From eco to ew: The dirty truth behind the Danish couple’s Swedish eco-retreat

A Danish couple who used to run an eco-resort in Sweden is under investigation after authorities discovered a shocking environmental mess — 158 barrels of human waste left abandoned in a forest near their retreat.

Flemming Hansen and Mette Helbæk, a Danish couple renowned for their eco-retreat, Stedsans, in Halland, southern Sweden, have reportedly fled to Guatemala, leaving behind significant environmental concerns and financial debts.

Established after their move from Copenhagen in 2016, Stedsans featured 16 wooden cabins and was celebrated for its sustainable approach to tourism. However, investigations by local sources revealed that the couple abandoned the resort, leaving 158 barrels of human waste on the premises.

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The couple, known for running a rustic "off-the-grid" getaway near the town of Vansbro in central Sweden, allegedly fled the country, leaving behind the barrels along with other waste material. The case has sparked outrage among locals and drawn national attention due to its scale and environmental implications.

Local authorities began probing the site after neighbors reported foul smells and increased rodent activity around the area. Upon inspection, they discovered numerous barrels — some leaking — filled with untreated human waste. Investigators believe the couple had been collecting waste from compost toilets used at the resort and storing it improperly, in violation of environmental and sanitation regulations.

According to reports, the Danish couple operated an eco-resort in central Sweden’s Vansbro municipality before abruptly leaving the country. Authorities discovered 158 barrels of human waste left behind on the property, sparking an environmental investigation. Local officials confirmed that the couple had no permission to store such waste and that the site was in violation of environmental regulations. The municipality is now assessing the contamination and planning cleanup efforts.

Financial troubles plagued the couple prior to their departure. They reportedly owed approximately 6 million SEK (around £470,000) to Swedish tax authorities. Stedsans was declared bankrupt in March 2025.

What’s more troubling is the revelation that this might not be an isolated case. Experts warn that the rise of unregulated “eco-tourism” initiatives — often run on private land without proper oversight — could lead to similar incidents if tighter rules are not enforced.

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“This is a wake-up call,” said an environmental watchdog in Sweden. “Eco-tourism should not mean a free pass to ignore waste management, hygiene, or environmental standards.”

The incident has reignited debates around the balance between encouraging alternative tourism and ensuring proper regulation.

The couple has since initiated a new hospitality venture in Guatemala. Authorities in Sweden are currently assessing the environmental impact of the abandoned waste and exploring potential legal actions.