Finland Travel Guide - Accommodation

Hotels, mostly operated by large chains, are generally functional rather than charming. They are significantly cheaper at weekends, as well as in late June and July, as business travellers are the hotels' primary customers. Rates mostly include a shared sauna and an abundant breakfast buffet. For a little extra money, most hotels have a few rooms with a private sauna inside. Prices are significantly higher in Helsinki and in Lapland.

The standard budget option in urban areas, the matkakoti can range from a no-frills establishment offering adequate rooms with shared bathroom to quite charming family homes with a welcoming personal feel. Prices vary widely according to facilities and location, but a simple breakfast is nearly always included.

There is a wide network of mostly rural bed & breakfast accommodation in family homes or farmhouses. They generally offer little luxury but excellent opportunities to experience the Finnish countryside or farming life. There is nearly always a lake, rowboat and sauna on hand. Full- or half-board rates are often available and many also offer self-catering facilities. It is wise to book via the Finnish Tourist Board, local tourist office or Lomarengas (website: www.lomarengas.fi ) if you don't speak Finnish. Graded from 1 to 5 stars.

During summer (June to August), when the universities are closed, student accommodation becomes available to tourists in the form of 'summer hostels'. Rooms are modern and clean and cheaper than regular hotels. You generally share a bathroom and kitchen facilities with one other room, but they are rarely full so in practice you usually have your own self-catering apartment. They are located around the country in major cities.

Finland's enticing wooden cabins and cottages range from simple unpowered huts to state-of-the-art bungalows sleeping up to 12. Whether isolated in the forest or part of a holiday village, they are nearly always by a lake, have access to a sauna, and have cooking facilities, from camp stove to fully equipped kitchen and dining room. A minimum stay of three days to a week may apply in peak season. Enquire at tourist offices for details. Classified from 1 to 5 stars.

There is a wide network of youth hostels in Finland, though many only open from June to August. They are normally modern and clean; most offer family rooms as well as dormitory accommodation. Single and double rates are also available. They rarely provide food, but refreshments are available at most and some have self-catering kitchens. There are no age restrictions. Sheets can be hired. There is a discount for Hostelling International members. Hostels are classified into four categories according to their facilities.

There are about 200 campsites in Finland, which are either ungraded or awarded 2 to 5 stars for quality. The majority have cooking facilities, shop and cafe. As well as sites for tents and vans, most campsites also have cabins and cottages (see Self-Catering) to rent. Most campsites have a sauna and are often by a lake. Camping outside official campsites is allowed providing no damage is caused to crops or other items, and the camp is at least 150m (492ft) from human habitations.

Lomarengas Finnish Country Holidays
Eteläesplanadi 22, 00130 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: (9) 5766 3350.
Website: www.lomarengas.fi

SRM (Hostelling International Finland)
Yrjönkatu 38B, 00100 Helsinki, Finland
Tel: (9) 565 7150.
Website: www.srm.fi
Also provides information on student accommodation.

Camping in Finland
Website: www.camping.fi