The 3 reasons to choose Finland when you want to travel on a sustainable basis

A committed destination, find out why Finland is making a sustainable journey!

Changing the way to travel for more respectful tourism on the planet is now possible thanks to the slow travel . This concept promotes stays that favour quality rather than the amount of tourism experiences. Thanks to the “slow travel”, you can enjoy your stay in a more enlightened way, while taking into account the environmental, social and cultural impacts.

Between the choice of modes of transport that reduce the carbon footprint and the option of a lighter journey outside the big tourist flows, you experience a new way to discover a country! And if you're a follower slow travel , or would like to explore this type of sustainable journey, then Finland could be the perfect destination.

Located in Northern Europe, Finland is famous for the richness of its biosphere and for the diversity of its landscapes. Indeed, 80 per cent of the country's area is covered by forests! The country is an example of eco-responsibility in its locality and its culture as close to nature. This mentality also contributes to placing Finland in the very first place of World Happiness Report , which classifies countries according to their level of happiness!

On a tourist scale, Finland is indeed the precursor to many concepts that gravitate around the slow travel , and even created its own label dedicated to sustainable tourism. If you want to discover the land of Santa engulfed under the snow in winter, or enjoy the eternal day in the summer, no doubt opt for a visit to the “Sustainable Finland”. In this guide we explain how to make a sustainable travel in Finland and enjoy the best of this must-see destination in Europe.

1. The Finnish state of mind

World champions of sorting and waste, the Finns are educated with great respect for their environment. Thus, during a long-term journey to Finland, you will have the chance to learn more about the way of life and the visionary attitudes of the Finns in ecology, taking the time to let you be fooled by your culinary, artistic and historical experiences.

The slow design

“The form was to be a bearer of a content, and that content must be linked to nature.” This phrase by the famous Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, the origin of the creation of emblematic objects such as the Savoy vase, has a strong resonance when thinking about the concept slow design Finnish. Because the Finnish design scene is both unique and exciting, but especially strongly inspired by nature!

Indeed, if you are going to discover Finland on a sustainable journey, then you will find that design and environment live in harmony, and ultimately form only one. In the country, design is so thoughtful that it has become a true state of mind. It honours the very little altered local materials: there are many furniture built in wood, for example. The forms are pure, minimalist, and perfectly fit the environment. For art is above all in nature! Forget rococo or fioritures: the design must shine by its sobriety with fresh colors, and quite clear. Do not misunderstand by so much simplicity, because everything is perfectly thought out.

On a trip to Finland, for example, you can go to the discovery of Design District Helsinki. Over there, you will have the chance to admire design objects that combine the usefulness to sustainable among the 200 shops and workshops. Every year, there are innovations in design. In addition, some buildings such as the Palais Finlandia in Helsinki, the Sajos Cultural Centre in Inari, or the Villa Mairea in Pori reflect this Finnish style.

La slow food

Slow power supply, késako ? The consumption of the Finns goes well beyond the combo need/pleasure. It is important to know that in Finland, the products we produce Mother Nature in the Arctic climate are particularly popular with the Finns. They are cooked in a simple way, respecting each product. Forget industrial dishes or stuffed with preservatives, aggressive cooking or heavy sauces. Here we eat healthy, local and especially organic. Moreover, 10% of agricultural land is reserved for organic production!

Therefore, during a visit to Finland, do not miss experimenting with traditional culinary art and taste local products. Test, for example, carefully picked mushroom dishes in the surrounding forests. Berries, like blueberries, are also very consumed in Finland. They accompany some game dishes or fish. Despite the appreciation for reindeer meat or herring, the country is also the paradise of vegetarians and vegans.

The Finns are also very well educated about plant knowledge, berries, and more generally on harvesting techniques according to the seasons. It is also a very common leisure in the country! Do not hesitate to ask your questions about products during a visit to local markets. In Helsinki, the most famous is Kauppatori, located in the centre of the city.

Finally, we invite you to taste the dishes of the Nordic cuisine in local restaurants, such as Graavilohi (saumon cru mariné) or a Mustikka Piirakka (tilberry pier). In fact, many leaders from the countries of Northern Europe have come together to create the Manifesto of the new Nordic cuisine that promotes healthy food, quality cuisine, and fair trade.

Slow shopping

The Finnish Ministry of the Environment is committed to making its world’s most eco-efficient economy. That says a lot about how to consume in the country!

Therefore, Saturday morning shopping in a crowded supermarket is not frankly the Finnish daily. Instead, local small grocery stores, weekly markets, or second-hand snacks will be preferred. The country is also very famous for its sustainable shopping with “eco-shops” that make shadows to the fast-fashion . Even on the side of cosmetics, natural products take over chemical beauty products.

For example, visit Nudge, an eco-friendly store in Helsinki or Luoman. You will find clothing, jewellery, accessories or eco-friendly beauty products.

2. Nature preserved

A long-term journey to Finland is also discovering the country’s wealth by opting for environmentally friendly transport. Thus, by opting for slow travel , you will limit your carbon footprint while living unforgettable moments in wild nature. The variety of landscapes is such that you can do activities such as hiking, cycling and kayaking in the many water areas.

Lapland

In the north of the country you will reach the famous Lapland region. Famous for Christmas magic and for Northern Lights, Lapland is a region not to be missed on a sustainable journey to Finland. In the southeast of Lapland, you can explore Riisitunturi National Park, and walk along the paths surrounded by conifers. Maybe you'll find some momentum on your way... In fact, on a sustainable journey to Finland, we invite you to discover the culture of the Sami: an indigenous people who raise reindeer.

The Great Lakes Region

Finland is also the country with a thousand lakes since it counts exactly 187 888. Yes, you've read well! On a sustainable trip to the country, you will be able to discover the Great Lakes region in the centre of the country. You can go on some hiking, water activities, or relax in a hut in the middle of the forest. Don’t miss a discovery of Saimaa Lake where the last marbling seals of fresh water are located, a highly endangered species.

The coastline

Finally, if you prefer sea trips, you can experience a trip to Finland through its islands and islets, such as the small rocky island of Bengtskär or Turku. The latter is an ancient medieval city that bears witness to the rich local heritage. Note that Finland has one of the largest archipelagos in the world. If you’re planning to visit Finland in the summer, enjoy the Archipel Åland, which enjoys the largest rate of sunshine in the country.

Whatever your choice of visit, take the time to enjoy nature, calm, and local activities.

3. To travel outside periods of affluence

In Finland, high season is usually winter. To travel sustainably and to make the most of the art of slow travel , we recommend a visit in the off-season. You will thus avoid the influx of tourists and enjoy the wild nature in all peace.

As Finland is a country that can enjoy each year, you will have a wide range of activities available depending on the seasons. In summer, the day is endless and the climate is very pleasant. Then take off the nature hikes in national parks. You can also do cycling activities or enjoy kayaking, sailing, pneumatic canoe or try fishing. And even if the water remains fresh, you can also swim in one of the many lakes!

If you opt for a trip to Finland in the fall, you can survey the many forests and pick mushrooms and various bays such as wood raspberries, blueberries, red areas, and ripe. You can also enjoy the magnificent spectacle that the sky offers during this period of the year: the northern lights.

Held by a visit to “Sustainable Finland” in fashion slow travel ? One thing is safe: this sustainable way of travel is simply synonymous with relaxation. Then jump!