WINNERS 2025
The winners of Scandinavian Outdoor Award TRAVEL (SOA TRAVEL) were selected by a jury of German tour operators and travel trade professionals and awarded in Berlin, 5th of March 2025.
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL DESTINATION
Ruka Kuusamo, Finland
Ruka Kuusamo, Finland
Jury Motivation:
Ruka-Kuusamo is the ultimate year-round outdoor destination, offering thrilling adventuresin every season. From skiing under the Northern Lights in winter to hiking, rafting, and wildlife exploration in summer, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly tourism, Ruka-Kuusamo ensures that nature and adventure go hand in hand—all year long!
www.ruka.fi
Ruka-Kuusamo is the ultimate year-round outdoor destination, offering thrilling adventuresin every season. From skiing under the Northern Lights in winter to hiking, rafting, and wildlife exploration in summer, it’s a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. With a strong commitment to sustainability and eco-friendly tourism, Ruka-Kuusamo ensures that nature and adventure go hand in hand—all year long!
www.ruka.fi
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL SUSTAINABILITY
Onewaybiketours, Denmark
Onewaybiketours, Denmark
Jury Motivation:
Onewaybiketours offers an innovative and sustainable transport solution by focusing on renting instead of buying, reducing overconsumption. The one-way rental model eliminates the hassle of returning bikes, making it easier for users to integrate into their daily commute or travels. The concept also supports local entrepreneurs, strengthening the community while promoting eco-friendly mobility. By combining convenience, sustainability, and local empowerment, Onewaybiketours stands out as a forward-thinking model for green transportation.
www.onewaybiketours.com
Onewaybiketours offers an innovative and sustainable transport solution by focusing on renting instead of buying, reducing overconsumption. The one-way rental model eliminates the hassle of returning bikes, making it easier for users to integrate into their daily commute or travels. The concept also supports local entrepreneurs, strengthening the community while promoting eco-friendly mobility. By combining convenience, sustainability, and local empowerment, Onewaybiketours stands out as a forward-thinking model for green transportation.
www.onewaybiketours.com
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL ACCOMMODATION
Venejoen Piilo, Finland
Venejoen Piilo, Finland
Jury Motivation:
Venejoen Piilo impresses the jury with its unique concept that puts nature and simplicity at its core. It’s all about going back to the basics: cooking over an open fire, pure outdoor experiences, and a strong connection to the local community. With its proximity to Koli, authentic atmosphere, and mindful approach, this place stands out as a true retreat for nature and outdoor lovers. A perfect hideaway that blends seamlessly with its
surroundings.
www.venejoenpiilo.com/en
Venejoen Piilo impresses the jury with its unique concept that puts nature and simplicity at its core. It’s all about going back to the basics: cooking over an open fire, pure outdoor experiences, and a strong connection to the local community. With its proximity to Koli, authentic atmosphere, and mindful approach, this place stands out as a true retreat for nature and outdoor lovers. A perfect hideaway that blends seamlessly with its
surroundings.
www.venejoenpiilo.com/en
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL PRODUCT
Karhuntalo, Finland
Karhuntalo, Finland
Jury Motivation:
Karhuntalo embodies the essence of an authentic outdoor escape. The combination of untouched nature, privacy, and Finnish comfort creates a truly unique experience for nature
lovers and adventure seekers alike. This place stands out as a year-round retreat, offering both relaxation and outdoor excitement while supporting sustainability and the local community. A perfect getaway for those who want to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
www.karhuntalo.com
Karhuntalo embodies the essence of an authentic outdoor escape. The combination of untouched nature, privacy, and Finnish comfort creates a truly unique experience for nature
lovers and adventure seekers alike. This place stands out as a year-round retreat, offering both relaxation and outdoor excitement while supporting sustainability and the local community. A perfect getaway for those who want to reconnect with nature in its purest form.
www.karhuntalo.com
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL TRANSPORT
Candela, Sweden
Candela, Sweden
Jury Motivation:
Candela represents a groundbreaking step in sustainable transport with its innovative, fast, and environmentally-friendly electric boats. While primarily designed for commuting,
Candela’s impact extends to outdoor and tourism industries by offering a cleaner alternative for water-based transport. Its focus on speed and sustainability makes it a true game-
changer, significantly reducing emissions and preserving nature while providing a unique, efficient way to explore outdoor environments.
www.candela.com
Candela represents a groundbreaking step in sustainable transport with its innovative, fast, and environmentally-friendly electric boats. While primarily designed for commuting,
Candela’s impact extends to outdoor and tourism industries by offering a cleaner alternative for water-based transport. Its focus on speed and sustainability makes it a true game-
changer, significantly reducing emissions and preserving nature while providing a unique, efficient way to explore outdoor environments.
www.candela.com
AWARD WINNER SOA TRAVEL
IMPACT PRIZE BY THE JURY
Heidi Savolainen - Accessible Adventures, Finnland
IMPACT PRIZE BY THE JURY
Heidi Savolainen - Accessible Adventures, Finnland
Jury Motivation:
The Impact price goes to Heidi Savolainen for her groundbreaking work in creating accessible adventures for people with disabilities. Heidi is a true pioneer in breaking down barriers, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the outdoors through innovative and specifically designed activities. Her efforts are not only changing lives but are also raising awareness, making a lasting impact on inclusivity in outdoor recreation. Heidi's dedication and passion make her a powerful voice for those who are often
overlooked. The jury thinks, she truly deserves this recognition for her outstanding contributions to accessible adventures.
www.adventureapes.fi
The Impact price goes to Heidi Savolainen for her groundbreaking work in creating accessible adventures for people with disabilities. Heidi is a true pioneer in breaking down barriers, ensuring that individuals with disabilities have the opportunity to experience the outdoors through innovative and specifically designed activities. Her efforts are not only changing lives but are also raising awareness, making a lasting impact on inclusivity in outdoor recreation. Heidi's dedication and passion make her a powerful voice for those who are often
overlooked. The jury thinks, she truly deserves this recognition for her outstanding contributions to accessible adventures.
www.adventureapes.fi