5 Saunas in Helsinki
Sauna culture is central to the Finnish way of life. With over 2 million saunas in Finland you won’t be hard-pressed to find one. If you have not visited a sauna before you might be wondering where to start, so here are 5 saunas in Helsinki that you ought to try, each with unique features that makes them stand out from the rest.
Lähde Sauna
Built in the late 19th century, Lähde Sauna is the oldest public sauna in Helsinki and originally served the staff and patients of the Lapinlahti Mental Hospital. Nowadays it is open to the public from Tuesdays to Thursdays and on Sundays. The sauna is located at the historic Lapinlahti estate in Ruoholahti, a scenic estate that is well worth the visit.
Lapinlahdenpolku 1, 00180, Helsinki
Löyly
The stylish Löyly sauna has received many accolades for its striking architecture. Popular with the local in-crowd, you have the choice of three unisex saunas, one of which is a smoke sauna. Unlike most traditional Finnish saunas, you are required to wear a bathing suit, so no need to feel bashful!
Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150, Helsinki
(Image: Eetu Ahanen)
Sompasauna
Sompasauna is the quirkiest sauna on our list. This sauna is completely free to the public and requires that you bring along everything that you need yourself. It has an eventful history and has even been destroyed several times before being re-built once again in August 2018. Now there are two saunas with a fresh look but with the same bohemian attitude as before.
Sompasaarenlaituri, 00540, Helsinki
Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool is true to its name – this sauna and swimming pool complex has three electric-heated saunas and three pools, one of which is an actual sea pool. Here you can combine your sauna experience with another traditional Finnish winter activity – cold water swimming! A favorite with Helsinkians, the sea pool complex is located at the Helsinki Market Square.
Katajanokanlaituri 2a, 00160, Helsinki
SkySauna
SkySauna is located at the SkyWheel Helsinki, which is next to the Allas Sea Pool. SkySauna combines sauna and the thrill of the ferris wheel, which has spectacular views of the city. The package also includes access to the private lounge and hot tub once you get back down to earth. Definitely an out-of-the-ordinary sauna experience!
Katajanokanlaituri 2, 00160, Helsinki
