About us
Varangertunet is a family-run guest house. Located in Vestre Jakobselv. Heart of Varanger. We are committed to taking good care of our guests. By sharing our knowledge of nature, culture and history in Varanger, we want to create lasting memories and good experiences. We offer proximity to the raw nature and the people of Varanger.
Jan-Eilif Jankila
Owner, host, coffee maker and storyteller.
Jan-Eilif was born and raised in Vadsø. He is a 3rd generation Finnish immigrant. Has worked as a teacher since 1991. He has always loved nature and spent a lot of time by the rivers in Varanger as a passionate salmon fisherman. He is educated in northern Norwegian history and archeology. Which is his other big interest. Varanger is rich in history and clear archaeological traces can be found everywhere in our landscape. Jan-Eilif is happy to share his knowledge with those who are interested. Both about fishing, the history and life in Varanger.
The story of Varangertunet
At the top of the Jakobselv valley, 3 houses were built in 1976 on one row yard.
For many years, the houses were empty before we bought the property in December 2015. One wish for a lifestyle change and a dream to create activity and life in the yard became the establishment of Varangertunet in 2016.
The building mass was old and worn. And the property was marked by being neglected for many years. In line with our ancestors, we want to build stone by stone. With many years of experience from renovating houses and cabins as a hobby, Jan-Eilif took on the job room by room. Year after year, the place has evolved. We are concerned with reuse and sustainability. Today, everything can be bought for money and demands for higher and higher standards are increasing. But creating something that many would give up is a challenge Jan-Eilif appreciates.
We have chosen to include our guests in the development of Varangertunet. You will therefore see traces of many time periods in the building mass. But gradually we develop Varangertunet into the place we dream of. And along the way we live in the dream.
We have already received thousands of guests from all over the world.
We serve good home-cooked food in our large living room, which is also used for parties and meeting rooms.
Our houses, rooms and apartments provide the opportunity for self-catering. In the yard there are many campfires and patios.
Here you can enjoy morning coffee on the stairs and evening sun from the terrace. Hiking areas you have summer or winter right outside the door.
Here protected by the birch forest, with a view of the fjord, we feel that our shoulders lower. It should be good to be here for our guests and us who work and live here.
Welcome to our home at Varangertunet.
Further…
Then you have gained a little insight into the beginning of Varangertunet. This leaves us with one question: What will be the future of Varangertunet? Exactly what awaits us we do not know. But we look forward to the years to come. To develop Varangertunet, so that we can continue to be your home on the Varanger Peninsula.
Who are we?
Varangertunet is a family-run business, and the family behind the yard is us.
Jan-Eilif
Jan Eilif was born and raised in Varanger. With a passion for fly fishing and history. He was born with a large portion of Finnish sisu and works hard every day to make your visit the best it can be.
Siren
Siren grew up in Vestre Jakobselv and trained as a dress and costume designer. But has worked for over 20 years full or part time with tourism in Varanger.
Ann Elin
The yard was bought when Ann Elin moved out, in between work and school she helps with most things from renovation to serving.
