The “Rented in Finland” Vibe: 2 Stays to Try

Send this to someone you’d travel with:

Rented in Finland might be a Korean reality show, but it’s a surprisingly honest look at what life is really like in rural Finland.

It follows four city guys from Seoul as they’re dropped into the Finnish countryside and left to survive without electricity, running water, flush toilets, showers, or WiFi. They move from one remote village or old house to another, learning how to chop firewood, heat up water by hand, and figure out life without all the usual conveniences. It’s slow, a little awkward, quietly charming—and very Finnish.

Inspired by the series, I have two real places you can stay in Finland to feel that same peaceful, rustic vibe… without giving up modern comforts: Tapion Tupa in Kalajoki and LUOVO on Hailuoto Island.

I’ve watched the entire sixteen hours of it and I absolutely loved it. As a Finn, it was both hilarious and a little eye-opening. So many things we take completely for granted (like not having indoor plumbing at the summer cottage) can be a total culture shock for others. And at the same time, what feels exotic to the viewers is often just… normal life in rural Finland.

The show didn’t shy away from those awkward moments either. The icy well water. The questionable shower setups. The constant, slightly confused silence between the hosts and guests (oh bless us Finns…). But that’s exactly what made it so good. It leaned into the rhythm of the Finnish countryside, where time slows down and the stillness starts to work on you. The quiet. The space. The peace.

The only downside? Most of the places the actors stayed in aren’t something you can just look up in booking.com and book for the weekend. They’re often family cottages or lived-in homes, passed down through generations. If you’re visiting Finland, you probably won’t have access to those kinds of places, unless you’re lucky enough to have a local friend, of course!

But the good news is, you can still get a taste of that lifestyle. I’ve stayed in a couple of places that capture the same Finnish rural experience: quiet, practical, slightly rustic vibe, without needing to give up hot water entirely. Here’s what they were like, and why I think they’re a great way to experience a softer version of what Rented in Finland showed. I’ve included both Booking.com links (because Genius + easy cancellation!) and direct links in case you’re after the best deal.

Why Rural Finland Is Worth Experiencing

Growing up in Finland, I’ve always known the quiet. The slow pace. The way the forest just becomes part of the background.

But even now, staying in the countryside feels like taking a big breath I didn’t know I needed. There’s something calming about being in a place where nothing demands your attention. No traffic noise. No flashing lights. Just trees, sky, and the sound of your own thoughts.

It’s not about escaping somewhere exotic. It’s about returning to something simple. Making coffee slowly (best on the fire, too, if you have a chance!). Watching light shift through pine branches. Walking to the beach without checking your phone.

You start noticing small things again. The way gravel sounds underfoot. The cool air at night. The smell of woodsmoke or seaweed or warm grass.

For travellers, rural Finland offers a kind of quiet that doesn’t really exist in cities. It’s not silence that feels empty. It’s silence that feels full. (Although I’ve heard people describe it as scary, because total silence can be a strange experience!)

And even if it takes a day or two to settle into that pace, it’s absolutely worth it.

What Rented in Finland Got (Mostly) Right

When I first watched Rented in Finland, I couldn’t stop smiling. Not just because the actors were endearing and often a little lost (hat off to Kwak Dong-Yeon though, I fell in love with his eagerness to learn everything), but because the experience they had was surprisingly close to the real thing.

It reminded me of time spent at summer cottages with no running water, or of old relatives’ homes where you have to step outside for the toilet (the only thing I absolutely hate about going to summer cottages… please don’t take away my Finnish passport).

The sad thing is, most people can’t just book a place like that for a weekend. The homes in the series are mostly family-owned cottages that you can’t book online, which makes them feel even more personal, but also inaccessible for visitors.

You either inherit them or get invited along by a friend. They’re not something you can find on booking.com, which makes them feel even more personal.

But the show captured a few key things pretty well:

• The quiet. Not the awkward kind, but the deep, comforting kind that’s normal here.
• The self-sufficiency. Cooking from scratch, fishing your food, heating with firewood, walking to the well for water. That’s still part of daily life for some people, especially at summer cottages.
• The minimalism. No clutter, no extras. Just the basics (often with a lot of potatoes or berries).

The beauty of it is, you don’t have to go full off-grid to get a feel for this way of life. You can still experience the rhythm, the quiet, and the simplicity without giving up everything modern. There are places where you can try the lifestyle seen in Rented in Finland, but with real beds, working toilets (hallelujah!), and maybe even a coffee nearby if you want one.

If you’re wondering how to reach these countryside spots without a car, don’t worry! Finland’s public transport is quite efficient. I’ve written a guide on how to travel around Finland that covers trains, buses, and more to help you plan your journey.

I’ve stayed in a couple of spots that strike that balance really well. Here’s what they were like.

Where to Stay in the Finland Countryside Without Going Fully Off-Grid

Tapion Tupa, Kalajoki: A Gentle Start to Rural Finland

This is the kind of place you picture when someone says “old Finnish countryside charm”: a deep red wooden aitta surrounded by birch trees and soft mossy forest floor. The building has that traditional two-level setup with narrow stairs, small doors, and just enough creaks to remind you that you’re not in a modern hotel. In the best way.

I stayed in one of the ground-floor aitta rooms (Luhtiaittahuone), and I was honestly relieved not to tackle those steep stairs with a backpack. The room was basic in a comforting kind of way: two single beds, a tiny table, and a stripy räsymatto stretching along the floor. The wooden walls and low ceiling made it feel like a cosy cabin time capsule. There was even a mini-fridge, which I unplugged pretty quickly because it was making itself heard a little too enthusiastically.

