Yes, a pregnant traveller can stay at Nine Pines, but the apartment is on the second floor and there is no lift, so the stairs are the first thing to weigh. If you are comfortable with one flight of stairs several times a day, the rest of the flat is easy: a separate second toilet, a washing machine and dryer, a full kitchen, and a calm residential setting. Check live dates on Airbnb or Booking.com once you have read this and spoken to your own doctor, which is the one thing we cannot replace.

We are hosts, not medical professionals. Nothing here is medical advice; whether you should travel, and how far into pregnancy, is a question for your midwife or doctor and for your airline’s own rules.

The stairs: what to expect

The flat is on the second floor of a quiet family building, with a shared stairwell and no lift. That means one flight up to the front door each time you come home, with bags, shopping and a pushchair if you have one. In winter, the stairwell is where boots are shaken off and the floor can be damp; our post on stairwell etiquette in winter explains the habits.

Practical ways to make stairs easier:

• Travel with companions who carry. Ask the group to take the luggage up, and keep your own bag light.
• Pack a small bag for the day so you do not have to climb back for forgotten items.
• Do your main grocery shop once, with someone else carrying, rather than many small trips.
• Take your time on the stairs, especially in wet boots.

If stairs would be a real problem for you, our post on apartments without a lift in Rovaniemi is blunt about who this is and is not suited to, and our accessibility notes go through the doors and the bathroom.

Walking outside in winter

The bigger risk for most visitors is not the indoor stairs but the outdoor paths. Snow packs down to ice on pavements and yards, and a fall is more of a concern in pregnancy than usual. Our post on icy pavements and winter walking safety is worth reading beforehand.

A few common-sense habits help. Wear shoes with a good tread, or add ice grips, which are widely sold in Finland. Walk short distances, shorter than you think you need, in daylight where you can. Use the bus rather than long walks: the stop is 150 m from the door and the direct bus to the city centre takes about 15 minutes. Ask for a taxi when the weather is poor. A taxi from the airport takes about 15 minutes and costs roughly €35–45.

Comfort inside the flat

Nine Pines is 103 m² on one floor, so there are no stairs inside the apartment.

• Beds. Three bedrooms: a 160 cm double, and two rooms with two 90 cm single beds each. A sofa bed and an armchair bed are in the living room. Many pregnant travellers sleep better in a bed of their own choosing; with a larger group you can choose which room.
• Bathrooms. One bathroom with a shower, and a separate second toilet, which is very useful for night-time trips and for a morning rota.
• Laundry. A washing machine and tumble dryer in the flat mean you can pack less.
• Kitchen. Dishwasher, oven, microwave, coffee machine and kettle, so you can eat what and when you like.
• Wardrobes in every room, so you do not need to keep luggage in the way.

We do not list a bathtub; the bathroom has a shower. If a bath matters to you, tell us before booking so you are not surprised.

Dry air, warmth and sleep

Finnish buildings are heated, and the air indoors in winter can feel very dry. Our post on fresh air, windows and condensation in a Finnish apartment and the one on warmth, dry air and sleep explain how to manage it. Drinking water from the tap is safe in Finland; see tap water in the apartment.

If something happens

Know the numbers before you travel. In Finland, the emergency number is 112. Rovaniemi has a central hospital, and a pharmacy is easy to reach in the centre. Our post on being ill on holiday in Rovaniemi explains the pharmacy, doctor and emergency routes. Check that your travel insurance covers pregnancy and cancellation, and read the policy carefully; see travel insurance and cancellation.

We live a few minutes away and usually answer within the hour, so if you need anything practical in the flat, message us.

Getting the arrival right

Check-in is from 16:00, at any hour including late at night, through a code lockbox. The code and a photo guide arrive three days before, so you can read the instructions at home. If you arrive late and tired, the lockbox means you do not wait for anyone. By car, the centre is 8 minutes away and Santa Claus Village, SantaPark and the airport are 15 minutes away. There is one free parking space by the entrance, with an ice scraper and snow brush provided, so the car is at the door.

What to pack for the stairs and the cold

• Shoes with grip, plus ice grips.
• A small day bag.
• A reusable bag for shopping.
• Layers: see packing for winter in a Rovaniemi apartment.
• Any medication and documents your doctor advises.

FAQ: pregnancy and a second-floor flat

Is there a lift?

No. The apartment is on the second floor and there is no lift.

Is it safe to walk to the bus?

The stop is 150 m away. In icy conditions, use ice grips, take your time, or take a taxi.

Is there a bath?

The bathroom has a shower; we do not list a bathtub. A separate second toilet is a few steps away.

Should I talk to my doctor first?

Yes. Ask your midwife or doctor, and check your airline’s rules.