Stay Somewhere with a Story – Historic Hostels in Finland

A hostel can be much more than just a place to spend the night. In many destinations, the building itself is part of the experience, with walls that have witnessed decades—or even centuries—of local history before welcoming travellers from around the world.

The Finnish Hostel Association’s network includes more than 60 unique hostels across Finland. Many of them are located in buildings that have been given a new purpose. Former schools, factories, hospitals, military barracks, government buildings and even a historic passenger ship have been transformed into welcoming places to stay while preserving their original character and stories.

Giving historic buildings a new life is also a sustainable way to protect cultural heritage. Instead of being abandoned or replaced by new construction, these buildings continue to serve their communities while offering travellers memorable accommodation with a genuine sense of place.

If you’re interested in staying somewhere with a story, here are some remarkable hostels across Finland.

From Factories and Public Buildings to Welcoming Hostels

Located in the town of Akaa, Hostel Vekotin occupies the former office building of a Finnish food manufacturing company. Today, the offices have been transformed into a cosy hostel popular with both leisure and business travellers. Its location near Toijala railway station also makes it an excellent base for exploring different parts of Finland by train.

In Kuopio, Hostelli Hermanni has found its home in a former textile factory. While the industrial buildings have taken on a new purpose, the area’s manufacturing heritage remains part of its identity. Comfortable common areas and a relaxed atmosphere make the hostel a popular choice for visitors exploring Finland’s Lakeland region.

Not many travellers can say they’ve spent the night in a former police station. Hiisi Hostel Vihti, located in the municipality of Vihti, occupies a building that once served as the local police headquarters. Some original features remain, including one preserved jail cell, offering guests an unusual glimpse into the building’s past. Today, however, the atmosphere is warm and welcoming.

Buildings That Once Cared for People

Just outside the charming Old Town of Porvoo, Porvoo Hostel occupies a beautiful wooden building that once housed the town’s first maternity hospital. Today it welcomes travellers instead of new families, while a statue of the pioneering midwife Alva Forsius in the courtyard still reflects the building’s important role in local history.

Surrounded by parks in the Törnävä district of Seinäjoki, Hostel Bjorkenheim is located in a former psychiatric hospital. Today it offers a peaceful place to stay while preserving an important part of the area’s architectural heritage.

Military History Lives On

Known for its important role in Finland’s military history, the city of Mikkeli is home to Hotelli and Hostelli Marja, which occupies a former military barracks. The historic surroundings add character to a modern accommodation experience just a short walk from the city centre.

Surrounded by the wilderness of northeastern Finland, Hostel Aurora in Kuusamo was once the regional headquarters of the Finnish Border Guard. Today it provides a comfortable base for travellers heading to nearby national parks such as Oulanka and Riisitunturi.

In Kauhava, Lentohotelli is located on the grounds of Finland’s former Air Force Academy. Guests can stay in a setting closely connected to Finnish aviation history, choosing from standard hotel rooms or military-style dormitories that reflect the site’s unique past.

Stories from the Sea

Overlooking the Gulf of Finland, Gasthaus Vanha-Merivartioasema in Kotka once served as a Coast Guard station. Ships still pass the building every day, just as they did decades ago, while the former workplace and home of coast guard personnel now offers visitors a peaceful stay by the sea.

On the remote lighthouse island of Tankar, Hostel Tankar Inn occupies a former pilot station. Visitors arrive by boat to experience the island’s distinctive maritime atmosphere, where history is present in every building, rocky shoreline and sea view.

Not every historic hostel is found on land. Permanently moored on the River Aura in Turku, Laivahostel S/S Bore is Finland’s only hostel aboard a ship. Before becoming accommodation, Bore carried passengers across the Baltic Sea for decades. Today guests can sleep in original cabins while also exploring the vessel as a museum ship.

Cultural Heritage and Architecture

In the Art Town of Mänttä-Vilppula, ArtHostel Honkahovi occupies a striking functionalist building designed by architect Jarl Eklund in the 1930s. Originally built as an official residence for the Serlachius company, many of its architectural details have been carefully preserved, allowing guests to experience both Finnish design history and the town’s renowned cultural attractions.

Historic accommodation can also be found in the Finnish Hostel Association’s manor properties, where the buildings, surroundings and stories are an essential part of the guest experience.

You can discover more of these unique destinations in our article about manor accommodation in Finland.

Experience Finland’s History Through Its Hostels

Historic accommodation offers much more than just a comfortable night’s sleep. Staying in a former factory, hospital, police station, military barracks or passenger ship allows travellers to experience Finland’s history in a personal and memorable way.

Many of these buildings have been carefully adapted for modern hospitality while preserving the character that makes them unique. Choosing accommodation in a historic building is also a sustainable travel choice, helping protect Finland’s architectural heritage for future generations.

Whether you’re interested in industrial history, maritime heritage, military sites or beautiful old wooden buildings, the Finnish Hostel Association’s hostels offer unforgettable places to stay—each with its own story to tell.

Published on 30 July 2026