A woman picking blueberries and berries in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Respectful and responsible holiday – tips for visitors

Sustainability is both a state of mind and a way of life. By honouring nature and all its wonders, we are already halfway there. Through responsible personal choices and actions, we can truly make a difference.

As a visitor, you can make responsible choices. We are happy to share the beauty of our country with you, but we hope that together we can promise to take good care of it. Here are some tips to help you keep this in mind during your Lapland holiday.

Winter scenery with snow and sunset in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

A person during summer under the midnight sun in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

All of us can make a difference. For example, we can switch off the lights, pick up our trash, recycle, eat local food, buy local products, choose responsible companies, and aim to travel outside of busy seasons. By doing all this, you are already an ambassador of sustainable goodwill.

When you are in nature, please help keep the forests and lakes plastic-free by ensuring that no rubbish is left behind. Finland’s world-class tap water will quench your thirst — there’s no need to use bottled water in Rovaniemi.

A hand picking up a blueberry in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

In Finland, everyone has the right to roam freely, and there is plenty of space and nature to explore. This right, however, should be enjoyed responsibly. Berries and mushrooms are there for anyone to pick, but please stick to the established paths. Long before humans, wildlife has lived here — so please don’t set up camp just anywhere.

Since many Finnish forests are privately owned, entering them without permission—especially near inhabited areas or privately owned shorelines—is not permitted. Visitors are encouraged to use public hiking areas, which provide responsible and respectful access to nature.

People enjoying winter, snow and sunshine with snowshoes in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Northern Lights, Midnight Sun, Polar Nights, and other natural wonders can be enjoyed independently or as part of a guided tour. Independent travellers are welcome to use private lean-tos and public hiking areas, such as the Arctic Circle hiking area and Ounasvaara.

It’s good to know that tour companies are not permitted to use public hiking areas. Responsible tour operators take their guests to designated locations that are specifically tailored for businesses and private groups.

View from Ounasvaara Observation tower to Rovaniemi City Centre during summer with beautiful sunset, in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Arctic city surrounded by nature

Rovaniemi combines nature and urban services in Finnish Lapland

A couple in Arktikum museum in Rovaninemi Lapland, Finland.

The more you understand a culture, the easier it is to respect it. The Arctic Circle region is home to a rich cultural heritage, which you can explore at the main cultural art and science centers.

You can also experience local life by trying a traditional Finnish sauna — simple, pure, and deeply connected to Finnish traditions, just like our local food culture.

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

A man skiing during winter with snow and sunshine in Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

Even with plenty of space and light traffic in town, safety should always be a priority. Roads can be slippery and icy, so always use designated pedestrian paths when crossing. Sledding on cross-country skiing trails is prohibited, as this can lead to accidents with skiers and damage the tracks, resulting in extra maintenance.

It is equally important to respect local residents. Be considerate when using cameras or making loud noises. Guided tours, including Northern Lights excursions, are not allowed on private property, such as residents’ yards.

Couple watching green northern lights during winter with Beyond Arctic in Lapland.

Choose tours that are responsibly operated — ones that respect nature and local people while providing you with the best possible experience. Whatever you bring into nature, make sure to take back with you. Do not leave any rubbish or traces of a bonfire behind.

Always choose local, reliable and trustworthy companies and service providers.

Sustainable Travel Finland companies

Making coffee in campfire in summer in Kings-lean-to, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland.

A campfire is a perfect way to enjoy Lapland’s outdoors, but it’s important to do it responsibly. Never light a fire directly on river or lake ice — leftover charred wood and other campfire debris is difficult to clean and considered an environmental offense. Always use lean-to sites or other designated campfire areas. This rule applies to all visitors, including guided groups and tour operators.

The City of Rovaniemi and Visit Rovaniemi have instructed safari companies on how to light campfires in the correct way and how to act responsibly. There should not be any trash, or other remains of campfires left on ice, snow or in nature.

We would also like to remind you to be cautious when lighting fires, as it is only permitted in designated areas. You can find more information about campfire safety from the Luontoon.fi website.

Outdoor etiquette