Finland introduces the world's first phone-free tourist island

Visitors to Ulko-Tammio are being encouraged to stay offline this summer

Travellers to the Finnish island of Ulko-Tammio will be asked to keep their phones in their pockets this summer, so the destination can become the world's first phone-free island.

The aim is to encourage holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices, take a break from social media and fully enjoy nature in the Eastern Gulf of Finland, which boasts a 30-nautical-mile-wide national park.

“We want to urge holidaymakers to switch off their smart devices and genuinely enjoy the islands,” said Mats Selin, an expert in island tourism at Visit Kotka-Hamina.

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Joel Heino, manager of Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Management at Parks & Wildlife Finland, said he hopes the initiative will be an inspiration to other nature-inspired destinations. Located far from the mainland, the island boasts interesting history and wildlife. 

Psychologist and research manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Sari Castrén, said the initiative was a welcome one for a digital society. 

“Switching off your phone, exploring nature and meeting people face to face are bound to boost your mood and well-being," said Castrén. "We spend countless hours scrolling our social media feeds, so taking a short break from them means you have more time for new experiences. I’d like to see more initiatives like this that promote digital fasting.”

For more information visitkotkahamina.fi/en/archipelago