For the enthusiastic eco-traveller, Finland is a paradise of conservation, sustainability and responsible living. This beautiful country is rich with undisturbed natural beauty, and the Finnish people are extremely respectful of their environment. In this article, we take a look at just five of the best ecotourism destinations in Finland. First things first:

What is Ecotourism?

Ecotourism is a low-impact form of tourism with a focus on carbon neutrality and education. Tourists may visit natural sites of importance, such as national parks and conservations or stay in sustainable accommodation. There are hundreds of magnificent eco destinations around the world but today we're focusing on five breathtaking spots in Finland.

1. Tampere

The city of Tampere in southern Finland has a large and diverse population. As a university town, this bustling metropolitan area is alive with culture and history. Tampere has recently been awarded with the prestigious title of Fair Trade city, the first of its kind in Finland.

There are two key ecological features at Tampere; the first is the region's pristine lakes - some 200 of them within the city boundaries alone. The second is the beautiful botanical garden which is home to more than 500 species of plants.

2. Urho Kekkonen National Park, Lapland

Lapland is world-renowned for acres of unspoilt landscape and diverse wildlife and the Urho Kekkonen National Park showcases this fantastic scenery to perfection. The park protects reindeer, bears, peacocks, elks and woodpeckers along with their natural habitats. Visitors can hike through the spectacular wilderness, try their hand at husky sledding and visit the Sami museum dedicated to the indigenous people of Scandinavia.

3. Helsinki Zoo

Helsinki Zoo (also known as Korkeasaari Elaintarha) is located on its own small island in the Finnish capital city. Believed to be one of the oldest zoological parks in the world, Korkeasaari Elaintarha's main concern is with protecting and conserving endangered species. The zoo has a diverse range of animals, including rare species and regional animals such as the snow leopard.

4. Nuuksio National Park

Another National Park makes the list, this time the Nuuksio National Park in Southern Finland. This park features plenty to explore with mountains, lakes and well-marked hiking routes through the ecologically significant woodlands. Nuuksio offers an authentically rustic retreat away from the bustle of city life.

5. SnowHotel, Lainio, Finland

There are numerous ecotourism destinations in Finland, but few offer such a unique experience as that found at the SnowHotel. Constructed entirely from snow and ice, two very environmentally friendly materials, the hotel is as beautiful as it is cold. The hotel includes igloo bedrooms, ice suites, an Icebar, log cabin restaurant and of course, a sauna.