Date: 01/06/2019

Review of Granö Beckasin Treehotel in Swedish Lapland

Author: Elin
Location: Sweden

At the end of the journey into Swedish Lapland there was only the Umeå river, forest and a few houses along the road. It felt like this small municipality somewhere had got lost or forgotten about and a part of this is true. This remote municipality were facing economic difficulties and the initial idea to keep the region going and to prevent schools from shutting down was to open up a museum. This museum was planned to be in honor of Jan-Erik Sjöblom who spent his life preserving birds. He found his first bird laying on the side of the road when he was a little boy, the creature had a long beautiful beak and Jan-Erik thought it was a shame that something so beautiful was no longer alive so he wanted to bring it back to life. The bird was a snipe which in Swedish translates to Beckasin. 70 years and around 30 000 birds and animals later the collection was big enough to be donated to Vindeln municipality's citizens. The idea of a museum faded away but a new bright idea was born along with this new destination - Granö Beckasin resort.

The genuine interest to keep the local community and visitors happy as well as care for the environment shows as our host explains that they aim to keep the destination small scaled and authentic, and I truly believe him. There are around 6 birds nest rooms high up in the treetops, a few lodges and then it's a small eco-hotel. This destination will make you feel like you’re one of few lucky people who gets to discover this hidden gem at Granö Beckasin.

My host handed me the key to my own birds nest and the excitement rose as I walked up a hill and took the steps towards higher ground. I opened up my room and gazed at the panoramic view of the forest and lakes as the sun was flooding into the bright room.

When you're up in the trees it feels like it's just you and the nature and that’s all, you can rest your thoughts and focus on your own breath. The windows from my room was overlooking a small lake with the reflection of the forest behind which I could just sit and stare at for hours. I grew up in the countryside on the outskirts of Gothenburg and have spent a lot of years staring right into a forest from the kitchen window but even as a Swede I was mesmerized by the pure tranquility of this place.

And even more so amazed of the passion from the people and staff who's making this destination possible to visit for us travellers. This eco friendly hotel has the heart in the right place and sustainability is key for Granö Beckasin. The Eco Hotel is only a few steps away from the reception building and restaurants and if you are looking for some cosy accommodation I also recommend the lodges which are decorated in traditional Scandinavian style. You only need to take a few steps outside to find some fantastic hiking and walking paths and if you really want to get the full de-stress experience it’s possible to meet in downward facing dog as the resort offers yoga classes in the Glass House.

In the winter months, there are plenty of fun winter activities to join such as snowmobiling and dog sledding. I went on a walk with the host to the dog yard which was only a short walk away from Granö Beckasin. I got kitted out in some proper boots for muddy paths and a harness to wear around my hips which was connected to my own husky dog. Together we ventured out in the still nature and I kept thinking to myself that I need a dog like this for when I’m late to the bus as it gives you an excellent pull.  

Back at Granö Beckasin, I got served some fantastic food. There was goat cheese and aubergine for starters, reindeer and applesauce for dinner and cloudberries and ice cream for dessert. After this delicious meal, I changed into my swimming suite heading towards the sauna. The hot tub and sauna are located right next to the small lake and only a few steps from the birds nest. From the inside of the sauna, there’s a small window overlooking the lake and you can jump right into it from the jetty which is connected to the sauna. I myself am a classic “badkruka” (which translated from Swedish to “water pot”) meaning I’d rather stay on land then jumping in the water. My travel companions jumped in a few times and loved it, may I also mention that there was still ice in the lake when I was there, this was May!

On the morning of my departure I was having some tea in my birds nest whilst scribbling on some notes and I very suddenly got the feeling of being watched. As I looked up from my pad I found myself having eye contact with a squirrel who was casually jumping on the branches outside the room. I was glad that I saw him as he next jumped up on my nest and ran across the roof which would have left me scratching myself in the head for hours if I did not know where the tapping of the paws came from.

It was such a fantastic experience that I could continue this blog post forever. If you would like to experience this fantastic and secluded destination too then feel free to drop us an enquiry and we will be happy to put together a fantastic trip for you to Granö Beckasin.

Make it happen: If you like to go on an adventure at Grano Beckasin you can either check our winter package on the website or get in touch with us directly to create a tailor-made summer or autumn break. 

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