Sustainable Rovaniemi

Together we can make a difference

City of Rovaniemi is dedicated to protect the unique Arctic Capital, our nature and people – locals and visitors. The local companies are taking steps towards more sustainable product and service development.

You as a visitor can also make small choices to ensure that we are more sustainable. Close the lights, pick up your trash, recycle, eat local and travel outside busy seasons, drink the clean tab water instead of buying bottled water and choose the companies that are responsible.

Together we can make a difference.

Sustainable Travel Finland trademarked local companies

The local companies and Visit Rovaniemi are taking part of the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program. The aim of the STF program is to offer a concrete toolkit to adopt sustainable procedures and to make sustainable choices and actions in their business. The companies who have undergone the program and fulfilled the criteria will receive the STF label.

Local companies with Sustainable Travel Finland label:

• Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna – a responsible accommodation operator
• Arctic Light Hotel – a responsible accommodation operator
• Glass Resort – a responsible accommodation operator
• Apukka Resort – responsible resort
• Rovaniemi Airport – responsible airport
• Ranua Resort – responsible resort including wildlife park, accommodation, restaurant and activies.
• Arctic TreeHouse Hotel – a responsible accommodation operator
• Santa Claus Office – Official place to meet Santa Claus
• Ounasvaara Ski Resort – a local ski resort
• Lapland Safaris Rovaniemi – a local safari house
• Lapland Hotels Sky Ounasvaara – a responsible accommodation operator
• Lapland Hotels Ounasvaara Chalets – a responsible accommodation operator
• Metsä Kolo – a responsible accommodation operator
• Scandic Rovaniemi City -Sustainable hotel in the centre of Rovaniemi
• Arctic SnowHotel & Glass Igloos – Local Snow and Igloo accommodation company
• Beyond Arctic – Local safari house
• Bearhill Husky – Local husky company
• Wild About Lapland – Local safari company
• Husky Yoga & Nature – Local yoga and husky company
• Pyhä Igloos – Local Igloo accommodation company

Choose Arctic Summer instead of Winter

Rovaniemi is known for the snowy winters and magic of Christmas. But not many people know that Rovaniemi Lapland has much to offer during the summer months. In Rovaniemi it is possible to experience the magic of Christmas in the middle of summer.

Visiting Lapland after December is sustainable, because you will be traveling outside the busy season. Rovaniemi is a magical city in every four or even eight seasons. In Rovaniemi, nights are lit throughout the summer from late May until early August.

The Outdoor Etiquette

With Rovaniemi easy access nature trails it is easy and safe to make daytrips with the whole family. Ounasvaara and Arctic Circle Nature Trails will lead you into Arctic forests right outside city center. But before heading outdoors, have a look at The Outdoor Etiquette, about respecting nature and about marked trails. Find information about camping, lighting fires and how to hike litter-free.

To travel to Rovaniemi in the spring, summer or in autumn you are a part of a sustainable movement. The light that continues 24 hours a day, offers opportunities to be active with the kids and go horseback riding, floating, hiking, on river cruises, and not to mention go visit those husky and reindeer farms for Arctic animal offspring in the summer.

See the forests like you have never seen them before

Visit the Science Center Pilke and “See the forests like you’ve never seen them before”. Science Centre Pilke tells stories about the northern forests and the many connections we northern people have with them. Spend a day in the Arktikum, a science centre and museum, where you can experience northern nature, culture, and history.

The more knowledge you gain of the Arctic culture, the more responsible are your actions as travellers.

Familiarize yourself with the local culture

We are people up here on the Arctic Circle with rich roots and heritage. Get familiar with the local ways of life and habits, like Sauna. A traditional Finnish sauna is like the local food culture, pure and simple.

Sustainable Arctic experience is built from local products and local food combined with crystal clear pure local water. Lapland´s food culture is known for the natures fresh offering. By eating the local food and by shopping the local products, you are a part of a sustainable movement by encouraging local production and year-round jobs.

Being able to create something with your own hands, is a valuable skill in today’s digital world. Visiting local family and getting to know local culture and tradition, can also be considered as a responsible and sustainable choice on your holiday.

At Kangasniemi, you can actually combine these both! Visiting the Home & Ateliér of Irene and Ari Kangasniemi, a local artisan couple, gives you a good understanding about the local culture and Lappish way of life. During the visit, you’ll get to hear interesting stories about Lapland, try some local sweets and make your own souvenir at the couples workshop – out of natural materials.

 

Rovaniemi Airport is heated Carbon-free

The climate impact of airports originates from the heating of buildings and the energy consumption of vehicles, so the airport operator Finavia and Napapiirin Energia ja Vesi (Neve) have entered into an agreement on the heating of Rovaniemi Airport with carbon-neutral district heating. Vihreä Lähilämpö (Neve’s carbon-neutral district heating product) is an excellent choice for Rovaniemi Airport, because it supports the key measures to reduce carbon dioxide emissions Finavia has identified in its climate programme. Neve produces its district heat from renewable and locally sourced fuels.

Value the Arctic Nature