Finland’s unique accommodations draw visitors to repurposed airplane hotel in Uurainen

Summer is a time of exploration for many, and one unique way to experience something new is through unconventional accommodations. In Finland, accommodation facilities received nearly 23 million overnight stays last year, with hotels accounting for about 80% of this figure.

Among Finland’s diverse lodging options, some stand out for their originality. A notable example is a repurposed airplane turned into a hotel in Uurainen. The story began in autumn 2022 when five entrepreneurs acquired a retired aircraft through an online auction. “It quickly became clear that this could become something truly special,” said Mandi Moisio, one of the entrepreneurs.

The project was particularly challenging as there were no existing templates for converting an aircraft into accommodation. It took nearly a year of planning and construction, but eventually, the Saab passenger plane was transformed to include sleeping areas and a sauna, along with two additional buildings.

The unique accommodation has attracted visitors, including aviation enthusiasts who have followed its transformation on social media. In its debut summer season, the plane hotel has seen a strong influx of guests, including former crew members from the aircraft.

In Tuur, a charming railway hotel occupies vintage train carriages dating back to the 1940s, while a repurposed transformer station on Kuninkaansaari Island offers a distinctive stay infused with industrial charm. Intriguingly, old cells in former prisons, such as Turku’s Kakola and Helsinki’s Katajanokka, have also been converted into hotels, providing an unusual overnight experience. Finland’s array of creative stays continues to captivate those seeking something different.