Feel Koli
Feel Koli offers nature related activities in Koli. With the tours you can experience Koli with slowing down and connecting with nature. Excursions are organized during all seasons of the year.
Sustainable Travel
Sustainable Travel
Visit Finland's goal is to make Finland a leading country in sustainable tourism. North Karelia has also set a high goal for responsible tourism, and sustainable development is one of the four development paths for tourism in the region. Responsible choices guide the tourism industry's product and service development, marketing measures and sales promotion. Our goal is to create responsibility as a competitive advantage for the region's tourism and a significant part of the region's tourism brand.
What is Sustainable Travel Finland?
The development of the tourism industry needs to be sustainable for it to respond to the changing demand and to secure the industry's future.
Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) programme was developed by Visit Finland for destinations and tourism companies. Destinations and companies that go through the programme and meet the criteria, get the STF-label.
The STF programme gives destinations and compnaies a concerte toolkit for developing sustainable tourism, making it easier to adop sustainable measures and choices in the everyday work.
STF certified companies in North Karelia
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Hyvärilä Youth and Holiday Centre
Hyvärilä Youth and Holiday Centre offers accommodation, activities and restaurant services in the atmospheric small village surroundings of Hyvärilä.
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Äksyt Ämmät - Green Finn Tour Operator
Äksyt Ämmät - Green Finn Tour Operator is a tour operator based in Nurmes that creates immersive and environmentally friendly travel experiences. The programs combine beautiful nature, the local traditions and the Finnish way of life. Gueshouse Pihlajapuu is also run by Äksyt Ämmät.
Kolin Runo - Cozy B&B Near Koli Hill
Kolin Runo is a cozy bed and breakfast at Koli. We are situtated at a walking distance from the Koli National Park and its famous scenery which is one of the na...
Jongunjoen Matkailu Wilderness Inn
Authentic Finnish wilderness & traditions. Personalized, small-scale hospitality for travellers who seek real nature and culture experiences away from crowd...
Scandic Joensuu
It’s easy to feel comfortable in our hotel, located in the best spot in the centre of Joensuu. All of the city’s services are nearby and the peaceful rooms ensu...
Original Sokos Hotel Kimmel
You are warmly welcome to Joensuu and to the shore of river Pielisjoki! We offer you fully renovated spaces, hospitable service, delicious food and the buzz of ...
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna, Joensuu
Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna – in the heart of the city. Original Sokos Hotel Vaakuna is located in the centre of Joensuu and beats with the pulse of the city. ...
Break Sokos Hotel Koli Kylä
Outdoor adventures, cosy village life and stunning scenery. Welcome to our hotel in the centre of Koli village, the gateway to Koli National Park. Our warm and ...
Pohjolan Matka Charter Coaches Joensuu
If you need reliable bus transportation, don’t hesitate to get in touch with us. Pohjolan Matka operates a fleet of over 200 vehicles, offering flexible solutio...
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North Karelia Biosphere Reserve
North Karelia is home to one of the two UNESCO designated biosphere reserves in Finland. Established in 1992, it is the first biosphere area in Finland to be acknowledged in UNESCO’s the Man and the Biosphere programme of 749 (2024) biospheres worldwide.
Biosphere reserves are learning sites for sustainable development, whose mission is to promote the conservation of biodiversity and cultural heritage, as well as the sustainable development of livelihoods through the active participation of local communities.
Great places to experience the nature of North Karelia Biosphere Reserve include Koli, Patvinsuo and Petkeljärvi National Parks; Ruunaa Hiking area or some of the nature reserves, like Koivusuo or Kesonsuo. Biosphere sustainable development partnership network enhances opportunities for regional sustainable development. Partners set their own sustainable development goals and commit to them. You will find biosphere partners marked with below logo in this manual.