Seven places to try winter swimming in Helsinki
Finns love a cold plunge as much as they love a sauna and many Helsinkians are avid avanto (that’s Finnish for ice hole) swimmers. As studies show that winter swimming can “reduce stress, stimulate the immune system and improve cardiovascular health” it is no wonder it can become addictive! Who would not want to sleep better, get rid of joint pains and aches – and have no more seasonal flu? Want to try it out? Here are seven spots around the city to start with, open to everyone all year round.
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1. Löyly – the eco sauna by the sea
Löyly sauna complex was chosen by Time Magazine as one of the 100 greatest places in the world. The impressive stealth-like wooden structure, designed by Avanto Architects, hugs the Hernesaari shoreline and is easily reached along the Helsinki Waterfront Trail. There is a traditional wood burning sauna as well as a smoke sauna, which hails back to the sauna’s origins in Finland. A ladder to the sea beckons avanto winter swimmers to the ice hole with magnificent views onto the sea. (Pst! löyly is the hot steam in sauna).
Hernesaarenranta 4
Bliss
Winter
2. Eiranranta – a local community favourite
Eiranranta is located in South Helsinki’s Eira neighbourhood, near the city centre – and Löyly too. While not an official beach (although there are rumours it will become one) there are plenty of swimmers who come here everyday, including in winter. The early morning regulars form a community and look out for one another in the water, especially as the temperatures drop. Candles light the way for swimmers in the dark, making it a truly magical experience.
Eiranranta
3. Uunisaari – the island where you can walk to in winter
Uunisaari. This little island is just a stone’s throw from Kaivopuisto Park and has been a cherished escape from the city for over a hundred years. In summer it is a short ferry ride away but in winter you can reach the island by foot bridge. The beach saunas are freely bookable and include dips in the sea! The picturesque island cafe is open on weekends and the place is also available for private events and weddings.
4. Allas Pool – year-round spa complex by the sea
Allas Sea Pool. A truly unique, year-round urban spa complex with pools that float under the open sky in Helsinki Harbour. You can enjoy views onto the sea and all the way to Suomenlinna while you swim, and watch the majestic ferries come and go. There are two large mixed saunas, and two smaller saunas by the pools that are also mixed. The Sea Pool is open all year and when the water freezes, the ice is broken! Make sure to bring flip flops with you to stop your feet from getting cold (you can also buy a pair from the Pool Shop).
Katajanokanlaituri 2a
5. Kulttuurisauna – a very urban dip in a design sauna setting
Kulttuurisauna. Perched on the waters’ edge in Helsinki’s Merihaka District with its either you “love it or hate it architecture”, Kulttuurisauna is a favourite place for avanto swimming. Designed by Finnish architect Thomas Toivonen and Japanese designer Nene Tsboi during Helsinki’s tenure as World Design Capital in 2012, Kulttuurisauna opened in 2013. The minimalist, beautiful sauna provides a zen-like atmosphere for those wishing to combine the perfect löyly with a bracing winter swim. Hint: don’t even think about posting on Instagram. Cameras are strictly forbidden to ensure a calming experience.
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6. Sompasauna – volunteer run seaside sauna + avanto
Sompasauna. Wish to try something very local and authentic? Then Sompasauna is your pick. This beloved bohemian seaside sauna is located in Verkkosaari. The wood heated self-service public sauna is built and maintained by a group of volunteers. It is open around the clock and all year. Avanto swimming is enthusiastically embraced here! Sompasauna has had a nomadic history so stay tuned to their facebook page for updates.
Verkkosaarenkuja 6
7. Villa Furuvik – the biggest ice hole in Helsinki?
Villa Furuvik is just 10 kilometres from the city centre in the Laajasalo district but feels a world away. Furuvik Beach Sauna has been voted the city’s number one destination in the wellness and spa category on Trip Advisor. And no wonder. The cosy hut has a big window onto the sea and the slowly built löyly is an elixir for the soul. Avanto swimming is practised here with one of the biggest ice holes in Helsinki. There are two hour open sauna and swimming shifts daily that can be booked online. The easiest way to get here is by train to Herttoniemi Station and from there a bus will take you to within 500 metres of Furuvik. (in the summer you can also reach it by boat!)
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