7 ways to experience sauna in Helsinki
Every public sauna in Helsinki has its own lovely distinct character. There are traditional saunas, wood-heated saunas, communal saunas (a free one too, open 24/7!), family-friendly saunas, spa-style pampering saunas, swimming pool saunas, design saunas by the sea and tucked away saunas by a lake…
Try one of these seven experiences – or all of them! They might give you some idea of Helsinki sauna culture today.
Pst! There is even a SkyWheel sauna gondola tucked behind Allas Sea Pool if you want to try something crazy (whilst admiring the views to the sea).
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1. Heart and soul: Traditional sauna
For an authentic old-school sauna experience, Kotiharjun Sauna in the lively Kallio neighbourhood is the place to go!
Founded in 1928, Kotiharjun Sauna has a wood-burning sauna – a rarity in the city centre where electric saunas are much more common – for a soft, classic löyly, the steam created when water is ladled over the rocks of the sauna stove.
In addition to therapeutic experiences such as a scrub-down by a washer woman, sauna-goers can also sample vihta, a sauna whisk made of soft birch branches and their leaves. Tapping or gently beating the body with a sauna whisk increases circulation and relaxes muscles.
At Kotiharjun Sauna, there are separate saunas for men and women.
2. Family time: Swimming pool sauna
One of the most family-friendly places for kids of all ages to enjoy a sauna is at a local swimming pool in Finland. The ever-popular Mäkelänrinne features several swimming pools, including a large 50-metre one, children’s swimming, paddling and play pools, as well as a cold-water plunge pool (between 8-12 degrees Celsius), which is a great way to acclimatise if you’re gearing up to try out winter swimming.
Saunas in the men’s and women’s changing rooms are rounded out by steam rooms, which kids enjoy just as much as a traditional Finnish sauna.
3. Peaceful pampering: Spa sauna experience
One of the city’s newest openings, USVA Spa in the NH Collection Helsinki Grand Hansa hotel, comprises two historically significant buildings close to the Central Railway Station, and brings luxurious pampering to the Helsinki sauna spa experience.
USVA by Terhen spa treatments are inspired by Finnish traditions based on the researched health benefits of sauna use, and include salt and honey body scrubs, masks and foot soaks, as well as guided sauna experiences and wellness treatments that pair heat, humidity and sauna with cold therapy.
4. Sun salutations: Active sauna
From sauna yoga (gentle stretches in the warmth of a sauna) to swimming lengths and winter swimming and rock concerts, Allas Sea Pool is the place to go! The floating swimming pool and sauna complex nestled in Helsinki’s central harbour offers a range of options for those looking for activities to accompany a good löyly.
The large panorama sauna (mixed, with swimsuits) looks out over the sea, while the smaller saunas in the changing rooms deck-side each have their own cosy charm and unique views.
5. Community löyly: Sauna for everyone
Sompasauna, Helsinki’s most public sauna, is free, open 24/7/365 and run by everyone who uses the communal space. With three saunas located on the Helsinki shoreline near Kalasatama, Sompasauna is slated to move to a new location on Mustikkamaa island during 2025. There is no staff, changing rooms or showers, but you can bring your own lock for the cupboards and dip in the Baltic Sea to cool off. One of Sompasauna’s golden rules is sauna peace, which means respect for others and taking care of the collective space.
6. Natural high: Sauna by a lake
Possibly the most quintessential Finnish sauna experience is to enjoy the heat near nature and a natural body of water such as a lake. Though technically not in Helsinki, but in Vantaa (part of the Helsinki Greater Metropolitan Area), Kuusijärvi (‘Spruce Lake’) provides a natural park setting tucked into a popular recreational area with electric and smoke saunas lakeside. Close to the lovely Sipoonkorvi National Park, Kuusijärvi is a classic waterfront sauna and cold plunge destination.
7. High culture: design sauna complex
An architectural masterpiece with a bar, restaurant, and three saunas, Löyly Helsinki is the city’s go-to seaside design sauna complex. With three striking saunas, including a coveted traditional smoke sauna (not so common in the city centre), Löyly also has a delightful terrace with stairs leading to the sea for a swim.
Named one of the World’s 100 Greatest Places by Time magazine, Löyly is one of the top Helsinki spots for sampling Finnish contrast therapy – combining a hot sauna session with a cold plunge in the sea. Booking in advance is recommended.