While many hotels across Finland are making strides toward eco-friendliness, the Lehmonkärki Resort sets a remarkable standard in sustainable tourism. Nestled just an hour northeast of Helsinki in the city of Lahti—honored as the European Green City Capital in 2021—this resort embodies a vision to become Finland’s first major climate-neutral city by 2025.
Lehmonkärki Resort is ideal for those seeking an active getaway, surrounded by stunning natural beauty. Accommodations range from cozy holiday homes to sprawling villas that can host up to 24 guests, many featuring their own saunas and heated Jacuzzis. This lakeside haven on Lake Päijänne employs innovative heating solutions, drawing warmth from the lake itself, harnessing solar energy, and utilizing heat recovery systems. Most villas are equipped with air source heat pumps, ensuring comfort during summer months while keeping winter energy costs in check. Additionally, the resort heats its farm with eco-friendly wood chip systems and uses renewable domestic wood throughout its facilities. For electric vehicle owners, four charging stations are available, alongside rental e-bikes to encourage responsible exploration of the area.
For those venturing farther north, the Magical Pond in Ruka-Kuusamo offers a unique blend of luxury and sustainability through its exquisite igloos in the heart of Lapland. This haven has earned both the Sustainable Travel Finland label and the Green Key certificate, reflecting its commitment to social, cultural, environmental, and economic responsibility. At Magical Pond, all electricity is sourced from hydropower, and each igloo benefits from ground-source heat pumps. Local craftsmanship shines through with wooden sinks from Finnish company Woodio and bedding made of natural linens. To curb waste—particularly plastic—the resort provides refillable toiletries for its guests.
Similarly, the Arctic TreeHouse Hotel in Rovaniemi stands out with its numerous international sustainability awards, including the prestigious Green Key eco-label. It was the first establishment in the area to earn the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Designed to coexist harmoniously with its natural surroundings, the hotel’s luxury treehouse suites boast green roofs for effective rainwater management and are constructed entirely from Finnish pine, a sustainable building material. The hotel is pro-active in reducing food waste by crafting menus with seasonal, locally sourced ingredients, aiming for 65% of its main components to be locally produced.
Finally, the Ollero Eco Lodge provides a serene escape for couples, families, and small groups looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility of Arctic nature. The lodge operates with an electricity supplier that generates power solely from renewable sources, including wind and bioenergy. Its eco-friendly igloo is designed for energy efficiency, utilizing solar power and biofuel for LED lighting and connectivity, while renewable biodiesel keeps the space warm and welcoming. Chosen for its minimal environmental impact, the igloo can be relocated without leaving a trace. Constructed from timber—a renewable and organic material—the lodge’s architecture supports both sustainability and the renewal of natural resources. When guests book their stay, they have exclusive access to three buildings: the Main Lodge, Glass Igloo, and Sleeping Cabin, ensuring a private sanctuary to reconnect with the surrounding wilderness.
In these extraordinary destinations, eco-conscious travelers can relish the beauty of Finland, knowing their stay actively supports the environment.