RESPONSIBILTY
Responsibility
Sustainability at Basecamp Oulanka
Basecamp Oulanka is located next to Oulanka National Park, in the middle of sensitive northern nature. For us, sustainability is not an add-on — it is part of our everyday operations.
We continuously develop our accommodation, restaurant and nature activities so that they place as little strain on the environment as possible while supporting the local community.
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GREEN KEY CERTIFIED
Basecamp Oulanka has been Green Key certified since 2024. Green Key is an international sustainability programme for the tourism industry, guiding businesses towards practical environmental actions, continuous improvement and clear sustainability communication.
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Energy and heating
Basecamp Oulanka is heated with pellets from our own heating plant. This is a concrete way for us to reduce dependence on fossil energy sources and manage energy use locally.
We monitor room temperatures individually, room by room, so that heating can be adjusted accurately and appropriately. This helps us avoid unnecessary energy use while maintaining guest comfort.
Water use and everyday choices
Water consumption is reduced by regulating the water flow in showers and taps. Guests are also encouraged to save water during their stay.
Interim room cleaning is provided only for guests staying at least one week. This helps reduce the use of water, energy, detergents and cleaning materials.
Waste and recycling
We sort waste and also guide our guests to recycle. Our aim is to reduce mixed waste and make recycling as easy as possible during the stay.
Guests heading out on trips are instructed to bring all rubbish back with them. In the national park, we follow the principles of litter-free hiking.
Food and restaurant
Our restaurant serves local food and home-style meals, mainly prepared from local ingredients. We also use organic and Fairtrade products where possible.
Reducing food waste is an important part of our restaurant operations. We forecast guest numbers as accurately as possible and ask overnight guests to book their dinner table in advance. This helps us prepare the right amount of food.
Nature and the national park
We are part of the unique environment of Oulanka National Park. In our own instructions, we follow the national park guidelines concerning official campsites, campfire sites and moving responsibly in nature.
We guide our guests to move responsibly in nature, stay on marked trails, use official rest and campfire sites, and respect the peace of nature, other visitors and local wildlife.
Local community and culture
We are largely self-sufficient in our services, but we work with local operators whenever it is sensible and possible.
We actively take part in the work of the local village association and contribute to the development of local cultural life. For example, we take part in events by the Kuusamo Chamber Orchestra and help organise the Juumafest music festival together with other local operators.
People, safety and equality
Our guides are certified, and our staff is diverse, representing several nationalities. We want Basecamp Oulanka to be a safe, open and respectful environment for both guests and staff.
Pets are very welcome at Basecamp Oulanka. We want to make nature experiences possible also for guests travelling with pets.
Accessibility
We want to be honest about accessibility: unfortunately, the Basecamp Oulanka area is not fully accessible. There are several stairways on the property, and the nearby hiking trails run through natural terrain with elevation changes, roots and rocks.
If you have specific mobility needs, we recommend contacting us before booking. We are happy to provide more detailed information about the facilities and routes available.
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HOW YOU CAN HELP AS A GUEST
• Save water and energy during your stay |
Continuous improvement
Sustainability is not a finished project, but a process of continuous improvement. We monitor our operations, improve our practices and look for new ways to reduce environmental impact and strengthen local wellbeing.