This isn’t just a marketing ploy. Helsinki has ambitious goals for carbon neutrality by 2030 and zero emissions by 2040. Ambitious goals are best understood through first-hand travel. See, for example, the Greenest of the Green Block, a residential area showcasing energy-efficient buildings and green roofs. Sustainable practices extend to transportation, with investments in public transit and cycling infrastructure that simplifies travel without a car rental. The long summer days (almost 19 hours of sunlight at the peak of summer) are obviously one of the most popular times to visit, but Helsinki promotes off-season travel to avoid overtourism and ensure a more balanced visitor experience.
But Helsinki offers more than just eco-friendly initiatives. Explore the city’s pedestrian-friendly zones, like Esplanadi streets and Kasarmikatu, where you can easily navigate through charming shops, cafes, and museums. Nature lovers will find solace in Helsinki’s abundant parks and protected coastlines that have a network of trails. Naturally, in a city with sustainability standards like Helsinki’s, finding eco-conscious accommodations is a breeze. More than 50 hotels hold Booking.com’s “Sustainability” certification, including brands like Scandic Hotels with their Nordic Swan eco-label properties. 