In the remote forests of Finnish Lapland, coffee is brewed over open flames, not timers. Steffan Wunderink of Campfire Barista has turned this ancient practice into a philosophy: coffee as a ritual to slow down, connect, and exist fully. Rooted in HaliPuu, a forest preserved for generations, his work isn’t about selling a drink—it’s about safeguarding a way of life. Here, coffee isn’t just poured; it’s kindled, shaped by wind, fire, and the quiet hum of the wild.
The story began with family. For Steffan and his wife Riitta, campfire coffee was always about togetherness—during foraging trips, weekend hangs, or forest maintenance. It wasn’t about speed or perfection, but presence. HaliPuu, Riitta’s family’s ancestral land, became the heart of Campfire Barista. The idea wasn’t to commercialize the forest but to invite others to feel its stillness. Over time, coffee became the bridge. Guests arrived for Arctic Cocooning stays, and the fire-side brew felt inevitable. Yet, Steffan’s multicultural background pushed him to innovate: a moka pot latte, a cappuccino over open flames. Each cup is a fleeting experiment, shaped by weather, heat, and the fire’s mood. No two are the same.
Sustainability isn’t an afterthought here—it’s the foundation. Steffan partners with micro-roasters like Metsäpaahtimo, who source organic beans from India and Indonesia, roasted with solar energy. Their house blend, developed once a year, reflects a commitment to transparency and minimal impact. The “do no harm” ethos guides everything: from sourcing to the forest itself. HaliPuu’s integrity is non-negotiable. If development encroaches, the silence that fuels Campfire Barista’s magic will vanish.
The Campfire Barista experience is a blend of tradition and innovation. The coffee-sled, a whimsical yet practical invention, carries forest brews into villages, while marshmallows made from Lappish berries and halal gelatine turn fleeting moments into edible memories. Yet, the most profound shift is in mindset: coffee as a catalyst for mindfulness, not consumption.
– Sustainability is woven into every step, from organic beans to solar roasting.
Key points: – Coffee at Campfire Barista is a ritual to slow down, not a product to consume. – Sustainability is woven into every step, from organic beans to solar roasting. – The forest’s silence is the soul of the experience—threatened by development.
What would you sacrifice to preserve a place where coffee, forest, and time align perfectly?
Questions & Answers
How do you brew coffee by fire in Lapland?
Use a campfire and a heat-resistant coffee maker. Place the device over embers, add water and grounds, and let it brew slowly. Monitor temperature to avoid burning.
Is fire coffee safe to drink?
Yes, if brewed properly. Ensure water is heated safely, avoid burning, and use food-grade equipment. Drink only if the coffee tastes clean and not charred.
Information sourced from industry reports and news outlets.
