Santapark Oy acquires Vartiosaari island in Rovaniemi for €1.42 million

Award-winning travel company Santapark Oy has acquired Vartiosaari, an island in Rovaniemi that currently hosts a small boutique hotel. Located on the Kemijoki River, this historically significant area has been included in Rovaniemi maps since 1712 and served as a guard station. The island’s rich history spans from the Great Northern War to World War II, when it served as the headquarters for Finnish reconnaissance teams. A small pavilion from the 1800s still remains on the island.

Vartiosaari features Hotel Vartiosaari, which has 11 rooms, a 50-seat restaurant, a four-bedroom villa, and two saunas. The island is accessible via a suspension bridge. Kenneth Tuomi, CEO of Santapark, stated that this acquisition aligns perfectly with the Santapark Arctic World brand, which emphasizes unforgettable experiences and unique attractions in the Arctic region. He noted that the location, historical context, and unique characteristics of Vartiosaari add significant value to the company’s offerings.

According to the Land Survey Authority’s property information register, the acquisition price for the island was €1.42 million, encompassing a total area of 1.8 hectares. In contrast, when the property last changed hands in 2016, it was sold for €325,000, with the price increase attributed to extensive investments made by the previous owner, Levifarm Oy. Hotel operations on the island began in the 1980s.

Anni Ylinampa, CEO of Hotel Vartiosaar, expressed confidence in the decision to sell to Santapark Oy, asserting that the island is now owned by individuals who respect its history. Santapark aims to unify the branding and services of Vartiosaari to match those of the Arctic Treehouse Hotel and enhance the island’s offerings. Besides Hotel Vartiosaar, Santapark’s portfolio includes the Arctic Treehouse Hotel, Rakas Restaurant, Santa Claus’s home Santapark, the Secret Forest of Santa Claus, Hidden Arctic Cloud villas, and Lapland Luxury DMC.