In an unprecedented move, Finland has opened the gates of Ulko-Tammio, an island haven of tranquillity in the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park. This unique destination is being hailed as the world’s first phone-free tourist island, championing the notion of digital detoxification amidst its untamed beauty.

This Finnish initiative presents a refreshing contrast in our digital era, where smartphones and social media dictate a significant part of our lives. This summer, tourists exploring Ulko-Tammio will be encouraged to relegate their smartphones to their pockets, step away from the virtual world, and immerse themselves in the island’s resplendent natural beauty.

Phone-Free Island

Ulko-Tammio, according to Mats Selin, an island tourism expert from Visit Kotka-Hamina, is an idyllic spot characterised by serenity, the Baltic Sea, and exquisite islands waiting to be explored. Visit Kotka-Hamina, which provides in-depth information about the Kotka-Hamina region, can be found here.

This campaign aims to inspire a digital fast on the island and beyond its shores to heighten appreciation for the great outdoors. This innovative initiative has the enthusiastic backing of Parks & Wildlife Finland, which is responsible for managing Ulko-Tammio. “We welcome this positive shift towards valuing nature over screen-time, and we hope it paves the way for more destinations to embrace this approach,” enthused Joel Heino, Manager of Outdoor Recreation and Visitor Management at Parks & Wildlife Finland.

The globally rising trend of digital fasting finds a new champion in Finland’s Ulko-Tammio. The always-on culture has given rise to mental health concerns, with individuals constantly tethered to their devices, even during vacations. Terhi Mustonen, a psychologist and program manager of the Limitless Gaming and Limitless Social Media programs at the Sosped Foundation, warns against the negative impacts of this ongoing digital engagement. More about the foundation’s work can be found here.

Ulko-Tammio Itälahti

Nestled away from the mainland, Ulko-Tammio brims with exciting history, diverse bird species, a dedicated birdwatching tower, and a cabin maintained by Parks & Wildlife Finland. “Switching off your phone, exploring nature, and engaging in direct human interaction can greatly enhance your overall well-being,” commented Sari Castrén, psychologist and Research Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare.

The Eastern Gulf of Finland, encompassing the island of Ulko-Tammio within its 30-nautical-mile-wide national park, is witnessing a surge in interest, particularly among Finnish tourists seeking close-to-home vacation spots.

Despite being a phone-free destination, Ulko-Tammio is still within reach of a functioning mobile network. The voluntary nature of the digital fast further enhances the appeal of this serene jewel of the Eastern Gulf of Finland. Alongside rich flora and fauna, the island also offers well-marked hiking trails and a birdwatching tower boasting unrivalled national park views. For visitors wishing to stay overnight, options range from pitching tents to the cabin Parks & Wildlife Finland maintains.

Accessibility to the islands in the Eastern Gulf of Finland includes private boats, commuter ferries, cruise ferries, water taxis, or a water bus from Kotka, with an array of other islands also ripe for exploration. The uniqueness of this region, offering a rare digital detox retreat, is swiftly capturing the interest of discerning travellers looking for an experience beyond the norm.

Finland, through this pioneering initiative, offers a bold invitation to the world: take a step back from digital distraction, embrace the stillness of nature, and revel in the enriching experience that a digital detox in Ulko-Tammio can bring.

Written by: Bridget Gomez

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