Staying in a Finnish apartment is easy, but a few local customs surprise visitors: shoes come off at the door, quiet hours are taken seriously, waste is sorted and guests are asked to fill in a traveller form. This is what we explain to guests at Nine Pines, so nothing is a surprise on arrival.

Shoes off at the door

In Finland, you take outdoor shoes off in the hallway. It keeps floors clean, particularly in winter when snow and grit come in. Leave boots on a mat or tray, hang coats in the hallway and use indoor slippers or socks. In a family flat, wardrobes by the entrance make this easy. Nine Pines has wardrobes in every room and a hallway for outdoor clothing.

Quiet hours

Many Finnish buildings have quiet hours at night, often from 22:00 or so until morning. Ours run from 22:00 to 07:00. That means no loud music, no shouting in the stairwell and careful use of the washing machine at night. Neighbours are local families who need sleep, so please respect them. Children’s normal evening noise is fine; parties are not allowed. The maximum number of guests is nine.

Waste sorting

Finland recycles carefully. Expect separate bins for different types of waste, such as general waste, paper, cardboard, glass, metal and biowaste, depending on the building. We explain where bins are and what goes in each in the guest guide. If in doubt, ask us. Shops accept returnable bottles and cans with a deposit, which you can bring back to the machines.

The traveller form (matkustajailmoitus)

Accommodation providers in Finland collect basic details of their guests. We therefore send a short traveller form, called matkustajailmoitus in Finnish, before your stay. It asks for the names and a few details of the guests. Please fill it in before arrival, since it is a standard requirement of staying in Finnish accommodation and not something unique to us. If you have questions about what is needed, message us.

Using the sauna

Nine Pines has no sauna in the apartment. The nearest public saunas are at the swimming hall in the centre, and guests get 5 % off a private wood-heated sauna tour via our activities page. Sauna etiquette in Finland is simple: wash first, sit quietly, and do not wear shoes inside.

Heating, windows and energy

Finnish buildings are well insulated and warm. Keep windows closed in winter, and ventilate briefly if needed. Use water and electricity sensibly, but do not worry about normal cooking, showers and laundry. The washer and dryer are for guests.

Smoking and candles

Check the house rules for smoking, candles and open flames. In most Finnish rental apartments smoking indoors is not allowed. Our rules are in the guest guide, and we are happy to answer questions.

Check-in and check-out etiquette

You enter with a code from a lockbox, from 16:00 at any hour. When you leave, follow the departure steps in the guest guide: tidy up, put dishes in the dishwasher, take rubbish to the bins and lock up. Do not worry about perfection; a tidy flat is enough.

Why these rules exist

Most of them come from a culture of consideration. Finns value quiet, cleanliness and fairness, and living in apartment buildings means sharing space. Guests who follow them usually find their neighbours friendly. If something goes wrong, tell us rather than hiding it; we live a few minutes away and usually answer within the hour.

Small things guests ask about

Guests often ask whether tap water is safe to drink (it is in Finland), whether they can use the dishwasher and washing machine at any time (yes, though not late at night because of quiet hours) and whether they can leave boots in the hallway (yes, on the mat). Another common question is about children playing: normal play is fine, but running or jumping late in the evening or early morning can disturb neighbours below. A rug and indoor slippers help.

What we do not mind

We do not mind sand, snow, spilled juice or colouring pencils on the table; we live here, and we know children. We do mind noise at night, damage and ignoring the maximum number of guests. If something breaks, tell us and we will fix it. We would rather hear about it than find out later.

Common sense with neighbours

Say hello on the stairs. Finnish neighbours are reserved, but polite, and a nod and a smile are returned. Keep the stairwell clear and close doors gently. If you have questions about building rules, ask us.

How these rules feel in practice

Most guests tell us the customs take about a day to get used to. After that, taking shoes off becomes automatic, you notice the calm of the building at night and sorting waste feels natural. Families with small children adapt quickly, because routines such as boots off and slippers on suit them anyway. If you are travelling with teenagers, a short chat about quiet hours before the evening helps.

Where to find everything

We collect the practical details in the guest guide, including check-in, house rules, waste sorting and what to pack. We also send the code and the photo guide three days before your arrival. If a question is not covered, write on WhatsApp; we live a few minutes away and usually reply within the hour.

Frequently asked questions

Do I really have to take my shoes off?

Yes, it is the custom, and it keeps the apartment clean.

What are the quiet hours?

22:00 to 07:00.

Is the traveller form compulsory?

Accommodation providers in Finland collect guest details, so we ask every guest to complete it.

How many guests are allowed?

Up to nine. No parties.