Äksyt Ämmät Oy, also known internationally as Green Finn Tour Operator, is a fully licensed tour agency and DMC based in Nurmes, North Karelia, Finland, offering eco-conscious, responsible travel experiences since the mid‑1990s.
Äksyt Ämmät focuses on experiences that tread lightly on the environment while strengthening connections with local communities. Whether you’re looking to escape into the wild or explore the rich tapestry of Karelian culture, this pioneering travel company offers a model of eco-tourism that is both authentic and sustainable.
What They Do
- Nature-first holidays: Active trips including hiking, canoeing, biking, skiing, fishing, and wildlife watching.
- Cultural immersion: Experiences rooted in Karelian culture – local food workshops, saunas, artisanal crafts, countryside hospitality.
- Guesthouse-to-guesthouse touring: Trademarked multi-day routes connecting small inns like their eco-friendly Pihlajapuu guesthouse.
Sustainability at the Core
- Certified responsible travel: Holders of the Sustainable Travel Finland label and TourCert CSR certification; partners in the North Karelia UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.
- Eco-friendly operations: Prioritize local transport, family-run accommodations, digital communications, low-waste practices, and carbon compensation for flights.
- Responsible travel practices: Guides are trained on ecological impact, cultural sensitivity, water stewardship, and Everyman’s right principles; groups are small (1–15 guests) to protect nature and respect communities.
Quality & Recognition
- Over 60 tailored itineraries across Finland’s East, including monastery pilgrimages, heritage tours, family vacations, and wellness retreats.
- Award-winning: Recognitions include Visit Finland’s Sustainability Leader (2017), Environmental Award of North Karelia (2020), and IGCAT Foodie Travel list.
Community & Cultural Impact
- Local engagement: Collaborates with small-scale providers across North Karelia and Kainuu. Emphasizes local food sourcing (berries, game, mushrooms), artisans, and authentic experiences.
- Inclusivity: Offers specialized trips for women, visually impaired groups, families, and mixed-age travelers. Pet-friendly and culturally inclusive.
In Summary
Äksyt Ämmät Oy shows that tourism can be ecologically respectful, socially inclusive, and culturally meaningful. By blending rugged nature adventures with warm local hospitality, deep sustainability credentials, and immersive Karelian heritage, this Green Finn Tour Operator offers vacations that truly benefit both travellers and the planet.
