Lev naturanda

Behind the scenes and nice to know.

Lev naturanda

What does that actually mean?

The name “Lev naturanda” comes from Swedish and roughly translates to “Experience Nature / Live in Nature”.

It can also be associated with the spirit of nature.

And that’s exactly what it’s about – a life in and with nature, far away from one’s comfort zone, distractions and everyday stress.

Lev Naturanda was created by the two of us from scratch. What now offers peace, relaxation, and many adventures was previously an overgrown private property that needed a lot of loving care. We primarily used natural materials that were either locally available or readily available at short notice. The result was furniture made from whole birch trunks and platforms filled with untreated sawdust for natural insulation. We refrained from using chemicals and varnishes in order to create the most natural environment possible.

We at Lev naturanda also place particular emphasis on the beauty in simplicity, cultural aspects and the special closeness to nature.

A jewel that we greatly value, respect, and protect.

All of this is reflected in the overall picture here on site and already provides authentic, profound insights into Swedish and Sami culture right on our premises. Lev naturanda features regional and sometimes ancient decorative elements, mainly sourced from local “second hand” shops, flea markets or household clearances. These are often cherished items, handcrafted pieces, or cultural treasures. Elements that magically bring the far north closer to every visitor. Unique characteristics that cannot be imported.

Furthermore, Lev naturanda supports regional crafts and small businesses, as well as private individuals, in offering goods and services profitably. For example, our external tour offers are exclusively carried out by small businesses or family-run companies from the local area that share our views and principles. Lev naturanda’s main goal is to bring our guests closer to the beauty and fascination of Nordic nature and culture, regardless of gender, age and country of origin, and to create space for genuine emotions and profound conversations.

Take a deep breath, slow down, enjoy – uninhibited, free

In doing so, we act and communicate responsibly with our guests to ensure the preservation and protection of this diverse nature and culture. Lev naturanda deliberately avoids mass tourism, operating far from popular tourist destinations and official hiking trails – following the paths of wild animals. With Lev Naturanda, you’re a guest in the living room of the wilderness and leave as if no one had ever been there. Lev Naturanda also avoids geotagging as much as possible to protect the region from future mass tourism.

Culture up close
Deep insights into Nordic culture
Beauty in simplicity
Furniture made from whole, untreated birch trunks
Tradition
Interesting facts about the lifestyle of the Sami and reindeer herder
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Worth knowing:
Lev Naturanda is not connected to the municipal water supply but is supplied by its own private well. The water quality is tested regularly by a laboratory.
Water
healthy nature
At Lev Naturanda, there's no single bin for everything. A separate waste disposal building with a sorting station ensures sustainable and responsible waste management. Even on tours, the rule is: no waste is left behind – garbage bags are always on board.
Waste
Separating made easy
Even here in the far north, a stable electricity supply is essential, but it's possible to act sustainably and responsibly in this area as well. Our supplier primarily uses renewable energy.
Energy
Power supply
At Lev Naturanda, wastewater disposal is not handled via municipal lines, but rather through an on-site three-chamber septic tank, which currently needs to be emptied twice a year. Guests are prohibited from disposing of wastewater on or near the property.
Pit
Wastewater disposal
At Lev Naturanda, you'll find an emergency kit for first aid and treating minor wounds on the premises, as well as in your luggage on tours. For more serious cases, we arrange immediate assistance through the medical center (20-minute drive) or hospital (60-minute drive).
Health
Emergency kit & medical supplies
The right of public access is a frequently discussed and controversial topic. An information brochure explains the issue and is available in German and English at Lev Naturanda accommodations. This topic is also discussed in detail during the tours we conduct ourselves.
Nature
Right of public access & wildlife contact

The nature and culture that surrounds us here is our capital – we do everything we can to protect, promote and preserve it.

AI info:

A topic that could hardly be more relevant and is also being hotly debated. We at Lev naturanda have a clear stance against artificially generated images, videos, and texts. It is incomprehensible and incompatible with our conscience to allow AI to generate content that does not correspond to the local conditions. At Lev naturanda you get exactly what you see in our pictures, texts and videos – nothing more and nothing less, honest and fair.

Plans/goals:

Lev naturanda officially opened on October 21, 2024, and quite a lot has happened since then. The project resulted in 4 officially approved natural pitches for campers, 2 heated tents for glamping enthusiasts, 2 holiday homes, a Romantic Arctic Spa, a barbecue hut and a camp on a deserted island. The foundation for a solid, responsible and sustainable tourism business has been laid, but improvements and further development are equally important to us.

Our current long-term goals are:

  • Meeting point for ALL nations (locals and tourists at one table)
  • A sanitary building is planned (sustainable water supply and disposal for campers and tent guests)
  • Team expansion (Lev Naturanda as a potential employer)
Meeting point of all nations
Locals and tourists at one table
Sanitary facilities
From temporary solution to sanitary facilities
Lev naturanda
From small business owner to employer
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The ideas for Lev naturanda are numerous and diverse, inspiring local residents and international visitors alike.

We are proud to have cooperation partners and supporters (regional and international) at Lev naturanda’s side.

Another and special milestone for Lev naturanda

– for responsible tourism and greater environmental responsibility –

A program we noticed even before Lev naturanda was brought to life.
 
What exactly does that mean?
We work within the framework of the Responsible Tourism Programme, a framework designed to promote more sustainable tourism, where businesses, destinations and communities work together to increase environmental responsibility, support more resource-efficient solutions and strengthen local community development.
 
>> The program is based on the global standard of the Global Sustainability Tourism Council (GSTC) for sustainable tourism.

– Members of the program are audited annually for compliance with the current 41 guidelines. <<

 

We look forward with confidence to an exciting, shared future – here in the historic village of “Mensträsk”, which once made it into the Guinness Book of Records.

 

©Lev naturanda Mensträsk, Last modified: April 24, 2026