ARK56 Businesses Take the Next Step in Sustainability
ARK56 Businesses Take the Next Step in Sustainability
Discovering ARK56 is about more than hiking, cycling, paddling and exploring Blekinge’s coast and archipelago. Along the trails, you will also find businesses offering accommodation, food, activities and experiences, all contributing in different ways to the places where they operate.
Several businesses in the ARK56 network have now taken another step in their sustainability efforts by becoming certified throughGood Travel Seal.
What is Good Travel Seal?
Good Travel Seal is an independent, international sustainability certification for small and medium-sized businesses in the tourism and hospitality sector. Developed by Green Destinations, the certification helps accommodation providers, restaurants, guides, activity providers and other tourism businesses take a structured approach to their environmental and social responsibility.
It is about more than simply receiving a certification. Businesses review their operations, assess how they are working with different aspects of sustainability and identify opportunities for further improvement.
Meet the ARK56 Businesses That Have Been Certified
Eriksberg Vilt & Natur
Eriksberg is an enclosed nature reserve covering approximately 925 hectares in the Blekinge archipelago and is home to one of Northern Europe’s largest wildlife enclosures. The reserve is home to European bison, red and fallow deer, Père David’s deer and mouflon, among other species. Visitors can join guided safari tours, and the estate also offers a hotel, restaurants, a café and a farm shop.
Svalemåla Stugby
Svalemåla Stugby is located south of Bräkne-Hoby, with cottages approximately 300 metres from the sea and views across Svalemålaviken and the fishing village of Gyön. In addition to accommodation, visitors can rent sea kayaks, fishing kayaks, SUP boards, boats and fishing equipment. Bicycles are also available for those who want to explore the nearby villages and fishing communities.
PS Kultur
PS Kultur is run by archaeologist Petra Stråkendal, who has more than 20 years of experience in Blekinge’s cultural heritage, maritime archaeology, naval history, the Naval City of Karlskrona World Heritage Site and the Blekinge Archipelago Biosphere Reserve. The company offers lectures and guided tours in Swedish and English throughout the year. Tours can be adapted according to theme, location, mode of transport and accessibility, and PS Kultur also collaborates with local businesses to create packages including accommodation, food and activities.
Dragsö Camping & Stugby
Dragsö Camping & Stugby enjoys a waterfront location in the Blekinge archipelago, approximately three kilometres from central Karlskrona. The site offers camping pitches and cottages as well as a wide range of activities. Visitors can rent bicycles, kayaks, paddleboards, pedal boats and motorboats, play adventure golf and explore an underwater snorkelling trail. There are also beaches, bathing jetties and rocky swimming spots.
Risanäs Udde
Risanäs Udde is situated on a peninsula by the sea in the Ronneby archipelago, just a few kilometres from central Ronneby. It offers accommodation in a peaceful, nature-rich setting and also welcomes groups for conferences, weddings and other celebrations. The property has its own jetty and a wood-fired floating sauna, surrounded by the sea, magnificent old oak trees and the natural beauty of the archipelago.
Villa Vesta Hotell
Villa Vesta is a family-run hotel beautifully situated by the Ronneby River, within walking distance of both central Ronneby and Brunnsparken. The hotel is housed in a well-preserved turn-of-the-century building and offers individually decorated rooms and a popular breakfast buffet. There is also a leafy garden where guests can relax and, during parts of the year, enjoy breakfast outdoors.
Blekinge Adventures
Blekinge Adventures is a local travel curator and experience guide with a focus on Blekinge. The company brings together and presents travel packages and activities developed in collaboration with local partners, offering experiences within nature, culture, guided tours and accommodation in different parts of the region.
Villa Sharevik
Villa Sharevik is located by the harbour in Hörvik on the Listerlandet peninsula, close to sailing boats, jetties and several beaches. The accommodation has 12 rooms with a total of 34 beds across two buildings, and most rooms offer sea views. The area is a great base for activities such as hiking, cycling and paddling.
Cross Baltica Sweden
Cross Baltica Sweden works with travel and experiences across the Baltic Sea region, with a focus on sustainability and educational travel. The company organises trips and study visits as well as workshops and corporate travel. In its travel programmes, Cross Baltica collaborates with local guides, locally owned accommodation providers and restaurants, with the aim of creating experiences that also contribute to local communities.
Sustainable Experiences Along ARK56
For ARK56, the businesses along the trails are an important part of the overall experience. They are where you can stop for a meal, find somewhere to stay, rent equipment, book an activity or discover more about the area together with a local guide.
By choosing local businesses during your journey, you also help create the conditions for a vibrant coast and archipelago, where businesses can develop and remain open for a greater part of the year.
Good Travel Seal also makes it easier to highlight businesses that are actively working with sustainability and are committed to continuing to develop their operations.
More Businesses in Blekinge Have Taken the Next Step
The ARK56 businesses are part of a wider effort to create a more sustainable tourism industry in Blekinge. Several businesses across the region have completed the Good Travel Seal certification process.
Would you like to learn more about the certification and discover other businesses in Blekinge that have become certified?
Read more about Good Travel Seal and sustainability initiatives at Visit Blekinge
