Sustainability
Sustainability at Aino is not a separate programme. It is a way of caring for a place we wish to preserve. Vartiosaari, the Island of Happiness, has carried many names and many stories. From an 18th-century guard post to a wartime radio station, from Ainola, named by pharmacist Axel Castrén for his beloved wife, to the present day: each era has left its mark without erasing what came before. When the island was restored in 2024, the same thinking guided every decision. Old timber and furnishings were not discarded but transformed new layers in the island’s story. All new structures are wood-based, the island’s scale and character were preserved, and nature remains the protagonist.
The same principle guides the kitchen at Restaurant Vuo: the menu is composed each day according to what local ingredients are available at that moment. Only what is needed is brought to the island, and what comes to the island, stays within it. Three saunas, a traditional wood-burning sauna, an electric sauna and a glass sauna on a floating platform on the Kemijoki river, introduce guests to Finnish sauna culture, recognised on UNESCO’s list of intangible cultural heritage since 2020.
Both Aino Private Island Hotel and Restaurant have been granted the Green Key certificate.
History of the island
Aino Private Island, formerly Vartiosaari (“Guard Post Island”), is a place where history and mystery intertwine, its spirit echoing through the centuries. First charted in 1712, it stood as a guardian of Rovaniemi, its watchfires—known as “Totto Fires”—blazing against the dark northern skies to warn riverside communities of approaching danger. During the Winter War and Continuation War, the island became a lifeline for Finland’s long-range patrols and radio operations, serving as both a refuge and a stronghold. This legacy of vigilance is honored by a 1991 monument to the fallen soldiers of Osasto Paatsalo, a solemn reminder of the sacrifices made on these storied shores.
In the 1800s, Vartiosaari embraced a gentler role as a summer retreat. Purchased by pharmacist Axel Castren, it was lovingly renamed “Ainola” in honor of his wife. Under Axel’s care, the island became a haven of tranquility and natural beauty. The wooden pavilion, built in the 1880s as a tribute to his love, now houses the island’s library, preserving its timeless charm.
After the wars, the island returned to private ownership, evolving into a tranquil escape. By the 1980s, a picturesque suspension bridge connected it to the mainland, and a boutique hotel and restaurant were established, earning it the name Onnellisten Saari—“The Island of Happiness.” Over the years, it has welcomed prestigious guests whose signatures grace its guestbook, including
Queen Margrethe of Denmark, Prince Henrik, the Prince of Luxembourg, President Venkataraman of India, and Finnish and Estonian Presidents.
In 2024, Ilkka Länkinen and Katja Ikäheimo-Länkinen of SantaPark Ltd. were deeply moved by the island’s beauty and rich history. Inspired to honor its legacy, they envisioned a retreat that would preserve its soul while welcoming guests to experience its timeless allure. By 2025, their vision began to take shape, transforming the island into a sanctuary where every visitor can find peace, inspiration, and the chance to create their own stories. Whether exploring its serene landscapes, reflecting on its remarkable past, or simply embracing the quiet moments, Aino Private Island promises to leave a lasting impression on all who walk its shores.
