If you're looking for an authentic Lapland experience where you can meet some people who actually live there, the Raudanjoki hostel is the place for you. Birches, pines, reindeer, and crystal clear ponds immerse the small, relaxing property. Raudanjoki is about an hour and a quarter from the Arctic Circle border, so it's a good way to put your feet up north without getting too far off the beaten track. Besides the sauna, rowboat, and bicycles (which are all included in the price of a bed) you'll also get a rare chance to breathe truly clean fresh air. On the other hand, if you're not into the simple pleasures of the great outdoors, you'll probably feel bored.
The seven dormitory rooms are located in a rectangular one-floor building with a complete kitchen and a huge common room where you can watch TV, read old American magazines like Time and National Geographic, or just relax within the supremely crafted pine wood walls. There are also a few big pine picnic tables to eat at if you're with a larger group. Breakfast is served for an additional 6 Euros at the owner's house located on the same property. There is oatmeal, cereal, breads, butter, jam, yogurt, cucumbers, tomatoes, cheese, coffee, and some sliced meat. Although 6 Euros may seem a bit expensive, there is a fair variety and you'll get the chance to talk with some interesting locals.
The dorm rooms are comfortable, clean, and not too small with varying wooden furniture, a closet, and often some unique piece of woven art hanging on the wall. The three, four, or five-bed rooms have pine wood bunks and regular beds that come with super cozy padded mattress covers and a duvet. Depending which side of the building you're on, the view from your window will be grazing cows or the forest.
The two full bathrooms have large showers, excellent pressure, and ample hot water. The showers are typical Finland style where a section of the bathroom is cornered off with a plastic shower curtain. Sometimes the lightweight curtain wants to stick to you while you shower, but since the whole room is tile, there's no reason not to leave the curtain open. Just don't forget to squeegee the water that got all over the floor towards the drain with the long-handled instrument they've left in the corner for exactly that purpose. There are also a couple half bathrooms so you won't have some desperate person intruding on your curtain-less shower!
The hostel is located 4 km from the bus stop at Raudanjoki on the Rovaniemi-Inari line. Don't worry about getting to the hostel on foot from there; if you step into the big souvenir stand on the corner for a coffee and then mention where you're trying to get to, the lady behind the counter will call for someone to come pick you up. Otherwise follow the huge posted signs. After that, you won't be stuck at the hostel all day (although you could easily pass a tranquil day or two there) because the owner is quick and eager to lend one of their numerous bicycles.
Experiencing nature is the best reason to come to Raudanjoki, and the hostel is a great start because the owners are so knowledgeable about things to do and so willing to lend you the necessary equipment from skis in the winter to the row boat in summer. Although there is no internet access for guests, if you ask the owner's son, he'll look up anything you want and get you the printout. Another huge plus is the dry wood sauna, which they're happy to heat up at a day's notice. It's built right next to the pond with a long, door-less hallway leading straight into the chilly water for easy access. Whether you're there to count reindeer or pick wild blueberries, the hostel at Raudanjoki is a great base to taste southern Finnish Lapland.
— Exclusive Hostelz.com Review
October 2005
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