Holiday at home - choose sustainable and local

Summer is here, and with it comes thoughts about how to spend your vacation. We want to make a case for vacationing at home, discovering what's nearby and choosing wisely.

Vacationing in Sweden can be enjoyable, relaxing and meaningful. When you choose to stay at home, and maybe even in your local nature, you can reduce the carbon footprint of travel, support local businesses and have long-lasting experiences.

The Old Forest is rich in life and history

Ancient forests are magnificent environments. They are breathtakingly beautiful, rich in life and history, and often evoke a sense of awe in those who walk through them. Making your way through these forests can involve both physical movement and quiet reflection, but also the realization of how much is at stake.

Preserving old-growth forest means preserving soil carbon sequestration, biodiversity, living water and places for future generations to marvel at. We want more people to know about the value of old-growth forests, and understand why they need to be preserved. In some of our protected areas, we have therefore created small tourist attractions such as named sites in Solliden and Skarnhålan old-growth forests, or the tribute bench in Iglekärr's old-growth forest.

👉 Read more about the hiking trail and the tribute bench in Iglekärr

Nature is a driving force in the Swedish tourism industry

Nature, culture and ecotourism is growing in Sweden, and is today a model in the tourism industry. By choosing experiences where consideration for nature, people, culture and animals is central, you as a traveler can be a positive force. Companies that are members of Naturturismföretagen offer experiences throughout the country where consideration and quality go hand in hand. Hiking, cycling, canoeing, locally sourced food, tranquillity, encounters and learning - often in small-scale forms that make room for both you and nature.

- Together with our members and quality labeled companies, we actively take responsibility for creating a sustainable and competitive industry - from influencing business conditions to promoting responsible tourism in nature, says Johan Engström, Secretary General of Naturturismföretagen.

👉 F ind nature tourism businesses to visit

Several of the companies are also quality labeled by Nature's Best Sweden - the quality label for nature-based experiences. You can find them here.

A holiday that makes a difference

Stay at home this summer, discover what's nearby and choose wisely. When you vacation with care for nature, culture and the future, you help make a difference - for nature, for the planet and for yourself. 🙂