Five unique options for staying overnight in Finland
Looking for something a little bit different for your accommodation in Finland? Here are five ideas to make for a truly memorable overnight stay.
1. Igloos
For the ultimate glamping experience in Finland try a glass igloo! Igloo accommodation gives you unobstructed views of the surrounding nature and starry skies, and if you are lucky, you might even catch northern lights – lying in your bed.
Lapland is naturally the hotspot for igloo accommodation. One of the most luxurious is the Golden Crown in Levi. In addition to fully serviced igloos, it has a great restaurant Utsu, serving dishes based on Finnish cuisine, with a modern touch. Another Lapland favourite is Santa's Igloos in Rovaniemi with 71 igloos, some with a sauna! Both locations are open around the year.
For a slightly different take, try the floating Archipelago Igloos. In the summer, floating hotel units are anchored between the lovely islands of Vallisaari and Kuninkaansaari in Helsinki and in the winter in Sipoo.
2. Tentsiles
Another way to get close to nature is by staying in a tentsile, a hanging tent suspended between trees well above ground! Tentsiles are best experienced in the summer when the weather is mild.
One of the best locations to try out this special accommodation is Tree Tent in Sastamala. The tents hang 1.8 metres high, and you must climb a rope ladder to get in. You should bring your own food, although a welcome drink and a snack basket are provided.
Another great option is Tentsile Experience in several locations. The easiest to get to from Helsinki are in Nuuksio national park or Vallisaari Island. What's included in the accommodation depends on your chosen location and deal, so check the different options.
3. Farm accommodation
Staying on a farm is a real classic of the Finnish summer. Many farms offer cottages, cabins, or rooms in their main house where you can experience country life to the fullest. Most farms have little extras to enjoy too, such as traditional Finnish food or a wood-fired sauna.
One of the places you could taste a slice of real country life is the homely and low-key Levomäki in rural Ypäjä. It has three cottages to choose from, a sauna and a little swimming pond to cool in. Or you could try Ali-Ketola in Kokemäki for a more fully catered experience with lovely rooms and activities such as canoeing, fishing and hiking.
If you want to see a truly traditional Finnish farmhouse, choose Heikin Tupa in Töysä. The place is well-suited for families, and kids can, for example, pet the farm's cows.
4. Nolla Cabins
The sustainable and stylish Nolla Cabins are a Finnish innovation and offer accommodation in unique locations. They are a great option if you are looking for glamping with a twist. For the moment you can find the cabins in five locations and bookings can be made for the summer season.
The cabins are mostly self-serviced and have space for two adults, plus the option to make room for two children. Electricity is restricted to charging your devices and there is no fridge. There is, however, a stove and cooking utensils to create simple meals. Blankets and pillows are provided but take your bed linen.
Some locations also offer extra activities such as water sports or biking. The Rantapuisto location has a special Marimekko-themed cabin, and guests even have access to the services of the nearby hotel.
5. Manor House hotels
If you want more luxury, book a stay in one of Finland's many manor house hotels open all year round. Staying in an old manor house is a great choice if you want to enjoy the scenery but expect full service including top-class meals cooked by someone else.
One of the real classics is Tertti Manor in Mikkeli. It has a stylish boutique hotel and several restaurants. The buffet-style meals served in the main restaurant are famously delicious. You must also visit their quaint garden café and shop selling local delicacies.
Maybe you would like to enjoy some spa treatments too? In that case, make your way to Haikko Manor in Porvoo. The famous spa hotel has a great pool area with saunas and a day spa with all the pampering you could ask for. The restaurant serves the best of Finnish and Nordic cuisine.
The very pretty Hirvihaara Manor is another great option. There are unique boutique-style bedrooms and a stateroom with garden views to enjoy breakfast. If the weather is great, you can even have your morning coffee outside. You won't get bored either, as there is an authentic smoke sauna, lots of activities such as golf, gin tastings, and even a cinema.