Are you tired of constantly being glued to your phone? Do you long for a break from social media feeds and emails? Then, Ulko-Tammio, located within the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park, is the perfect destination for you. The Eastern Gulf of Finland is home to a picturesque archipelago with lush islands and rocky shores.
This summer, Ulko-Tammio Island is encouraging visitors to unwind by going offline. As part of an initiative by visitkotkahamina to promote digital wellness, this rugged uninhabited island has been made the world’s first phone-free tourist island, offering travelers the opportunity to unplug and become more in tune with their surroundings. By leaving their devices behind, visitors can immerse themselves in the Island’s tranquil surroundings and find a connection in the present moment. Let’s learn more about this initiative.
The Healing Power of Nature
Spending time in natural environments has been shown to boost health and happiness. Terhi Mustonen, a psychologist who promotes digital balance, notes that disconnecting from technology even briefly can ease anxiety and depression. On Ulko-Tammio, visitors are invited to replace screen time with outdoor activities like hiking, birdwatching, and camping under the stars.
The island offers a birdwatching tower, well-marked hiking trails, a cabin and camping area for overnight stays, and a unique history. It features rock drawings from the 1800s as well as remnants from when the island was fortified as an observation outpost during the Winter War. The island is accessible by boat or with an archipelago transport connection ship from Kotka, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
Unplugging Benefits
Parks & Wildlife Finland has begun a campaign showcasing the benefits of unplugging on the island, which include relieving symptoms of anxiety and depression. Research Manager at the Finnish Institute for Health and Welfare, Sari Castrén, said, “Switching off your phone, exploring nature, and meeting people face to face are bound to boost your mood and well-being. 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.”
Read Also: How This Caribbean Island Utilizes ‘Sea, Sun & Sand’ for Country Branding Is Brave
Embracing the Phone-Free Policy
Ulko-Tammio is remote enough for the phone-free policy, which is not enforced but highly encouraged. Visitors are encouraged to put their phones away voluntarily and focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones. Joel Heino, Manager, Outdoor Recreation, and Visitor Management at Parks & Wildlife Finland, said, “We encourage visitors to put their phones away voluntarily and to focus their senses on nature rather than on their phones. This is a great initiative that could be implemented in other nature and recreational destinations too.”
Final Take
Ulko-Tammio is a unique destination offering travelers the opportunity to unplug and become more in tune with their surroundings. The world’s first phone-free tourist island is a great initiative that promotes digital fasting, which is essential for boosting mood and well-being. So, this summer, consider making Ulko-Tammio and the Eastern Gulf of Finland National Park your go-to travel destination.
