Must-experience saunas in Helsinki region

Löyly is one of the most well-known public saunas in Finland. Located in a former industrial area on the Helsinki waterfront, this delightful sauna offers visitors a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. The sculptural wooden building features three wood-fired saunas, a year-round outdoor swimming pool, and a welcoming restaurant that serves Finnish classics like meatballs and creamy salmon soup. On a summer day, there’s nothing better than soaking up the sun on the large outdoor terrace while enjoying a refreshing drink and stunning views of the Baltic sea.

Right in the middle of Helsinki, you’ll find the buzzing Allas Pool that’s open year-round and provides an oasis of well-being for residents and visitors alike. In addition to Allas Pool’s cold sea water pool and sauna, there’s a warm water pool and, during the summertime, a children’s pool. Whether you’re looking to take a moonlight swim in the middle of winter or swim laps and sunbathe during the summer months, Allas Pool offers your chance to do it in a unique urban setting. There are also several restaurants and a popular concert venue onsite. Still feeling stressed? Try a wine and stretching class!

Just a short ferry ride away from Helsinki’s Market Square is the charming island of Lonna, which is the perfect spot for a relaxing summer escape from the city. Here, you’ll find two modern, simple seaside saunas featuring traditional wood-burning stoves and a large terrace with spectacular views of the Baltic Sea. Both saunas can accommodate 12 people, and advance bookings are recommended.

Kulttuurisauna is the choice for sauna-goers looking for a simple, Nordic aesthetic with an eco-friendly twist. Located in Helsinki’s Merihaka district, this sauna was designed by Finnish architect, Tuomas Toivonen, and Japanese designer, Nene Tsuboi, and opened in 2012 as a part of Helsinki’s World Design Capital year. Kulttuurisauna is open year-round, and you can also try ice swimming in the winter. Kulttuurisauna aims to keep its sauna experience peaceful and quiet, and does not currently admit groups of more than two people.

Kotiharjun Sauna is one-of-a-kind when it comes to its history: it’s the last wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki, and has been welcoming visitors since 1928. This traditional sauna sits in the eastern part of Helsinki in the laid-back Kallio district. This formerly working-class neighbourhood has undergone massive changes recently and now offers visitors an array of hipster-esque restaurants, bars, clubs – and saunas.

Kuusijärvi is a hugely popular year-round recreational centre just north of Helsinki in the city of Vantaa. Located only a 15-minute drive from Helsinki Airport, Kuusijärvi offers both electric public saunas, as well as the classic Finnish smoke sauna experience. Right outside the saunas, you can dip your toes into Lake Kuusijärvi. The saunas are typically crowded on the weekends, so try a weeknight visit if you’re looking for a calmer experience. Kuusijärvi also has a restaurant and café serving burgers, salads, soups and refreshments. There's a direct bus connection going to Kuusijärvi multiple times a day. For schedules and tickets, download the HSL app.

Sipoonjoki Traditional Sauna offers an authentic Finnish sauna experience in the peaceful countryside of Sipoo, 45-minute drive from the Helsinki city center and 25 minutes away from the Helsinki Airport. This traditional smoke sauna is built into the ground, creating a deep connection to the surrounding nature. Visitors can join open sauna sessions or book private gatherings for a more exclusive experience. Additional offerings include sauna treatments, guided nature walks, and forest yoga. Seasonal events and workshops celebrate Finnish sauna traditions, making Sipoonjoki a perfect retreat for both relaxation and cultural discovery.

Furuvik Seaside Sauna, nestled in Helsinki's Jollas area, offers a serene seaside retreat in the east. This traditional red-clad wooden sauna is open nearly daily year-round, granting guests a refreshing sauna and sea swim experience in all seasons. Guests are encouraged to bring their own towels and seat covers (rental towels and seat covers are available). You can purchase non-alcoholic refreshments from the beach sauna's refrigerator using MobilePay or cash. 

Remember to purchase a ticket in advance at saunat.fi as the Furuvik is popular also with the locals, and there are women-only and mixed sauna sessions on different days.

Located in Helsinki's new residential area Jätkäsaari next to a former cargo harbour, Uusi Sauna brings the classic Finnish neighbourhood sauna into the 21st century. It’s run by Kimmo Helistö, a man who has been called the godfather of the sauna boom in Helsinki. This new location is a combination public sauna and terrace, bar and bistro that seats over hundred guests. Its dark-toned interior reflects old sauna culture while paying homage to the modern, urban neighbourhood around it.

Sompasauna is a public sauna – in every sense of the word – as it was built and is still maintained by a group of volunteers. As there is no staff, showers, service or storage lockers, you’ll need an open mind to visit this sauna. But rest assured, you’ll be rewarded with a relaxing sauna, a sense of community, and a sincerely unique experience. You’ll find Sompasauna in Helsinki's Hermanninranta, which is about a 20-minute walk from the Kalasatama underground station.

Uunisaari Sauna is a peaceful seaside sauna on a small island just outside of southern Helsinki, near Kaivopuisto Park. The sauna offers beautiful views and direct access to the sea – even an ice hole in winter. There are two saunas available: Iso-Uuni (up to 20 people) and Pikku-Uuni (up to 12), both bookable for private events. Public sauna sessions are open most days of the week, with slots for men, women, and mixed groups. You can also enjoy food and drinks from the on-site sauna menu. You can access Uunisaari via a pontoon bridge in the winter and by ferry boat in the summer, typically from May to November.