Travel responsibly in Oulu and on the Nordic ring road

1. Travel by public transport

Oulu is easy to get to by train and bus: both the train and bus stations are just a stone's throw from the city centre. From Oulu bus station you can continue your journey with connections to Pudasjärvi, Hailuoto, Kalajoki, Liminka, Kempele, Rahe and the Rokua Geopark municipal centres of Muhoksi, Utajärvi and Vaala.

Of course, you can also fly to Oulu, and among the airlines, Finnair, for example, is doing long-term sustainability work and aiming for carbon neutrality by the end of 2045. You can also offset the carbon emissions caused by flying in various ways.

The centre of Oulu is a compact area that is easy to explore on foot. Of course, public transport can also be used for slightly longer journeys. On Oulu's local buses, you can pay for your journey with a local fare.

2. Choose an accommodation provider that focuses on responsibility

When you choose an accommodation provider with environmental certification, you can be sure that their sustainability work has been verified and their environmental concerns are taken into account, both today and in the future. Certificates commit hosts to long-term work, which is also reflected in very concrete ways for the guests, for example by allowing them to sort their waste.

3. Cycle in the winter cycling capital of the world

The must-have for responsible travellers in Oulu is cycling. Oulu is a world-famous cycling city; some sources even call it the capital of winter cycling. So get in touch with the local way of cycling, for example by renting a bike.

It's also worth asking at your accommodation: some hotels in the area lend bikes free of charge or cooperate with bike rental companies.

Oulu has a lot of hills, thanks to its location by the sea on flat land. So you can get around on a bike without breaking a sweat. The environment will thank you for this responsible form of exercise, and you'll get some much-needed light, pleasant exercise and fresh air.

Of course, the wildest tourists arrive in Oulu on their own bikes. Hats off to them!

4. Choose restaurants and shop responsibly

In Oulu, it's easy to find local food, vegetarian and vegan options that will help you make small but significant sustainable choices when you travel. It's not worth making unnecessary purchases when you're travelling either, so choose local products and design as souvenirs.

5. What you bring with you, you take with you

When you get excited about going on a nature hike, remember the simple but effective principles of litter-free camping. Pack all your rubbish back in your rucksack and sort your waste at your accommodation. Especially if your accommodation is environmentally certified, you can easily sort your waste and help ensure a sustainable recycling of materials.