Our values

• Commitment: We are committed to long-term operations, respecting environmental values and ensuring economic sustainability.
• Community and Cooperation: We build strong partnerships and promote a sense of community in all that we do.
• High-Quality and Personalized Customer Service: We aim to offer unforgettable experiences tailored to each guest.
• Joy in Our Work: We approach our work with positivity, and our enthusiasm is visible in everything we do.
• Innovation: We continuously seek new ways to improve our operations and adapt our services to meet the changing needs of travelers.

Environmental Responsibility

Respect for the environment is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to conserving natural resources and reducing our carbon footprint. Some of our concrete actions include:

• We built our own waste sorting station, available for use by the entire village.
• We prefer wooden construction and keep the surroundings of our rental villas in their natural state.
• We use carbon-free electricity and most of our buildings are heated with geothermal or air-source heat pumps.
• In 2021, we installed solar panels on the main harbor building and all rental villas.
• We have been awarded the Ekokompassi (EcoCompass) environmental certificate.
• Our Linnansaari EcoHostel operates without electricity, heating, or running water, and we maintain traditional landscapes through seasonal mowing. We also organize volunteer workdays.

Protection of the Saimaa Ringed Seal & Responsible Tourism

We share our home waters with the endangered Saimaa ringed seal, and we’ve developed seal-friendly activities accordingly.

We follow best practices for seal-safe tourism and share information about the seal, sustainable fishing, and responsible hiking. We’ve also created a Guide to Responsible Water Travel.

In winter, we maintain marked winter trails on Lake Haukivesi to minimize disturbance to seals.

Sustainable Mobility

We promote environmentally friendly transportation:

• We encourage human-powered travel like cycling and paddling.
• We offer shared transport via safari bus and boat.
• We provide a wide range of rental gear suitable for responsible summer and winter adventures.

Food Culture & Local Sourcing

In our restaurants, we prioritize locally sourced ingredients, especially seasonal lake fish, which we buy directly from local fishermen and process ourselves.
We support the use of lake fish, as recommended by WWF Finland – check out their sustainable fish guide!

We’re also committed to supporting local culture and community vitality:

• We collaborate with local businesses and associations, including first aid training with the volunteer fire department.
• We organize events such as fish festivals, nature church services, and camps.
• Our village shop and café serve as year-round gathering places for locals.

Accessibility

We want our services to be accessible to everyone. We are committed to improving physical accessibility and enhancing the inclusiveness of our services and facilities.

Diversity and Equality

Everyone is welcome here, regardless of background, gender, age, nationality, sexual orientation, physical ability, religion, or political beliefs. We respect all individuals who, in turn, respect us, the local community, and nature.

Sustainable Tourism & Certifications

We are committed to promoting sustainable tourism and have signed on to the 10 Principles of Sustainable Tourism.

We continuously develop our operations:

• We’ve participated in responsibility training and completed the Sustainable Travel Finland (STF) development path.
• We develop our practices through the Ekokompassi environmental program.
• Oravi Harbor has been awarded the Roopesatama environmental label.
• We took part in the Ce4rt Regenerative Tourism Training Program (2023–2024).

SaimaaHoliday Oravi is committed to building a more sustainable travel future in Finland – welcome to experience responsible travel with us!

Our Environmental Promise

Our operations are located in the heart of Lake Saimaa’s pristine nature, and we are committed to keeping this environment and its ecosystems clean and thriving.
Nature is vital to both our business and to the residents and visitors of Oravi. We aim to lead by example in demonstrating how business and biodiversity can coexist.

We have adopted the Ekokompassi environmental management system, which provides us with concrete tools for minimizing environmental impact and helps us focus on what truly matters.
We follow local and global sustainability and responsible tourism guidelines, as well as environmental laws and best practices to the best of our knowledge and ability.

Looking ahead, we plan to place greater emphasis on educating visitors on sustainable practices and training our staff to lead by example. We are committed to continuous improvement in environmental matters and will continue to seek innovative ways to conserve natural resources and stay ahead of the curve.

How You Can Make a Difference

Every guest can help preserve the unique nature of Lake Saimaa for future generations. Small actions make a big difference.

In Nature

• Read our Responsible Paddler’s Guide before heading out on the water.
• Follow the Outdoor Etiquette guidelines and respect marked routes and protected areas.
• Respect the endangered Saimaa ringed seal and other wildlife by keeping a safe distance and avoiding unnecessary noise.
• Take all your litter with you and leave every campsite and rest area as clean—or cleaner—than you found it.
• Use only designated campfire sites and always follow local fire safety regulations.

During Your Stay

• Use water wisely and avoid unnecessary consumption.
• Turn off lights and electrical appliances when leaving your room or when they are not needed.
• Choose environmentally certified detergents and personal care products whenever possible.
• Sort your waste according to our recycling instructions.
• Reuse your towels whenever possible to help reduce water and energy consumption.

Travel Responsibly

• Whenever possible, choose walking, cycling, paddling, or other low-impact ways of getting around.
• Use shared transportation or other low-emission travel options whenever available.

Support the Local Community

• Choose local products, restaurants, and services.
• Treat local residents, cottage owners, and fellow visitors with kindness and respect.
• Appreciate the local culture, traditions, and the peaceful way of life that make this region so special.

Thank you for helping us protect the unique nature and culture of Lake Saimaa. Together, we can ensure that this extraordinary place remains beautiful and vibrant for generations to come.