Durabilité
Tourisme durable dans le respect de la nature
Haltia Lake Lodge: A Pioneer in Sustainability and Regenerative Tourism
From the beginning, our purpose has been clear: to show that tourism can thrive in close connection with nature while taking responsibility for the ecosystems it depends on.
For us, nature is not a backdrop—it is the foundation of everything we do. Clean water, healthy forests, rich biodiversity and tranquillity are essential to our guests’ experience and to the long-term viability of our business. This understanding shapes how we design, operate and develop Haltia Lake Lodge.
Instead of building new structures in a sensitive natural area, we chose to repurpose an existing building and renovate it using circular economy principles. Reused and recycled materials, durable solutions and thoughtful design reduce environmental impact while extending the life of existing resources. This decision reflects a broader philosophy: the most sustainable impact is often the one you avoid creating.
Our approach goes beyond minimising harm. We actively contribute to nature-positive outcomes through hands-on conservation and restoration work in cooperation with Parks & Wildlife Finland and other expert partners. This includes activities such as meadow and wetland restoration, invasive species removal and freshwater ecosystem management—actions that directly support biodiversity and ecosystem recovery.
A concrete expression of this work is our planet-positive conservation holiday, where guests participate in professionally guided conservation tasks in Nuuksio National Park as part of their stay. Through this experience, travellers move from observing nature to actively caring for it, contributing time and effort to work that has real ecological value.
We believe that responsibility matters most when it is visible and shared. That is why we openly document our journey through the documentary series A Regenerative Journey. By showing what we do, how we do it, and what we learn along the way, we aim to inspire other tourism businesses—from small operators to larger players—to take meaningful steps toward regenerative tourism.
Haltia Lake Lodge is not just a place to stay. It is a living example of how tourism can operate within nature’s limits, contribute to ecosystem restoration, and help shape a more responsible future for travel.
Responsible Fishing and Water Management
Water system restoration is also part of our sustainability actions. We conduct maintenance fishing in nearby lakes to improve their ecological status and reduce eutrophication. Fishing not only promotes the wellbeing of local aquatic ecosystems but also provides ecologically sustainable ingredients for our hotel restaurant.
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Restoring Carbon Sinks
Haltia Lake Lodge actively participates in peatland restoration in Nuuksio National Park. Peatlands serve as significant carbon sinks, sequestering carbon dioxide and helping to mitigate climate change. We build dams for rewetting drained peatlands, promoting the recovery of natural ecosystem services. This way, we can strengthen the health of protected habitats and increase the area's biodiversity.
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Collaboration and Community Responsibility
We are committed to promoting the wellbeing of local communities and preserving cultural heritage. We collaborate with local producers and utilize local food to offer our guests fresh and ecological culinary experiences. We also participate in local employment and provide learning and work opportunities, for example, for students with special needs by utilizing their handmade insect hotels as part of the hotel grounds.
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Circular Economy and Renewable Energy
Haltia Lake Lodge operates according to circular economy principles. We use 100% renewable wind power as our energy source and strive to reduce electricity consumption and the use of plastic and paper. Most of our furniture is made from recycled materials, and our visitors can learn about these circular economy solutions as part of their experience.
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Nature Conservation Holidays and Combating Biodiversity Loss
One of our most significant initiatives is the "nature conservation holiday" concept, which offers travelers the opportunity to participate directly in conservation work in Nuuksio National Park. In cooperation with Metsähallitus and Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, visitors can engage in restoration work, such as mowing overgrown meadows or removing harmful invasive species. These actions help restore biodiversity and provide travelers with a meaningful way to combat biodiversity loss.
Guest Engagement
Haltia Lake Lodge has also received recognition for its sustainability efforts through various awards and certifications. We received the Green Key certification just seven weeks after opening, and recertification was achieved in September 2024. Additionally, we are part of the Sustainable Travel Finland program and are committed to achieving the STF mark. In 2022, we won the "Best Sustainable Hotel: Europe" award at the World Boutique Hotel Awards, and we were voted the most responsible operator at the Finnish Travel Gala in 2023.
Haltia Lake Lodge wants to offer guests the opportunity to participate concretely in sustainability actions. We offer various activities, such as nature education and guided tours, through which guests can learn more about the local nature and how they can impact nature's wellbeing through their own actions. We want every guest to leave Haltia Lake Lodge inspired and motivated to do their part for a sustainable future.
Haltia Lake Lodge is committed to serving as an example of how tourism can be a force for sustainable development. We welcome you to experience how luxury, responsibility, and nature combine into a regenerative travel experience!
