Sustainability

UNESCO World Heritage Sites and Metsähallitus – a state-owned enterprise that produces environmental services in Finland – share common principles of sustainable tourism. These principles are considered in all their own activities and cooperation with tourism entrepreneurs.

By committing to these six principles, the aim is to ensure the ecological, socio-cultural, and economic sustainability of tourism. We promote sustainable tourism. In order to achieve this goal, we cooperate to…

1. Support the preservation of valuable features at the sites and promote their protection
2. Minimise the load on the environment
3. Strengthen local aspects
4. Promote use of the sites to increase health and well-being
5. Promote growth and job creation in the local economy
6. Communicate together the values and services of the site

It is important to measure and monitor how sustainable tourism is realised. For each principle of sustainable tourism, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna has created indicators that are used in monitoring sustainable tourism. The monitoring method used is the LAC method that is based on the limits of acceptable change. The monitoring indicators described the realisation of Suomenlinna’s principles of sustainable tourism in the area.

The monitoring takes into account ecological, socio-cultural and economic impacts. The LAC method is based on deciding the allowable extent of environmental impacts. Each monitoring indicator is assigned not only a targeted value but also a limit that is the lowest or highest acceptable value. When the limit is reached, pre-determined measures to remedy the situation are applied.

Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) is Visit Finland’s sustainable tourism program, aimed at providing tourism businesses and regions with a concrete model for developing sustainable tourism. It facilitates the systematic adoption of sustainable practices into the daily operations of companies.

In 2020, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna was awarded the Sustainable Travel Finland label as a recognition of valuable and long-term work towards sustainable tourism. In the autumn of 2022, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna renewed the STF label until September 2024. During 2024-25, the Governing Body of Suomenlinna will be audited for the Finnish Ekokompassi certificate, and will renew the STF label with the new certificate.

Suomenlinna’s long-term work as a sustainable tourism destination has received updated guidelines with the publication of the Suomenlinna Sustainable Tourism Strategy until 2030.

The sustainable tourism strategy is part of the management and use plan for the UNESCO World Heritage Site, which guides the conservation work of Suomenlinna. Our goal is to act as a pioneer in sustainable tourism. The strategy provides a tool and common guidelines for the entire network of actors at the World Heritage Site. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna has developed the strategy together with its stakeholders.

The first sustainable tourism strategy for Suomenlinna was prepared for the years 2015–2020.

The next, shorter-term update was prepared for the years 2021–2023 as a bridge to post-pandemic tourism at the World Heritage Site.

In Suomenlinna, it is possible to do volunteer work in tasks such as collecting litter, raking, and removing weeds and invasive species.

The fortress annually hosts an international volunteer camp as part of UNESCO’s volunteer program. The camp has been held in Suomenlinna since 2015 and is attended by about 15 young adults interested in cultural heritage conservation.

Suomenlinna can be a challenging place to move around. The routes in the World Heritage Site are paved with either stone, gravel, or sand. Uneven cobbled sections cannot be completely avoided. There are elevation changes in Suomenlinna’s terrain, and some routes are hilly. There are also sections that are sloping sideways. Weather conditions and seasons affect, and during cold weather some routes can be slippery and out of use. The maintenance of the Blue Route and the more accessible route is prioritized.

To ensure smooth visit in the fortress, regular accessibility surveys are conducted, and information on the accessibility of key sites is compiled and updated accordingly.

A more accessible route runs parallel to the Blue Route, allowing those with mobility aids or strollers to avoid some of the difficult sections.

Suomenlinna is a LGBTQIA+ friendly place to visit. As Suomenlinna is an UNESCO World Heritage Site it welcomes everyone.

The Governing Body of Suomenlinna administrates, maintains, restores, and presents Suomenlinna. The Governing Body of Suomenlinna is committed to promoting inclusivity and equality both within the organisation and throughout the site as a partner member of the We Speak Gay community.

The following services and facilities in Suomenlinna are also members of We Speak Gay community:

• Adler Wine House
• Café Bar Valimo
• Café Piper
• Ehrensvärd Museum
• Hostel Suomenlinna
• Lonna Island
• Restaurant Adlerfelt
• Suomenlinna Museum, Museum Shop, and Café
• Suomenlinna Event Spaces
• Suomenlinnatours (Authorized Guided Tours  of Suomenlinna and Group Services)
• Suomenlinna Visitor Center
• Suomenlinna Guest Harbor
• Tykistölahden kioski ice cream kiosk

Together, we aim to provide a positive and safe experience for all visitors to Suomenlinna. Welcome to Suomenlinna!

You can find the We Speak Gay map at the Suomenlinna Visitor Center and other affiliated locations. Look for this We Speak Gay emblem to identify community members.

For more information about the We Speak Gay community, you can visit their website here