Finnish Eco-Agrotourism Association – ECEAT Finland

AT Nature is a small family-run business offering outdoor activities and accommodation next to Muotkatunturi wilderness area in the midst of ancient boreal forests and mires. Lemmenjoki National Park is also close by.

Our work and pastimes have focused on Lapland and its nature for over 15 years. The mission of AT Nature is to offer our visitors information about Arctic nature and outdoor experiences.

On our excursions led by a local biologist, we introduce groups of one to six people to Lapland’s nature. The nature excursions also create wellbeing and help our visitors recover from their hectic everyday lives.

Accommodation is available in our modern Lapin Tintti eco-cabin. This log cabin was built in a private setting on a small forest lake by a local craftsman in 2019. The main room has a stove, and the large north-facing windows are ideal for watching the Aurora Borealis. The cabin has a sleeping loft and a sofa bed in the main room. Also kitchenette, sauna with wood-burning stove, shower and composting toilet. Electricity is produced with solar power. An accessible hut and outdoor toilet are also at our visitors’ disposal. Out of consideration for customers with allergies, pets are not allowed.

In our meal services and picnic lunches, organic and local foods make up around 80% of the ingredients. For main meals we serve local game, fish, mushrooms or berries that we have caught or picked ourselves, or bought from our neighbours. We use Finnish organic products as a first preference. We also offer vegetarian and vegan menus, and meals free from gluten, lactose, wheat, meat or fish. A special dinner in the hut is available for pre-booked guests.

Surroundings and activities

Our services are ideal for nature lovers and photographers, as a variety of habitats can be found close by the cabin: not only centuries-old pine forests but also forest ponds, mires and woods with young conifers. Such birds as the Siberian tit, Siberian jay and pine grosbeak can be spotted at feeders. This environment free from light pollution is also perfect for photographing the night sky and Aurora Borealis.

Our guided excursions for pre-booked visitors include:

• nature excursion led by a biologist
• winter bird walk
• snowshoe walk in an ancient pine forest
• Aurora Borealis excursion in a sleigh with a glass roof
• winter net fishing and reindeer feeding

In winter, we offer rides in a sleigh pulled by a snowmobile (four-stroke engine). The sleigh has seating for eight, including two wheelchairs, as we also wish to make outdoor experiences accessible for people with restricted mobility.

Our other excursions will take you hiking, snowshoeing, walking or paddling. We also organise nature trips to Finnmark in Norway. Those interested in crafts can visit local craftspeople.

Other activities offered by us or in the local area:

• a rowing boat, kayak and snowshoes available to borrow
• cross-country skiing
• fishing in nearby ponds
• swimming in Muddusjärvi Lake or Vaskojoki River (2.5 km)
• bicycle rentals (Vasatokka 9 km)
• kayak rentals (Visit Inari, 19 km)
• marked hiking trails and cross-country skiing in Inari village (19 km)
• fishing in Inarijärvi Lake (19 km)
• horse riding (Siperia Lapponica 5 km)

Who are AT Nature?

ARTO has over 15 years of experience as an expert of nature conservation. As part of his work, he has completed nature surveys in all National Parks and nature reserves in Lapland as well as in wilderness areas. Arto specialises in fell habitats and endangered plants and has participated in Arctic fox den surveys and large carnivore counts.

He also likes to spend his free time fishing and hunting in the wilderness. In the spring, his birdwatching hobby takes him away from home all the way to the Norwegian coast.

TERHI has worked in the tourism industry for over 20 years, first as a guide and tour leader around the world, and later as a tour manager and product expert. Now she is the jack-of-all trades and managing director of the family business.

Terhi is also a biology and geography teacher. Her interests include outdoor activities, marathon running, cycling, dogs, fishing and diving.

The couple’s constant companion is HISKI, a Nordic Spitz trained as a hunting dog, in addition to which Hiski participates in animal-assisted activities. He has also worked as a library dog at the Sámi Library of Inari.

Directions

AT Nature is located near Tirro village at a 20 minutes’ drive from Inari village.

• Train: railway station in Kemijärvi 316 km; Rovaniemi 345 km
• Bus: Angelintie crossroads 15 km; Inari 19 km
• The easiest way to reach us is from Rovaniemi direction. Once you get to Rovaniemi (by train or bus), catch a bus to Inari village. If necessary, visitors can be collected from Inari (additional fee applies).
• Motorists/cyclists: From Inari village, drive approx. 4 km towards Utsjoki (road E75) to Angelintie crossroads. Turn left to Angelintie road (9553). Keep driving for around 14 km. When you see two waste containers, turn right to Terstontie road. Drive on for 1.2 km and turn left to Terstontie 123.

Opening times and prices

Open: round the year.

Prices:

• depending on the season, cabin EUR 90 to 170/night. Ask for our prices/check our website.
• Breakfast EUR 9/person; breakfast ingredients will be delivered to the cabin on the first day.
• Special dinner in the hut in 2021, EUR 50/person.
• WiFi, sheets, towels and cleaning at the end of the stay are included.
• Bonus for ECEAT Finland members and visitors arriving without a motor vehicle or a flight: Overnight visitors can be collected from Inari village free of charge.

Our actions for the environment

• We maintain bird nesting areas and feed birds in winter.
• We donate EUR 5/customer to the Ornithological Society of Lapland.
• As a contracting partner of Metsähallitus Parks & Wildlife Finland, we are also committed to Metsähallitus’ sustainable tourism principles.
• The farm’s woods are not used for commercial forestry.
• Composting toilet in the cabin, a composting outdoor toilet.
• We use solar power for electricity, and solar energy, wood briquettes and dry birch logs for heating the cabin.
• Old buildings are maintained regularly. The cabin, hut and outdoor toilet have been painted with Finnish tar paint.

Future

• We will continue conserving nature
• We will offer more organic products as the supply increases
• We will use natural resources even more economically
• We will buy more products from our neighbours (and perhaps sell them)