The Arctic nature with its rugged fells and riverscapes, the Sámi culture cherishing nature, the thrilling light phenomena of the polar night, the magical midnight sun – Utsjoki, Nuorgam and Karigasniemi enchant again and again. We wish to ensure that future generations will also be able to experience all this. That is why we wish to develop tourism to be more responsible, and it does not happen without responsible tourists. On this website, you can find additional information on sustainable tourism in the Utsjoki region, the Sámi culture, safety and much more.
Pleasant reading and welcome on a sustainable trip to Utsjoki! Bures boahtin vásttolaš mátkái Ohcejohkii!
SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY OF OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
Utsjoki invites the traveller to hike and camp in the picturesque scenery. For the scenery to remain beautiful, let us all take care of the spectacular nature of Utsjoki together.
Before going on an excursion, it is important to note that the sensitive Arctic nature of Utsjoki may also be ruthless and unpredictable. It is therefore good to be aware of the safety factors and hence ensure that you are able to return safe and sound. This website contains important safety instructions for those travelling in the Utsjoki, Nuorgam and Karigasniemi region.
PAYING ATTENTION TO REINDEER IN NATURE AND TRAFFIC
In Utsjoki, reindeer herding is one of the most important livelihoods. There are almost ten times as many reindeer in the Utsjoki region as there are people. Reindeer are semi-wild domesticated
animals: each reindeer belongs to somebody, whether you meet them in the middle of the village or in the remotest corner of the Kaldoaivi wilderness. By respecting the reindeer, you also show
respect for the local people.
SUSTAINABILITY OF LOCAL COMPANIES
Let us enjoy the fantastic scenery of Utsjoki in a responsible way! The travel operators committed to the vision of sustainable tourism in Utsjoki share a common view of how and to what direction tourism in the Utsjoki region should be developed now and in the future. The aim of the vision is to
strengthen and promote low carbon travel in the region as well as its safety and responsibility.
SUSTAINABLE REINDEER HERDING
Reindeer herding is a major livelihood in Utsjoki. There are almost ten times as many reindeer in the Utsjoki region as there are people. The present form of reindeer herding has commenced at the end of the Middle Ages when the Sámi people begun to herd reindeer. Reindeer herding is a traditional livelihood connected to a strong Sámi and Northern Finnish cultural heritage. The reindeer herding skills pass on from one generation to the next.
LOCAL FOOD
As the name implies, local food comes from nearby. The distribution chain is short and the producer of the food is always easy to find out. Local food is always the result of small-scale production and this production brings jobs and income to the residents in the region, leaving the euros for local use. Favouring local food improves the state of the environment and strengthens the regional economy.
RECYCLING AND EMPTYING OF SEPTIC TANKS OF CARAVANS IN UTSJOKI REGION
Let us all keep our environment clean together. Utsjoki, Karigasniemi and Nuorgam all have a ”Rinki” eco take-back point to which you can bring the recyclable carton and glass packages as well as small metal objects. You can empty the toilets of your caravan in the drainage places of the camping sites or the drainage sites maintained by the road administration.
This sustainability website has been created as part of a project on Sustainable Tourism in Utsjoki. The project was supported by the European Regional Development Fund, the Regional Council of Lapland and the municipality of Utsjoki, the aim of which was to make Utsjoki an even more responsible travel destination and to steer the travellers to travel in a responsible.