the more crowded summer, you can enjoy autumn foliage during September-October, the grayest month of the year in November, Christmas vibes in December, the actual winter season with pretty short days during January-February, or something that Finns call 'takatalvi' - the phenomenon of coming back winter during March-May. June, July, and early August are the best months to experience the midnight sun season vibe and explore Finnish summer.

Instead of rushing your stay and checking all points on your Finnish bucket list in just a few hours. Consider staying longer, connecting with local nature and culture, or even creating friendships with locals.

Hero Image: DSP Media