Bertejaure Gård – Stories from Lapland

Bertejaure Farm is placed in the center of Vindelfjallen Nature reserve and with a foaming river – the Vindelalven – close by. The mountains and the arctic climate has always been the fundament for growing and living in this area. People of the Mountains have constantly been challenged by the different shades of nature and always managed this struggle with courage, creativity and an ability to survive. Some of the survivors were active here, at the farm, and I honor them as my predecessors.

The Farm today

I share my life and work today with Christina Öster, guide and storyteller. Together we run this diverse business, sustainable tourism, guided tours, forestry and agriculture, cooking, baking, and storytelling.

Lodging
We have two apartments, open all year round, on the forest edge that are suitable for people travelling two and two, or for the small family. We also have a house nearby for a larger family or for travelers with a dog. Guests can use our nice sauna on the premises. In summertime we also offer small wilderness cabins for a rustic vacation off the grid – or a hermit vacation in solitude.

Fishing camp
This is the place where my ancestors used to catch fish for their self-supportive household. Today the waters carry rowing boats with fishermen, and women, celebrating their vacation. The area is away from cars and roads and close to mountains and wildlife. My camp is suitable for small groups or families engaging in a sustainable fishing. There is a limit of ten guests per day, using my five boats accomodated in up to five different cabins. You are very seldom feeling crowded at lake Bertejaure.

Food crafts
Christina has a small factory called ”Fjällfrö” (Mountainseed). She produces two different blends of cereals for your healthy porridge breakfast – the Vindelalv porridge and the Bertejaure porridge. Bags with her mix are sold at local markets and from ten resellers around Sweden. One of our specialties is the Angelica Archangelica, a native plant used for medicine and food. We grow it and use the dried leaves and seeds as spice in the Bertejaure porridge. Growing rhubarb and potatoes is possible in this arctic climate and we are clearing the former farm ground from trees and bushes to restart cultivation of more vegetables.

Kafé Vindelälvan (Café of the Vindel River Fairy)
The Logo of our café is a design made by Marita Norin in 2001 during a project for female entrepreneurs in Sorsele Municipality. It celebrates female entrepreneurship and is also the symbol of the free-flowing river – Vindelalven. Our café is open on weekends and during the tourist seasons. We are developing our own pastries and bread from local ingredients and inspiration from books, media and friends. Our café is the place for cultural events, meal tourism and co-working.

Come to Bertejaure Farm to enjoy the mountains, experience nature, to make a new start or for recreation – profoundly!

Christina and Urban