Finnish Eco-Agrotourism Association – ECEAT Finland

Eleonora Bed & Breakfast opened its doors and its first guest room in spring 2021, and two new rooms became available in the summer. We currently have three rooms.

We have one four-person room with a private entrance. (Please note: we do not serve breakfast to our guests yet, but the room has a fridge, microwave oven, kettle and toaster. A hob and saucepans can be borrowed).

Your hostesses Camilla and Nathalie value the traditions of this wooden house built in 1802. Due to a fire in the early 20th century, however, little remains of the original building. The facade has also been renovated, and some of the windows have been replaced by previous owners. In the present renovations, sustainability is valued highly.

Our guesthouse offers:

• 6 unique rooms with a total of 20 beds (4+2+4+2+4+4 persons)
• a reception/living room, kitchen and dining area
• a therapy room upstairs (yoga classes, treatments etc.)
• breakfast, with many products sourced from local farmers (around two thirds of the foods will be organic and local)
• catering and meeting services (for approx. 20 persons).
• a quiet garden with a terrace, and a sauna in a separate building
• activities as requested by guests (including cultural tours, nature activities)
• the reception sells local arts and crats, postcards and locally made soft drinks and marmalades
• a charging point for electric vehicles

Surroundings and activities

Eleonora Bed & Breakfast is located in the centre of the beautiful old town, only 300 m from the marketplace. The town hall and the old wooden church of Ulrika Eleonora can be glimpsed from the yard. The sea shore is only 500 m and the nearest forest less than 1 km away.

Kristinestad is the first and only town in Finland that has been approved as a member of the international Cittaslow network. The Slow Cities movement, which stems from the Slow food philosophy, stresses life in the slow lane, uniqueness and respect for local things, as well as human, environmentally friendly and sustainable solutions. Nature, peace and quiet, and sustainable development are also appreciated in Eleonora.

There is plenty to see in the town, and guests can borrow bicycles from the inn.

Activities in the local area include

• guided tours of the town and nature excursions
• signposted nature trails and hiking paths (Kristinestad and Pyhävuori 12 km)
• canoe/kayak rentals, windsurfing and supping
• cross-country skiing in winter (also downhill skiing at Pyhävuori)
• For more information and walking maps, contact Kristinestad tourist information: visitkristinestad.fi

Directions

• Train: Pori 100 km, Vaasa 100 km
• Bus: 400 m, bus station. Bus timetables and routes www.matkahuolto.fi. Onnibussi buses take you to Lålby village 5 km away. Visitors should book a taxi to cover the remaining distance to Kristinestad.
• Cars: Cars can be parked on Läntinen Pitkäkatu or Kirkkokatu (a one-way cobble street).

Opening times and prices

• Open: year round
• Prices: Double room EUR 130 to 170/night, 4-person room EUR 160 to 215/night. The prices include breakfast.
• Bonus for ECEAT Finland members and visitors arriving without a motor vehicle or a flight:  Visitors can be collected from the bus stop, and they may bathe in the sauna free of charge (from May 2022)

Our actions for the environment

• we use geothermal energy for heating and also cooling the rooms.
• thermostats in the radiators automatically reduce the temperature in each room when there are no bookings
• the electricity company supplies the premises with 100% solar energy.
• motion sensors will be installed to operate the outdoor lights and lighting in common areas.
• local companies and experts are relied on in the renovations whenever possible
• dismantled floor boards are reused in the sauna and cellar
• the rooms have ecological towels, and some of the furniture consists of restored second-hand pieces

Future

• we will participate in Visit Finland’s Sustainable Travel programme
• your hostesses and our future staff will receive training related to Sustainable Lifestyle principles.