Coolcation in Finland:
Ideas for a Slower Summer Holiday
Are you looking for a refreshing alternative somewhere in the Nordics for your holiday? More and more travellers are turning to “coolcationing”, which means choosing likely cooler destinations in the Nordic countries. But can you combine a holiday abroad with more responsible choices?
Travel always has an environmental impact, especially when travelling internationally. However, the choices we make along the way can help reduce our impact and support more sustainable tourism. Choosing how you travel, where you stay and which local businesses you support can make your holiday more responsible.
Finland, with its lakes, forests and relatively mild summer climate, offers plenty of opportunities for a refreshing holiday close to nature. And with a little planning, there are many ways to make your trip to Finland more sustainable: from travelling by train, exploring by bike and staying longer in one place to choosing locally owned accommodation, restaurants and activities.
How to make your coolcation in Finland more sustainable?
A holiday abroad will always have an environmental impact, but that does not mean that all choices are equal. The way you travel, where you stay, how long you stay and what you do at your destination can all make a difference.
Many destinations actually offer more and more responsible options to choose from.
The Pirkanmaa and Tampere region, the charm of countryside like Sastamala and nearby coastal areas such as Rauma are filled with rich culture, vibrant city life, and breathtaking nature to enjoy during your slow travel holiday. Maybe this would be something for you?
A cooler holiday can also be a more mindful holiday
If you choose Finland for a cooler summer holiday, here are some choices that can help you travel more responsibly.
- Travel at a slower pace: instead of trying to see as much as possible, choose one or two regions and give yourself time to explore them properly. A longer stay can mean fewer transfers and more meaningful experiences
- Choose lower-impact ways to move: whenever possible, travel by train or bus and explore your destination on foot or by bike. For longer distances, an e-bike can make cycling a realistic option for many travellers, and taxi rides can help out if needed
- Spend time in nature: Finland’s forests, lakes and nature trails are easy to enjoy without expensive attractions. Stay on marked trails, keep your distance from wildlife and leave no trace behind
- Support local businesses: locally owned accommodation, restaurants, guides and activity providers help keep tourism income in the local community
- Consider destinations beyond the busiest tourist hotspots: Smaller towns and rural areas can offer a quieter experience while spreading the benefits of tourism beyond the most popular destinations
- Consider the carbon footprint that remains. Reducing emissions should come first, but you can also look for ways to address the emissions that cannot be avoided. Some tourism businesses offer their own carbon compensation or climate contribution options, so check what they provide
Make choices that matter.
Why choose Finland for a cooler summer holiday?
Finland is not a guarantee of cool weather, as Finnish summers can include hot days and even heatwaves. What makes Finland interesting for a coolcation is the combination of relatively mild summer conditions, abundant nature and easy access to forests, lakes and outdoor activities.
- Nature is close: forests, lakes and trails are often accessible without travelling far
- Outdoor activities suit mild weather: hiking, cycling, paddling and swimming are easy ways to spend a summer day
- You can travel between many destinations without a car: particularly by train and bus along the main routes
- Smaller destinations offer a slower alternative: places such as Sastamala allow you to experience Finnish countryside alongside better-known cities
- Sustainable options are becoming easier to find: many Finnish tourism businesses and destinations are developing more responsible ways of operating
Finnish summers can be warm too, and heatwaves do occur. However, prolonged periods of extreme heat are generally less common than in many parts of southern Europe. Summer weather can be ideal for hiking, cycling and exploring, but pack for changeable conditions as you may experience sunshine, rain and cooler evenings during the same trip.
Choose what fit your values.
Whether you’re a couple seeking serenity, a family in search of outdoor fun or a nature-lover craving wilderness,
Finland offers unforgettable experiences with crisp air and Nordic wellness.
And all this even in the Lakeland area of Finland, for example based in Sastamala, only 60 km from Tampere.
This means, that there is the real possibility for having your cooler vacation without heading all the way to Lapland.
Here you are: read our suggestions for a coolcation to remember
If you’re looking for a cooler summer holiday, here are some destinations and practical choices that can make your trip more sustainable. Whether you’re hiking through forested hills in Sastamala, enjoying lakeside city life in Tampere, or wandering the atmospheric alleys of Rauma, Finland’s cool destinations promise peace, beauty, and authentic Nordic charm.
Tampere: Urban vibes with lakeside calm
Tampere is a good example of how a city holiday and nature-based experiences can be combined even without needing a car. A vacation in Finland would be incomplete without a visit to Tampere, the largest inland city in the Nordics. Tampere is committed to developing sustainable tourism, supporting local businesses in reducing their carbon footprint and making responsible travel and nature experiences accessible to everyone. Surrounded by two vast lakes — Näsijärvi and Pyhäjärvi — and crisscrossed by the Tammerkoski Rapids, Tampere blends industrial heritage with hip city life.
Explore the unique Vapriikki Museum Centre, have a sauna in one of the saunas in the world’s sauna capital, or relax at the Viikinsaari island. The Pyynikki Observation Tower with its delicious doughnuts and Näsinneula Observation Tower in the area of Särkänniemi Amusement Park offer panoramic views over the city and the lakes. For couples, the city’s lively Finlayson area and Kehräsaari district offer e.g. cozy cafés and artisan shops. Next to the Finlayson area there is the idyllic old stable yard Tallipiha.
Families can enjoy Särkänniemi amusement park, which also includes an aquarium, planetarium, and rides — all nestled along the lake shore.
