Title: “From Dutch Canals to Finnish Fjords: The Rink Family’s Journey into the Heart of Eco-Tourism”

Taigaschool, ECO-HOTEL.
3 min readJun 27, 2023

In the heart of the Finnish wilderness, nestled between the ethereal glow of the Northern Lights and the pristine waters of Lake Kitka, lies a beacon of sustainable tourism — the TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel. This haven of tranquility and sustainability is the brainchild of the Rink family, who traded the bustling streets of Emmen, Holland for the untouched beauty of Finland’s great outdoors.

The Rinks — Judith, Marco, and their 12-year-old daughter Jenthe — were once city dwellers in bustling Emmen, a city in the province of Drenthe, Holland. They lived a life typical of many urban families, surrounded by the hum of traffic and the constant thrum of city life. But beneath this veneer of normality, the Rinks harbored a dream. A dream of a life more connected to nature, a life that could contribute to the preservation of our planet’s precious ecosystems.

In 2018, the Rinks made the bold decision to leave their comfortable life in Holland and embark on an adventure into the Finnish wilderness. They were drawn to Finland’s commitment to sustainability, its vast expanses of untouched nature, and its reputation as one of the happiest countries in the world.

The family settled in the region of Kuusamo, home to Europe’s largest spring lake, Kitka. Here, they founded the TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel, a pioneering venture in eco-tourism that combines comfort with sustainability, and education with adventure.

The TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel is more than just a place to stay; it’s a testament to the Rink family’s commitment to sustainable living and environmental education. The hotel operates on principles of minimal waste, renewable energy, and locally sourced food. But the Rinks didn’t stop at creating an eco-friendly hotel. They also established an outdoor school, where visitors can learn about local flora and fauna, participate in conservation efforts, and experience the Finnish wilderness in a respectful and sustainable way.

The Rinks’ journey from Emmen to Finland, from city life to wilderness, is a story of courage, commitment, and a deep love for our planet. It’s a story that resonates with the growing number of travelers seeking more sustainable and meaningful travel experiences.

Today, the TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel stands as a beacon of sustainable tourism, illuminating the path for others to follow. The Rinks continue to innovate and inspire, proving that with passion and commitment, it’s possible to make a difference.

As we face the growing urgency of climate change and environmental degradation, the story of the Rink family serves as a powerful reminder of the role each of us can play in preserving our planet. Their journey from the bustling streets of Emmen to the fjords of Finland is not just a physical journey, but a journey towards a more sustainable and harmonious way of life.

And let’s not forget the other members of the Rink family, their two beautiful dogs, Makka, an American Staffordshire, and Tinkey, an angelic white Akita Inu. Plus, the master of the house, a stubble cat named Knotje, and their 20 chickens that lay magical eggs. Each member of the family contributes to the unique and welcoming atmosphere of the TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel.

Keywords: TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel, Rink family, sustainable tourism, Finnish wilderness, Lake Kitka, eco-friendly hotel, outdoor school, conservation, sustainable living, environmental education, journey, Emmen, Drenthe, Holland, Finland.

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Taigaschool, ECO-HOTEL.
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"TaigaSchool Eco-Hotel: A sustainable retreat in Finland's wilderness. Founded by the Rink family, it's a unique blend of comfort, education, and adventure.