Stress-reduction nature experience introduced at Helsinki Airport

In a bid to reduce the stress levels of passengers travelling through the airport, Helsinki Airport (HEL) has introduced a new nature experience that aims to counter the effects of the hectic airport environment.

Numerous studies find that spending time in nature has a positive effect on wellbeing, and that walking in a forest has been shown to reduce stress. The Helsinki Airport: Metsä/Skogen initiative, a wellbeing centre that draws on the power of the Finnish forest, aims to bring this nature experience directly to its passengers. 

CEO of Metsä/Skogen, Carita Peltonen, said: “Metsä/Skogen seeks to teach people how to live their lives without stress. In cooperation with design, emission compensation and healthcare professionals, we are building a concept where the wellbeing of people and nature is at the heart of everything. The idea of offering nature sounds, scents and flavours is to create the most authentic Finnish forest experience possible, which helps people calm down in the middle of a hectic day and offers a unique glimpse of Finnish nature.”

Through the introduction of Metsä/Skogen operations at Helsinki Airport, passengers are now offered a wide range of sustainable and eco-friendly design products and tastes from the Finnish forest. It is a place for travellers to relax and calm down by, for example, taking a virtual hike in a forest. 

Nora Immonen, Finavia’s Director for Commercial Services Business Unit (Helsinki Airport), said: “Metsä/Skogen represents exactly the kind of new Finnish sustainable expertise that we want to offer our passengers. The unique lifestyle concept broadens the range of services available at Helsinki Airport and supports Finavia’s aim to renew itself and create daring solutions to improve the airport’s customer experience and Finland’s brand. We are happy that Metsä/Skogen has decided to open its second outlet at Helsinki Airport, a hub between Asia and Europe.”