The promise to sustain the environment

Arthotel Tornedalen is a small-scale holiday accommodation close to the Arctic Centre in Swedish Lapland. My aim is to protect and care for the cultural heritage of my childhood area.
My mission is to spread knowledge about our bilingual culture. We are a minority people, we are Swedish but our language and traditions are Finnish. I renovate and re-use old buildings to create beautiful, sustainable and comfortable accommodation.

I want to share my part of the world with those who like me want to preserve the countryside, for those who love nature and want to protect it from pollution and economic greed.
My professional background as a gallery director characterizes all the houses. I know from experience that art, design and craftsmanship make a difference.
My goal is to let the old meet the new. The houses are no imitations. They are renovated with respect for the years that have passed, also with respect for the contemporary and for the years to come. Arthotel Tornedalen is proud of the interior design mixed with local craftsmanship and new furniture by young designers. I believe that people value quality in all things and I want our guests to live in harmony with nature and the arts. Once the guests are here, they do not need to go elsewhere, they are surrounded by magnificent nature and friendly people.

The promise to support the community

Arthotel Tornedalen is in all aspects aware of the need for prudent use of the landscape and nature, therefore I have certified my forest to benefit the environment. I have restored the houses in a traditional way by using locally grown wood. A local carpenter has made doors, stairs, windows, benches and tables which are specially designed for Arthotel Tornedalen, and made of slow-growth pinewood from our region.

It is natural for me to use local suppliers whenever possible. We live in an area with few people and a small number of tourists. Cooperation is necessary and we encourage local people to get involved in tourism by developing and bringing to the market there interests and hobbies like fishing, hunting, growing vegetables, picking berries, boiling jam, baking, weaving, knitting and so on. We cooperate with local entrepreneurs for activities and guiding. Neighbours to Arthotel Tornedalen invite our guests to join the daily life in the village and to take part in our traditions and customs.

September 2012

Gunhild Stensmyr,
Owner and creator of Arthotel Tornedalen