Helsinki is once again the most sustainable city in the world

If you're working hard to become a more responsible traveler, choosing a destination based on its sustainability might be a great place to start! But how do you choose a truly sustainable destination? A highly valued resource for those who want to travel consciously is the annual Global Destination Sustainability (GDS) Index , an annual analysis that evaluates the commitment of over one hundred cities around the world.

Based on 70 criteria, the report recognizes destinations that successfully combine tourism, the environment, and local communities. For the second consecutive year , Helsinki has taken first place, demonstrating an exceptional commitment.

Helsinki is the most sustainable destination in the world

What sets Helsinki apart from the other cities analyzed? For the second consecutive year, the Finnish capital has confirmed its commitment to improving every aspect of the tourist experience . Nearly all large hotels, for example, have environmental certifications, while a growing share of the city's energy comes from renewable sources. Conference facilities, tour operators, and local businesses are also actively contributing to reducing the city's environmental impact, transforming the city into a model of regenerative and transparent tourism .

The city has also achieved the prestigious Green Destinations GSTC certification, which guarantees the authenticity and verifiability of every sustainable initiative. As Tourism Director Nina Vesterinen points out, the goal is clear: to leave the city "in better condition than how visitors found it."

Accordingly, Helsinki continues to invest: it measures the tourism sector's carbon footprint , develops climate-related projects, and actively engages the local community, because truly sustainable tourism must benefit everyone.

Why Helsinki is truly the capital of green tourism

What's the secret to this success ? Let's start with transportation: much of the public network runs on renewable energy. Buses powered by biogas , produced from food waste, are now commonplace. Furthermore, the city's compact design makes it easy to get around on foot or by bicycle, and nearly half of daily trips are made this way. The result? Fewer cars, cleaner air, and quieter streets .

And then there are the green spaces . With 23,000 acres of parks and forests per 100,000 inhabitants, Helsinki blends urban life and nature like few other cities in the world. These spaces not only offer beauty in every season, but also help manage stormwater and regulate temperatures.

Furthermore, it has also been awarded the title of the cleanest city in the world . Air quality is one of its strengths, thanks to policies aimed at public transportation and reducing emissions. Its water is also among the purest in Europe because it comes from protected aquifers and is drinkable directly from the tap, without the need for filters. Consequently, plastic bottles are no longer necessary!

Waste management completes the picture: over 50% of domestic waste is recycled , organic waste is transformed into biogas to power buses and the rest becomes energy.