Development Projects
Lehtiniemi Guesthouse & Caravan – Year-Round Nature and Wellbeing Services
Polar Lights Tours Oy is currently developing two projects that support more sustainable, year-round and experience-based tourism in Finnish Lapland.
In Posio, we are developing Lehtiniemi into a year-round nature and wellbeing destination. The Lehtiniemi Guesthouse & Caravan projects focus on combining peaceful lakeside surroundings, high-quality accommodation, outdoor activities and wellbeing-focused services for both domestic and international guests.
We are also taking part in the INSPIRES Project together with Flatlight Creative House. This pilot project explores how digital storytelling tools can make Lapland’s nature, local culture, animal welfare and responsible tourism practices more visible and engaging for visitors.
Objectives and Development Focus
The aim of the projects is to create cohesive and high-quality service experiences that are available throughout the year. Lehtiniemi will be shaped into a place where accommodation, outdoor activities, and moments of wellbeing naturally complement one another.
The projects focus on strengthening Posio’s reputation as a sustainable nature destination, improving visitor comfort, and offering travellers meaningful ways to experience the surrounding landscape. At the same time, they support long-term employment and help establish year-round operations in the region.
Measures and Actions
As the projects move forward, Lehtiniemi will be improved in ways that enhance both the surroundings and the visitor experience. New nature-based services will be introduced, such as gentle trails, sensory paths, guided moments in nature and year-round lakeside experiences.
The area will be refined to better support wellbeing-focused travel, and Lehtiniemi’s online visibility will be strengthened to make it easier to discover and book. Once completed, the projects will leave clear, lasting improvements that reflect the calm and beauty of Posio’s landscape.
Long-Term Impact
Beyond the project period, Lehtiniemi is envisioned to become a lasting example of calm, responsible, and nature-oriented tourism in Finnish Lapland. The improvements made during the projects will allow guests to experience Posio’s landscape in new and meaningful ways, whether through quiet moments by the water, gentle outdoor activities, or stays that encourage slowing down and reconnecting with the natural world. Lehtiniemi will continue to serve travellers throughout the seasons while supporting local livelihoods and contributing to Posio’s reputation as a destination where nature, wellbeing, and sustainability guide everything we offer.
JTF Funding Information
Lehtiniemi Guesthouse & Caravan – year-round nature and wellbeing services project is supported by both development and investment funding. The total project budget is €490,053, of which €200,973 is funded by the European Union through the Just Transition Fund. The remaining share is fully financed by Polar Lights Tours Oy.
With this support, Lehtiniemi can continue its transformation into a year-round nature and wellbeing destination that benefits visitors, the region, and the local community.
INSPIRES Project – Digital Storytelling for Sustainable Tourism
Polar Lights Tours Oy is taking part in the INSPIRES Project together with Flatlight Creative House. The project supports small and medium-sized tourism companies in developing more sustainable and digitally innovative tourism solutions.
Our pilot project explores how digital storytelling tools can make Lapland’s nature, local culture, animal welfare and responsible tourism practices more visible and engaging for visitors.
The project is co-funded by the European Union with funding of €15,000.