Sustainable Rovaniemi
We are a region in the Arctic, where nature is particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. We love and need our seasons, snowy winters, and warm summers, which provide a unique and diverse environment for local species to thrive.
Sustainability is a state of mind and a way of life. By respecting nature and appreciating all its wonders, we are already halfway there. By making responsible choices and taking action, we can all help make a difference.
Together We Can Make a Difference
Together We Can Make a Difference
Rovaniemi is more than a destination – it is home. It is a place where people live, work, build businesses, and enjoy the nature around them. Protecting this home is a shared responsibility, and every choice can play a part.
Visit Rovaniemi and the City of Rovaniemi are committed to protecting our unique Arctic Capital, its nature, and the people who call it home – while creating a welcoming place for visitors to experience and enjoy. Across the region, local companies are also taking steps towards more sustainable ways of working, developing products and services that help protect the environment while supporting the local community.
When we all do our part – whether it is choosing a local experience, respecting nature, travelling thoughtfully, or supporting businesses that are working towards greater sustainability – small actions can add up to something bigger. Together, we can help ensure that Rovaniemi remains a vibrant Arctic home and a memorable destination for generations to come.
Sustainability Commitments by Visit Rovaniemi:
- Providing guidance and strongly encouraging partner companies to commit to the Visit Rovaniemi Principles of Responsible and Sustainable Business.
- Committing to the Visit Finland – Sustainable Travel Finland trademark.
- Being responsible and authentic in communication and marketing about news, circumstances, or risks, such as weak ice, snow conditions, or other temporary situations that are important to communicate to locals and visitors.
Sustainability Commitments by Visit Rovaniemi & City of Rovaniemi:
- Listening to concerns and taking action whenever needed to ensure the safety and wellbeing of both locals and visitors in relation to issues caused by tourism.
- Supporting Arctic Pride, held in Rovaniemi.
- Developing accessibility in Rovaniemi and working to ensure that accessibility is increasingly considered in tourism development and services, making it easier for everyone to enjoy the destination.
- The City of Rovaniemi is committed to advanced Finnish recycling systems to support sustainable living.
- The City of Rovaniemi is a friend city of UNICEF Finland and Visit Rovaniemi is collaborating with UNICEF Finland in our Christmas Events.
Visit Rovaniemi is a STF Labelled Company & Has a Bioshpere Certification
Visit Rovaniemi as a company has been awarded the Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) label, as well as the Biosphere certification. The STF programme is designed for tourism destinations and businesses, highlighting the company’s commitment to sustainable and responsible tourism. The Biosphere certification helps us demonstrate our commitment to sustainability according to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations. We continuously aim to mitigate the harmful impacts of our operations on our planet, its people, and communities.
Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland Label
Visit Finland Sustainable Travel Finland Label
Local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme. The aim of the STF programme is to provide a concrete toolkit for adopting sustainable practices and making sustainable choices. Companies that have completed the programme and fulfilled the criteria will receive the STF label.
Currently, we have a significant number of companies committed to sustainable ways of working and offering responsible services to visitors. We recommend and encourage companies to commit to this sustainable path and visitors to choose responsible companies.
Tips for Visitors
Tips for Visitors
As a visitor, you can also make small choices to help ensure that life in the Arctic remains sustainable:
- Drink our clean tap water and eat local food.
- Choose companies that have a track record of sustainable practices.
- Use the recycling bins and pick up your trash.
- Be mindful of your room temperature and turn off the lights when they are not needed.
- Support the year-round livelihoods of Lapland by visiting outside the busiest seasons.
- Book a longer stay outside the busiest season.
For more detailed tips for visitors, please click the link below.
A More Sustainable Way: Public Transportation
A More Sustainable Way: Public Transportation
Getting around Rovaniemi doesn’t always have to mean getting behind the wheel. Choosing public transportation is a simple way to travel more sustainably while experiencing the city and surrounding Arctic landscape at a different pace.
Whether you’re exploring Rovaniemi or venturing further into Lapland, planning your journey by public transportation can help make your visit a more sustainable one. Find practical information about routes, connections, and getting around Rovaniemi and beyond from the link below.
More Tips for Your Rovaniemi Holiday
Finnish Sauna Culture
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars. It’s safe to say we love our saunas! For an absolute Rovaniemi experience one must try sauna.
Lapland’s Food Culture in Rovaniemi
Get to Know the Flavours of Lapland
Sustainable Travel Finland Companies
The local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part in the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program
Sustainable Tips for Visitors
More Things to Love about Rovaniemi
Arctic Capital
Rovaniemi combines the northern nature with urban surroundings, self-confident localness and open-minded internationality. Rovaniemi is also the Official Hometown of Santa Claus®.
Santa Claus
There’s no place like Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus, for genuine Christmas experiences. See here for some Rovaniemi Christmas magic.
Arctic Circle
Rovaniemi, the Official Hometown of Santa Claus and the capital of Lapland, lies right on the Arctic Circle, which makes the town a gateway to the arctic. See more here.
Northern Lights
Experience the magic of the Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis) in Rovaniemi. Find out viewing spots, times and more here.
Midnight Sun
The Midnight Sun, the nightless night or polar day – can be seen only here in Rovaniemi on the Arctic Circle or above. From early June until early July, and nights are white throughout the summer. See more here.
Polar Night
Experience the Polar Night, celebration of mysterious lights on glittering snowdrifts.
Snow and Ice
For many, Lapland is synonymous with snow. In Rovaniemi, there’s white stuff on the ground for approximately six months of the year. Find out more here!
Autumn Colours
When bright arctic summer ends and nature is preparing for winter at the Arctic Circle, we are enchanted by the changing colors of the season. In Rovaniemi this amazing nature’s display is at its best in September when trees and ground is covered with spectacular colours. Get your cameras out and head to nature!