The Arctic is a fragile place that needs special care. When you follow the local norms and values on your travels you help us protect the beautiful nature and support the local communities.
The 6 Golden rules
Arctic respect:
Respect culture
Arctic care:
Leave no trace
Arctic smart:
Go green
Arctic choice:
Keep it local
Arctic safety:
Be prepared
Arctic wise:
Care and share
WHAT ARE THE GOLDEN RULES?
It’s easy to forget common sense when you’re in holiday mode. The golden rules are designed to make it easy to prepare for your trip and care for the Arctic during your stay.
Respect the Privacy and Way of Life of Locals
Appreciate local life respectfully: admire homes and traditions from a distance.
Join celebrations only when invited and engage with curiosity and gratitude.
Use public spaces, fireplaces, and facilities meant for visitors.
Private homes, events, and yards are not part of the experience.
Respect Staff Members
Acknowledge and appreciate local hospitality with patience and kindness.
Treat staff as hosts, not only service providers: respect their expertise and rhythm.
Ask questions and show gratitude for their effort and care.
Entitlement and disrespect make everyone’s experience smaller.
Respect Local Wisdom and Those Who Carry and Share It
Listen actively to local advice: it keeps you safe and deepens your experience.
Seek guidance from local companies that know the land and its traditions.
Come prepared to learn and adapt to cultural differences.
Ignoring local wisdom closes the door to authentic Arctic understanding.
Respect Fellow Travelers
Be considerate in shared spaces: give others room and quiet when needed.
Appreciate different travel styles and cultural expressions.
Create a spirit of cooperation, helping others adds to everyone’s experience.
Disrespect for shared spaces or cultural differences spoils the journey for all.
Follow Local Arctic Norms and Rules for Outdoor Behavior
Stay on marked trails and follow local outdoor guidance.
Observe wildlife from a distance and respect their natural rhythm.
Keep nature free of food waste or disturbance.
Remember the link between Arctic nature and local culture, treat both with care.
Disturbing wildlife, venturing off trails, or leaving food outdoors can break the delicate balance that sustains life here.
Leave No Trace Behind
Carry out all waste and leave every place as you found it, or cleaner.
Use only designated fire and parking areas.
Choose reusables and avoid single-use plastics.
Appreciate the landscape without picking or damaging plants.
Even small traces multiply in fragile Arctic nature – leave nothing but footprints.
Be (Temporary) Stewards of Local Nature
Notice and care for nature throughout your stay (and even after it): small actions matter here.
Step up when you see behavior that harms the environment: kindness can correct more than words.
Inspire others by setting the right example.
The Arctic is more fragile than it looks: protect it as if it were your own backyard.
Opt for Low-Carbon Options Whenever Possible
Travel together: share rides or use public transport. Walk, bike, or ski short distances when possible.
Rent or reuse gear instead of buying new for one-time use.
Plan smart: stay longer & local, explore wider, and visit multiple destinations to ease pressure on the most popular sites.
Every shared ride, reused item, and extra day makes a difference.
Engage in Experiences with Minimal Carbon Footprint
Choose slow, mindful experiences that connect you to the place and people.
Support providers who prioritize sustainability and local value.
Conserve energy and resources wherever you stay.
The Arctic rewards those who travel lightly.
Prioritise Consumption of Local and Seasonal Food
Explore local flavors and learn their stories.
Choose seasonal dishes that reflect the Arctic’s rhythm.
Appreciate local pricing – it sustains real livelihoods.
Imported or out-of-season food disconnects you from the Arctic table.
Opt for Locally Provided Experiences
Book activities run by local operators.
Ask how your spending supports the local community.
Value authenticity over bargains.
Every local booking keeps Arctic culture alive.
Buy Local Products and Services
Choose locally made souvenirs, crafts, and services.
Visit small shops and meet the people behind the products.
Let your purchases tell the story of where you’ve been.
Generic souvenirs don’t carry the Arctic spirit home.
Buy Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance suited for Arctic conditions.
Check what’s covered for weather, activities, and remoteness.
In the Arctic, preparation equalspeace of mind.
Be Aware of Risks and Specifics
Learn about local safety rules before and during your trip.
Check weather & avalanche conditions with local authorities before heading outdoors.
Dress for the weather: layers save the day.
Ask locals for advice when unsure.
The Arctic rewards respect, notimprovisation. Nature changes fast; staying informed keeps you safe.
Drive in Line with Local Norms and Conditions
Learn local driving practices before you start the engine.
Drive carefully, anticipate wildlife crossings, and respect road conditions.
Choose local drivers when unsure.
Stay seen, stay safe: wear reflectors in the dark – they are part of Arctic street style.
Arctic roads and nights look familiar but behave differently. Visibility saves lives.
Make Informed Decisions About Providers and Experiences
Research and choose providers that care for people and nature.
Look beyond the most popular attractions: discover local gems.
Learn about local culture and traditions before you go.
Informed travelers make better journeys for everyone.
Make Responsible and Sustainable Choices
Minimize waste and choose reusable alternatives.
Support experiences that give back to communities.
Inspire others by showing how easy responsible travel can be.
Careless choices leave a mark, thoughtful ones leave a legacy.
Be an Arctic Ambassador: After You Leave
Carry the Arctic with you: share stories that show care and curiosity.
Post and speak responsibly: spotlight local experiences & lesser-known places.
Plan to return in another season – every visit tells a new story.
Your words and pictures travel far: share them in ways that keep the Arctic alive for others.
BE LIKE ERIC – CARE FOR THE ARCTIC
Follow Terry and Eric on their Arctic adventure and see the difference between holiday mode and Arctic mode.
