RESPONSIBLE TOURISM

RESPONSIBLE TOURISM PROGRAMME

Healthy and pristine nature is an important operating environment for Taivalkoski, and we want to keep looking after it. This is why Taivalkoski has joined Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel Finland programme: to promote the sustainability and responsibility of this region and the local businesses. Sustainable travel plan has been drawn up for Taivalkoski as a basis for long-term and systematic sustainability work.

Sustainable Travel Plan for Taivalkoski

SUSTAINABLE TRAVEL FINLAND

Seven tourism companies operating in Taivalkoski have joined the path of developing sustainable tourism. Saijan Lomakartano and Hotel Herkko have deserved the Sustainable Travel Finland label and Green Key certificates. Kylmäluoma Trekking Centre and Taigavire have also earned the Green Key certificate. The Green Activities certification is currently being completed by Backwoods Husky and KJ Experience.

By choosing a certified tourism company, you are involved in making Taivalkoski a more sustainable travel destination and you can be sure that all aspects of responsible tourism are taken into account: environmental, economic, social and cultural sustainability.

Saijan Lomakartano

Hotel Herkko

Kylmäluoma Trekking Centre

Taigavire – sustainable nature activities

Backwoods Husky

KJ-Experience – Personalized Wilderness Experiences

TAKE THE SUSTAINABLE FINLAND PLEDGE

Nature has taken care of us for millions of years and now it is time to take care of it in return. Watch the video below and sign the Sustainable Finland Pledge, which promises to respect and appreciate the local nature, its inhabitants and culture during your stay.

Sign the pledge

Travel responsible

The realization of sustainable tourism also requires vigilant behavior from travellers. The traveller’s etiquette developed for the Land of National Parks (Taivalkoski, Kuusamo, Suomussalmi, Pudasjärvi, Posio and Salla) guides us to act responsibly. The etiquette is published in text version as well as in video format. Watch the video below for tips on responsible travels!

Accessibility

Accessibility is a part of social responsibility. You can find out more about accessible services directly from the businesses. For example, there is a range of accessible hiking trails in the Syöte and Hossa National Parks.

Accessible hiking trails

Hossa

Syöte

SPRING WATER FROM THE TAP

In Taivalkoski, tap water comes from the Finland’s second largest spring called Kylmäperä, which is located next to the town.

Enjoy the freshness.

RECYCLING

There are collection points for glass, paper, plastic packaging, cardboard/cartons and small metal items behind S-Market and in the courtyard of K-Market Taivaltori.

There is no separate collection available for bio-waste, but we still recommend composting.

Combustible construction waste, scrap metal and non-combustible waste must be taken to the Matovaara waste transfer station (for a fee), from where it will be taken to be reused or to the Kuusamo landfill. Large quantities of construction and demolition waste must be taken directly to the Kuusamo landfill. Hazardous waste, e-waste and compostable bio-waste (garden waste, grass, leaves, EXCLUDING rubbish, branches etc) can be taken free of charge to the Matovaara waste transfer station.

You can find Taivalkoski’s recycling instructions and the locations of the recycling locations here.