Arthotel Tornedalen consists of neighbouring houses in the village Vitsaniemi, in Torne Valley, right on the bank of the Torne River. At your doorstep you’ll find 80 acres of our own preserved forest, where a lookout tower brings you closer to nature and the night sky.
Like the northern lights, the scenery here can seem almost unreal. Alongside the experience of our stunning landscape and unique food the hotel offers a range of activities such as dog sledding, hiking and fishing. You may also come here and, simply, do nothing.
Arthotel is also part of a remarkable venture to build a cultural institution in Vitsaniemi and therefore has a role in organising exhibitions, talks and projects.
Pick your house
Each of Arthotel’s four houses bears the name of the family that built it and made it their home - Tolonen, Anundi, Kristina and Wennberg. They have all been carefully restored and renovated into quality living spaces with the aim of preserving a feeling of comfort and home. At your doorstep you’ll find 80 acres of our own forest, part of a preservation project we’ve embarked on.
When you book your stay with us, you need to book your meals at the same time. These are served in our main building Wennberg. If you prefer to cook the food yourself, possible in Tolonen, Kristina and Anundi, we prepare by filling your fridge and freezer according to your wishes. We put together a food bag with ingredients and instructions on how to prepare the dinner. If you prefer a mix of the two, we'll arrange that.
The homely scale of our hotel allows for a personal relationship with our guests. We believe a conversation helps make the most of your stay and encourage you to get in touch with inquires into availability, which houses might best fit your needs, what activities are available, the dining options you’d prefer, our taxi-service to and from the airport or our valued package-stays.
This is our comfortable and spacious main house made up of two double and two single rooms.
Right up the hill, Kristina offers a stunning scenery from sunrise to sunset. 55sqm in an open plan makes for a perfect stay for two.
A suite for families or groups. 126sqm across two floors, beautifully located on the bank of the Torne River with a view of Finland.
The ultimate hideaway, set 3km from the other houses in a stunning forest glade. Enjoy solitude and a sauna.
Here we camp with the luxury of a look-out tower in our own preserved forest. If you’re lucky and stay still and quiet you’ll see moose, fox, lynx, bear and hare.
Things to do
Throughout the year Tornedalen has plenty of activities to offer, all of which provide a different perspective of the region. If you’re interested in any of these experiences or excursions let our team know in advance of your arrival. We are also happy to give recommendations and customise your stay. You’re also welcome to let us know that you’d like to do nothing.
Voyage across Torne River
In a real riverboat we traverse Torne älv and visit Vitsaniemi’s unique sandbanks.
Fishing
Fishing for salmon in the Torne River, during daytime or in the midnight sun.
Hiking
An excursion through the woods with lunch and “kokkaffe”.
Tornedalen by bike
Bike to the Arctic circle and back. Or the other way, down to Kukkolaforsen.
Outdoor cooking
Out in the forest, we make you a three course meal over the open flames.
A night at the Tower
Camp by our look-out tower with chances to see elk, fox, lynx and hare.
Day Excursion to the Tower
On skies or with snow shoes we go to the Tower, where we eat a hot meal over the open fire.
Stargazing
From our tower we gaze at the infinite universe and see from a new perspective.
Animal tracking
We head out in search for traces of the living beings of the forest.
Cross Country Skiing
Together with our local guide, we go into the forest or out on the frozen Torne River
Outdoor Cooking
Under the open night sky, we make you a three course dinner.
Dogsledding
The most fun you’ve ever had will be to traverse ice and snow by trained dogs.
Ice fishing
The most peaceful form of fishing, just you, a rod and a hole in the ice. Or a most social activity with family and friends.
Reindeers
We go meet the reindeers and learn more about reindeer herding and its history.
The Art in Arthotel
At Arthotel you’re surrounded by art. Each of our houses is carefully curated with historical and contemporary pieces.
Arthotel is also part of Konsthall Tornedalen, a remarkable venture to build a unique cultural institution in Vitsaniemi. At Konsthall Tornedalen there will be galleries, a garden and farm as well as a shop and restaurant where what we sell and serve is locally produced.
While we realise the new main building, Konsthall Tornedalen has initiated a programme of exhibitions, talks and projects.
Learn more about Konsthall Tornedalen here