Frequently Asked Questions

Whether you are staying in a hostel for the first time or are an experienced traveler, you will find answers on this page to the most common questions about hostel accommodation and our services.

If you cannot find the answer to your question, you can ask it via the chatbot at the bottom of the page or contact the Finnish Hostel Association at: [email protected]

Hostel Card (HI Membership)

A hostel card (also known as a HI Membership or HI eMembership) is a membership issued by Hostelling International (HI). It gives you:

You can find current membership benefits in Finland here.

The price of a hostel card (HI Membership) depends on your country of residence and the national hostel association from which you purchase your HI membership. Membership prices and card types vary between countries. When purchasing an HI Membership, you will be asked to select your country of residence, after which the available membership options and prices will be displayed.

You can view the available options and prices by proceeding to the purchase process through the official HI online membership system.

There are several ways to join the Hostelling International (HI) community and obtain a hostel card:

  • Learn more about the HI eMembership at www.hihostels.com.
  • Purchase an HI eMembership through Hostelling International online system at member.hihostels.com
  • Purchase a hostel card before your trip from a HI hostel (please note that not all HI hostels sell hostel cards) or from your local Hostel Association.

The Hostelling International eMembership gives you access to member rates or discounts on accommodation at hostels throughout the Hostelling International network worldwide, as well as a range of travel benefits and discounts. Membership prices vary depending on your country of residence.

Please note that hostel cards are not sold at hostels in Finland. The easiest way to purchase a membership is through the official HI online membership system.

The HI eMembership is valid for 12 months from the date of purchase. After purchasing, you will receive a digital membership pass that can be saved to your mobile wallet, as well as a PDF version of your membership confirmation.

In Finland, you do not need a membership to stay at a hostel. However, an HI Membership gives you access to accommodation discounts and other member benefits. In some countries, HI Membership may be required for accommodation at Hostelling International (HI) hostels. Requirements may vary in other countries, so we recommend checking the policies of the hostel or national hostel association before travelling.

Hostels and Accommodation

Hostels and hotels offer many of the same services, but hostels are often a more affordable and flexible accommodation option.

In hostels, guests can stay in shared dormitory rooms as well as private rooms, and they typically have access to shared facilities and services such as kitchens, lounges, and laundry facilities.

Many hostels allow travelers to use services according to their own needs and, for example, prepare their own meals. Hostels are also often unique and characterful accommodation properties, operating in former schools, manor houses, hospitals, or military barracks.

Hostels are suitable for all types of travelers, including solo travelers, families, couples, groups of friends, students, business travelers, and groups.

They are particularly well suited to travelers who appreciate affordable accommodation, independence, and unique places to stay.

Absolutely. Many hostels offer private rooms suitable for families, and hostels are a convenient accommodation option for families with children.

Many hostels also provide toys, games, and various activities. Guest kitchens allow families to prepare and store their own food, making family travel more relaxed and flexible.

Yes. All hostels in our network in Finland offer the option of staying in a private room.

Room types vary by hostel, so detailed information can be found on each hostel’s individual information page.

This depends on the hostel and room type. Some hostels offer rooms with private bathrooms and toilets, while others provide shared bathroom facilities. Many hostels offer both options.

Detailed information can be found on each hostel’s presentation page.

Yes. Hostels take care of their guests’ safety through measures such as lockable rooms and lockers, access control systems, and staff presence on-site. Practices vary between hostels.

Hostelling International (HI) hostels in Finland and abroad are also committed to meeting internationally agreed quality standards, so you can stay with confidence and peace of mind.

The price of hostel accommodation varies depending on the hostel, location, season, and room type.

Shared accommodation is often the most affordable option, while private rooms are typically more expensive. Prices may also vary according to demand and availability.

Yes. Hostels provide kitchen facilities for guests.

The level of kitchen equipment varies between hostels, so it is worth checking whether facilities such as a stove or oven are available. However, all hostels provide at least the possibility to store food, heat food, and enjoy meals on the premises.

Finnish Hostel Association’s Hostel Network

Hostels in the network offer services typically associated with hostel accommodation and meet the hostel principles and quality criteria defined by Hostelling International (HI) and the Finnish Hostel Association.

Network hostels in Finland are committed to providing accommodation discounts to hostel card holders and members of the Finnish Hostel Association’s member organizations. The network helps travelers find reliable and unique accommodation options throughout Finland.

The Finnish Hostel Association network includes approximately 60 hostels throughout Finland. Hostels can be found in cities, rural areas, tourist destinations, and locations close to nature.

All network hostels can be found through the hostel search on Hostellit.fi, where you can browse hostels in a list or on a map, explore their services, and search for accommodation by location.

You can also explore the network through the digital Hostels in Finland brochure.

You can book a hostel through the Hostellit.fi website, directly with the hostel by phone, by email, or through the hostel’s own website. Contact information, websites, and booking links can be found in the hostel presentations on Hostellit.fi.

Booking methods vary by hostel. Some hostels have online booking systems, while others allow you to submit a booking inquiry through a contact form.

Booking and cancellation policies are determined by each hostel individually. The most up-to-date information can be found on the hostel’s website, in its booking system, or by contacting the hostel directly.

You can receive an accommodation discount when booking through the Hostellit.fi or hihostels.com website, or directly with the hostel. Discounts are also available for walk-in guests staying at the hostel without advance booking. We cannot guarantee discounts for bookings made through third-party booking channels.

If you book through a hostel’s own website, check the possible discount code in the hostel’s listing on Hostellit.fi before making your reservation. Your hostel card must be presented upon arrival at the hostel.

International Hostel Network

Hostelling International (HI) is an international federation of hostel associations founded in 1932. The network includes approximately 3,000 hostels in nearly 60 countries around the world. The Finnish Hostel Association and its hostel network are part of this global network.

HI’s mission is to promote travel, intercultural understanding, and meaningful encounters between people. Hostels within the network are committed to complying with shared international quality standards.

You can search for HI hostels through the Hostelling International section of the Finnish Hostel Association website, or the official Hostelling International website at www.hihostels.com. You can also find hostels through the websites of national hostel associations in your destination country.

Booking procedures vary by country and hostel, so you should always check the detailed instructions provided by the specific hostel or national association. With an international hostel card (HI Membership), you receive at least a 10% accommodation discount at HI hostels worldwide.