Creating positive change in the world,
one memory at a time
“In the early 2000s, I was walking through the wilderness and came across vast areas—hundreds of acres—where felled trees lay scattered on the ground. Logging in Lapland was common at the time, and I began to wonder if there might be a more sustainable way to make use of this land than turning it into timber. That moment planted the seed for an idea: tourism that allows us to share the surrounding wilderness without ever harming it.
Today, I am deeply grateful that, together with my wife, family, and our team, we have created unique tourism destinations. Guests who visit them get to experience our greatest treasure — nature— and carry with them the memory of its value.This is what guides us: creating positive change in the world, one memory at a time.”
— Jouko Lappalainen, CEO, Nellim WildernessHotels & Safaris
Our commitment to responsible tourism
As recognition of our long-term commitment to sustainability, Wilderness Hotels has proudly held the Green Key certificate since 2020. Green Key is an international eco-label for the tourism industry, with criteria based on the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.
As a Green Key certified company, we are committed to continuously improving our sustainability practices and reporting our progress annually through the renewal process. Compliance with the criteria is verified through regular on-site audits, and the certificate is awarded by an external, independent Green Key jury.
In addition, since 2024 Wilderness Hotels has also been certified by the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) program, which highlights destinations and companies that meet Finland’s highest standards for responsible and sustainable travel.
