Lapland, Finland
Adhere to national park rules, stay on marked trails, and practice Leave No Trace principles.
Learn about Sami culture, respect local customs, and ask permission for photography of individuals.
Support local, small-scale businesses and ethically produced souvenirs.
Lapland's fragile Arctic environment needs careful consideration from visitors. Several protected areas exist, including national parks. Adherence to park rules and Leave No Trace principles is important.
Stay on marked trails to prevent erosion and disturbance. Do not pick plants, mushrooms, or berries from protected areas. Observe animals from a respectful distance. Pack out all trash, food scraps, and waste. Utilize designated bins for sorted waste (paper, plastic, glass, metal, organic waste).
Minimize waste production by using reusable items like a water bottle, shopping bag, and coffee cup. Consider offsetting your flight emissions through reputable carbon offset programs. Look for accommodations and tour operators with environmental certifications (e.g., Green , Nordic Swan Ecolabel).
Lapland's nature is its greatest asset, with protected areas conserving biodiversity.
Conscious choices contribute positively to the destination and its future.
Look for companies with the Sustainable Travel Finland label, indicating commitment to sustainable practices.
Support their cultural preservation efforts by learning about their history and contemporary issues at institutions like the Arktikum Museum in Rovaniemi and the Siida Sami Museum in Inari.
Be respectful of local customs and personal space. When seeking Sami experiences, choose tours and operators genuinely run by or in close collaboration with Sami communities. This approach benefits the community directly and helps ensure authenticity.
While it is fine to photograph landscapes and general scenes, always ask for explicit permission before taking close-up photos of individuals, especially Sami people. Avoid treating people as tourist attractions. If permission is denied, accept it graciously. Respect their privacy and personal dignity.
Your travel choices have a direct economic impact on Rovaniemi and its communities. Seek out and support local, small-scale businesses and tour operators that are directly owned and operated by members of the local community. This helps ensure your tourism money circulates within the local economy.
Choose local restaurants, cafes, and shops over international chains.
When purchasing souvenirs, ensure they are authentic and ethically produced. Inquire about origin.
Be critical of tour operators and their practices, especially regarding animal welfare.
Your engagement with the local economy and community has a direct influence. Prioritize businesses that uphold high ethical standards and contribute to community welfare.
Support independent shops and eateries to keep money in the local economy.
Choose husky and reindeer safari operators with documented high animal welfare standards.
If contributing, research reputable local charities or community projects.