Sastamala: Where nature meets Nordic heritage
Sastamala is a good choice if you want to slow down and experience the Finnish countryside. You can arrive by train or bus from Tampere and explore the area by bike, combining nature, culture and local services without having to drive everywhere. Only 60 km from Tampere, nestled amid rolling hills and vast lakes, Sastamala is a hidden gem for those longing for tranquility and nature. Known as the ”Book Capital of Finland,” the town charms visitors with its cultural flair, beautiful nature and historical sites. Stroll through the Book Quarter in the town centre, explore local handicrafts, or step back in time at the 15th-century St. Olaf’s Church, one of Finland’s most iconic medieval landmarks.
Nature lovers can hike on several nature trails, rent a boat on Lake Rautavesi, or simply enjoy a lakeside sauna under the midnight sun. Families will love the fun visit to Mr. Clutterbuck, a playful indoor world inspired by Finnish children’s books.
Read our article about the best sights and nature trails of Sastamala in Kommee Kurki’s website dedicated to our Tentsile Glamping site. Kommee Kurki is also the pioneer in the Sastamala area for its’ efforts in developing sustainable and responsible accommodation in the countryside of Sastamala.
Rauma: Coastal coolness and UNESCO world heritage
For those drawn to the sea, Rauma is a delightful point on your coolcation route. Rauma offers an interesting mix: coastal nature, UNESCO World Heritage Sites and a historic town centre that is easy to explore on foot. Located on the western coast of Finland, Rauma is famed for its beautifully preserved Old Rauma, a UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring narrow cobbled streets, wooden houses, and artisan workshops. Explore lace-making traditions, maritime history, and quirky museums. Rauma also has an other UNESCO World Heritage Site, as the bronze age burial site Sammallahdenmäki is located in the Rauma region.
Rauma is committed to sustainable tourism by protecting its unique natural and cultural heritage while ensuring that tourism supports the local community and remains within the destination’s carrying capacity.
Kommee Kurki: A more sustainable base for a slower stay in Sastamala
Kommee Kurki is a certified accommodation provider in Sastamala, with a strong focus on sustainability and nature-friendly accommodation. Our countryside location is particularly well suited to travellers who want to slow down, stay for several nights and explore the surrounding nature at their own pace.
Kommee Kurki is located near several bird lakes in the countryside of Sastamala. The location in Pirkanmaa, the Tampere Region, is handy for different kinds of travelling routes: from Tampere it is 60 km, from Pori 80 km, from Turku 120 km and from Helsinki 190 km. The nearby Lake Hanhijärvi is home to cranes and whooper swans so you can admire the magnificent soundscape and their impressive overflights from spring until late autumn.
Kommee Kurki is not the easiest choice for a traveller relying entirely on public transport, and we don’t want to pretend otherwise. But it can be a good choice for slow travellers who are prepared to make the journey part of the experience. Stay for a few nights, explore Sastamala by bike, walk in the nearby forests, listen to the birds by Lake Hanhijärvi and discover the surrounding countryside at a slower pace.
We want to be honest about accessibility: Kommee Kurki is not currently accessible by public transport directly to the accommodation. You can reach us by car, bicycle or taxi. Sastamala can be reached by train and bus from Tampere, Helsinki and Pori. From the town centre you can continue by bicycle, e-bike or taxi. For cyclists, the approximately 12-kilometre journey from Sastamala centre makes us a possible stop for a car-free trip, while an e-bike makes the journey easier. In 2027 there will also be a train connection from Rauma to Sastamala available.
For us, responsible tourism is about making conscious choices where possible. A stay at Kommee Kurki can be part of a slower holiday: stay longer, explore the local area, spend time in nature and support small local businesses in the area rather than rushing from one destination to another.
The cosy vacation house, Tentsile-glamping and cute cabin
Kommee Kurki provides you and your family accommodation with a natural touch. Choose a lovely holiday house, private Tentsile tree tent camping or a stay in the simple summertime cabin. Our holiday home is ideal for 1-6 persons, the Tentsile camp suits for max 6 adults and the Satukurki cabin accommodates max 4 persons.
In the pet friendly vacation house you have the whole house of 100 m² for you to enjoy at your own pace! There are bedroom, spacious living room, a well-equipped kitchen and a nice bathroom with an electric sauna in the house. At the porch you can cool down after the sauna or hang out with your entourage. As we live in the house next door at the same site, we are easy to reach for any requests. We are still very used to giving our guests their own peace and quiet, so you can have a relaxing stay!
Welcome to the unique Tentsile camp site of Kommee Kurki!
Right next to Lake Hanhijärvi there is our Tree Tent Kommee Kurki with a great soundscape of the bird lake. The private Tentsile tree tent camp site provides thoughtful features like black pot campfire coffee gear, comfy seating area and binoculars to watch the slow life at the bird lake.
Looking for a simple but comfy summertime accommodation?
In the corner of the garden of Kommee Kurki there is our simple and cute Satukurki Cabin. This pet friendly cabin is a playful alternative for a regular cabin found in the common camping grounds. Satukurki Cabin is decorated a bit like a playhouse, has simple but adequate amenities and accommodates 4 people in bunk beds.
Great hospitality! Amazing place! Very clean, spacious and cozy.
-E, stayed in July
Beautiful, traditional wooden house in the middle of the pure, clean and unique Finnish nature.
-T, stayed in July
The location is near a forest where one can go berry picking and exploring.
-O, stayed in August
Vacation House
Book the vacation house here
Tentsile Tree Tent
Book your Tentsile experience here
Satukurki Cabin
Book the Satukurki Cabin here
Check all of our selection here
For all the information about the Tentsile Experience Camp go to www.treetentfinland.com
For Q&A, send email to info@kommeekurki.fi
Kommee Kurki is Good Travel Seal -certified, a holder of Sustainable Travel Finland -label,
and as LGBTQ-friendly firm, we are a member of We Speak Gay -community.
Read more about our sustainability here.