Saunas in Helsinki

Helsinki is the sauna capital of the world. In recent years, a new generation of public saunas has opened, combining the ancient ritual with modern design and urban lifestyle.

The Best Public Saunas

• Löyly — Helsinki's most famous sauna (2016): Spectacular wooden architecture right by the sea in the Hernesaari district. Wood sauna, steam sauna, and cooling off in the sea. Restaurant and terrace with sea view. Admission: €21 (Mon–Fri), €23 (weekend). Tip: Book online in advance, especially on weekends.
• Allas Sea Pool — Swimming pool and sauna right at the harbor, with a view of the cathedral. Three saunas, heated pool, and seawater pool. Admission: €17. Open year-round, even in winter (ice swimming!).
• Kotiharjun sauna — Helsinki's oldest public sauna (since 1928) in the Kallio district. Traditional wood-heated sauna, no tourist hype, authentic experience. Admission: €15.
• Kulttuurisauna — Architectural highlight: a minimalist concrete sauna by the sea in Merihaka, designed by Tuomas Toivonen. Wood-heated, no electricity, pure sauna experience. Admission: €16.
• Sompasauna — The legendary DIY sauna at the Sompasaari harbor. Run by volunteers, free and open around the clock. Bring your own towel and beer. It doesn't get more authentic than this.

Sauna Etiquette in Helsinki

There are a few rules in public saunas:

• Naked or Towel: In traditional saunas, nudity is the norm (separated by gender). In newer saunas (Löyly, Allas), you wear swimwear.
• Löyly (Infusion): Pouring water on the stones is encouraged — but ask the other sauna-goers first. “Saako heittää löylyä?" (May I pour?).
• Cooling Off: After the sauna: jump into the sea, lake, or under the cold shower. In winter: ice hole (avanto). The temperature shock is half the experience.
• Vihta/Vasta: Birch twig bundles for gently beating the skin — promotes circulation and smells fantastic. Not common everywhere, but standard in traditional saunas.