The floor creaked underfoot (very much part of the vibe), but the walls must have been thick, because I barely heard a sound from outside or the other rooms. After hostels and thin-walled apartments, that kind of quiet is golden.

If you book one of these cheapest rooms, you’ll need to bring your own bed linen, or rent some for 15 €. It’s not a huge deal, but good to know in advance if you’re travelling light! This is pretty common in the cheaper accommodation options in Finland (and northern Sweden, as far as I’ve experienced) in the summer.

Breakfast was included when I stayed, and it was delightfully Finnish – porridge with berries, rye bread, and strong coffee. No croissants, no nutella. Just proper fuel for a slow morning.

If you book one of the aitta rooms (or the separate cottages right next to it), just know that toilets and showers are in a separate building. The showers are divided by gender but not by stall: just a tiled space with several showerheads in a row. It’s the same setup as in Finnish public pools. You do get used to it quickly, especially if you time your shower well.

The best part? You’re just a short walk away from the long Hiekkasärkät beach. It’s wide, sandy, and peaceful: one of those places that makes you slow down without even trying.

There are also cafés, restaurants, and shops nearby, and if you’re feeling more adventurous, some easy hiking trails start right from the area. There’s also a maauimala (outdoor swimming pool) on the grounds too, though I’ve never checked it out myself.

Want the full Finnish countryside feel? Book Tapion Tupa here, or check their site to see if they’ve got seasonal deals (the aitta options are available only in the summer!).

LUOVO, Hailuoto: Coastal Calm with a Rustic Twist

LUOVO sits quietly at the end of Hailuoto island, just off the coast of Northern Finland. It’s the kind of place where the sea breeze feels like a reminder to slow down, and where the buildings blend right into the forest.

You can stay in old wooden structures with thick log walls, uneven floorboards, and that comforting smell of timber that’s been there for decades. It’s a bit like visiting a grandparent’s summer cabin (if your grandparents were minimalist artists with a fondness for the sea).

I stayed in their cheapest aitta room, which was simple and clean: wooden bunk beds, a little table, and a woven rug on the floor. The room didn’t have a window, only a small ventilation hatch, so it felt a bit like sleeping inside a wooden chest. Not uncomfortable, but something to be aware of if you’re used to natural light in the morning.

Here’s a short clip of what the place looks like!

One heads-up: for the cheapest rooms, you’ll need to bring your own linen or pay €20 extra for a set. There are also other room options available if you prefer something a bit more spacious or better equipped (and if you’re going through Booking.com, you can only book their hotel rooms.)

Showers and toilets were in a separate building, much like at Tapion Tupa. Basic, but clean and functional. Breakfast wasn’t included when I stayed, so make sure to bring your own groceries or be ready to check out the small handful of eating spots around the island.

The surroundings were just what you’d hope for: quiet, green, and right by the sea. You could honestly stand on the beach and point in the general direction of Sweden. (Technically you could also swim there, but I really don’t recommend trying.)

All in all, Luovo has a peaceful, slightly rugged charm that’s ideal for slowing down and soaking in some real Finnish island life. And if you’re curious to explore the island more deeply, there will soon be a separate post all about Hailuoto – including what to see, how to get there, and why it’s worth the ferry ride.

See LUOVO’s hotel rooms on Booking.com, or check their official site for the rustic aitta and bunk bed options.

What to Expect (and Not Expect) from Rural Finnish Travel

Rural Finland isn’t flashy. It doesn’t chase your attention or promise the “trip of a lifetime.” Instead, it quietly asks you to slow down, breathe in the pine-scented air, and notice how peaceful it is when nothing is really happening.

What to expect:

• Shared bathrooms and basic facilities. If you’re staying in an aitta (granary) or mökki (cottage), the showers and toilets are usually in a separate building.
• Simple rooms. Think two beds, a table, a fridge that might hum a little too enthusiastically.
• Silence. Except for birds, wind in the trees, or maybe the neighbour’s dog having opinions.
• Nature at your doorstep. Forest paths, seashores, sandy beaches, or fields full of wildflowers.
• Long mornings that somehow just happen. The whole place makes you want to move slower.

What not to expect:

• Reception desks open around the clock. You might just get your key in an envelope with your name on it.
• Fancy breakfasts with five juice options. If breakfast is included, it’s porridge, rye bread, and coffee. And that’s lovely.
• Room service or fluffy bathrobes. But you’ll probably find a peaceful bench somewhere with a pretty great view.

Tips for First-Timers

If you’ve never stayed in a Finnish countryside guesthouse before, here are a few things that can make it easier (and more comfortable).

• Pack warm socks. Wooden floors can be chilly even in summer, especially in old buildings.
• Bring your own linen or a sleeping bag if you’re booking an aitta or mökki.
• Download offline maps before your trip. Mobile signal can be patchy, especially on islands.
• Check out the shower setup in daylight. You might not want to figure it out while stumbling around in the dark with wet hair.
• Ask about the sauna. A lot of countryside stays have one, even if it’s not obvious. It’s the warmest kind of quiet.
• Let yourself do nothing. Seriously. Just sit outside with a cup of coffee and enjoy how unbusy everything feels.

A Softer Way to Experience Rural Finland

You don’t need to rough it completely to experience the peace, quiet, and rhythm of rural Finland. Whether you were drawn in by Rented in Finland or just curious about slow travel, both Tapion Tupa and LUOVO offer a gentle, authentic version of Finnish countryside life.

The key? Let yourself slow down. Embrace the basic rooms, the creaky floors, the silence. That’s where the magic happens.

Looking to book your own trip?
I’ve included links to both Booking.com (for flexibility and rewards) and the direct sites (for better deals or unique room types). Whichever you choose, you’re in for something special!