Scenic Hostels in Finland – From the Coast to Lakes and Arctic Fells

Finland is known for its vast forests, thousands of lakes and peaceful natural landscapes. For travellers who enjoy the outdoors, the country offers endless opportunities for hiking, exploring scenic landscapes and simply spending time in nature – often right next to where you stay.

Many hostels in Finland are located in beautiful natural surroundings, close to lakes, the sea or national parks. The Finnish Hostel Association connects around 60 hostels across the country, offering travellers welcoming places to stay in cities, small towns and scenic natural areas.

Here are a few hostels from the Finnish Hostel Association network that are particularly well suited for travellers who love nature and the outdoors.

Hostel Suomenlinna – a maritime start to your journey

For many international travellers, Helsinki is the starting point of a trip to Finland. Hostel Suomenlinna offers a unique place to stay in a historic sea fortress just a short ferry ride from Helsinki city centre.

Suomenlinna is a UNESCO World Heritage Site where sea views, fortress history and green islands come together. Walking paths wind between coastal cliffs and old fortifications, and the open sea views make the island an inspiring place to begin a journey into Finland’s natural landscapes.

Helsinki also offers several other hostels if you would like to explore different accommodation options in the city.

Explore other hostels in Helsinki >

Hostel Tankar Inn – life on a lighthouse island

The lighthouse island of Tankar, located off the coast of Kokkola in the Bothnian Bay, offers a truly unique setting for lovers of nature and the sea. Hostel Tankar Inn operates in a former pilot station in the middle of a small island community.

Tankar is known for its lighthouse, rich birdlife and wide open sea views. Visitors can walk along nature paths, explore the lighthouse and experience the peaceful atmosphere of the archipelago on an island surrounded entirely by the sea.

Lomahostelli Keuruu – lakeside scenery and 1940s architecture

Located in the Finnish Lakeland region of Central Finland, Lomahostelli Keuruu offers a peaceful base surrounded by lakes and forests. The hostel sits on the shore of Lake Keurusselkä, and the surrounding lake and forest landscape provides great opportunities for outdoor walks and enjoying nature.

The building was designed in the 1940s by Finnish architect Aulis E. Hämäläinen and represents functionalist architecture. The hostel is part of Keurusselkä Resort, and guests can also make use of the nearby spa services.

Linnansaaren Ekohostelli – simple island life in a national park

Linnansaaren Ekohostelli (Linnansaari Eco Hostel), located in the Saimaa lake district, offers the chance to experience national park nature in a simple and authentic way.

Accommodation is provided in traditional wooden granary cabins, and life on the island is close to nature – there is no electricity or running water. Drinking water comes from a well, and composting outdoor toilets are used.

The hostel area includes an outdoor kitchen, campfire site, sauna and a small café for visitors and hikers. Ekohostelli serves as a base for exploring Linnansaari National Park, where visitors can hike through forests and enjoy the island-dotted lake landscapes of Saimaa. The area is also home to the Saimaa ringed seal, one of the rarest seals in the world. The hostel is open during the summer season.

Tapion Tupa – near the sandy beaches of Kalajoki

Tapion Tupa is located close to the famous sandy beach area of Kalajoki on Finland’s west coast. The long sandy beaches and dune landscapes of Kalajoki create a landscape that is quite unique in Finland.

Tapion Tupa is a traditional countryside-style accommodation and restaurant, where guests can also enjoy classic Finnish home-style cooking. The surrounding area is ideal for seaside walks, cycling and relaxing by the sea.

Hostel Aurora – a base for exploring Kuusamo

Located in Kuusamo, Hostel Aurora provides a convenient base for exploring Ruka Fell and Oulanka National Park. The park is known for the famous Karhunkierros (Bear’s Trail) hiking route and its rapids.

The hostel building originally served as the command centre of the Kuusamo border guard district, giving the place a distinctive history. Hostel Aurora is also an excellent place to watch the northern lights, and visitors may occasionally spot reindeer wandering near the hostel grounds.

Hostel Ahopää – fell landscapes and a traditional smoke sauna

In Saariselkä, Finnish Lapland, Hostel Ahopää is particularly appealing for outdoor enthusiasts. The entrance to Urho Kekkonen National Park is located right at the hostel’s yard, so hiking routes begin practically at the doorstep.

The hostel also features a traditional smoke sauna, from which guests can cool off in the nearby mountain stream – a memorable experience combining Finnish sauna culture with the surrounding nature of Lapland.

Discover Finland’s nature through its hostels

From coastal islands and sandy beaches to peaceful lakes and the fells of Lapland, Finland offers a wide variety of landscapes for travellers who enjoy the outdoors.

Many hostels provide a welcoming base for exploring these environments and experiencing the tranquillity of Finnish nature up close. Whether you begin your journey in Helsinki or travel further north, staying in hostels across the Finnish Hostel Association network makes it easy to discover Finland’s landscapes at your own pace.

Published on 6 March 2026