15 'Must Experience' Public Saunas in Finland

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15 ‘Must Experience’ Public Saunas in Finland

15 'Must Experience' Public Saunas in Finland

From old-school bathing houses to trendy new seaside spas, the Finnish sauna scene has something for everyone.

Sauna is a beloved part of the Finnish way of life, gathering friends and families of all generations. Traditionally a small wooden hut, a sauna features a stove – or “kiuas” in Finnish – covered with rocks gently hissing after each ladleful of water.

Sauna is a traditional ritual that hasn’t lost its steamy edge – quite the opposite. Thanks to a new generation of saunas, especially public ones, the tradition still thrives with contemporary saunas artfully merging rustic with urban culture. The best part of the experience is what Finns fondly refer to as ‘post-sauna bliss’ – the exhilarating feeling of having cleansed the body and the mind.

Here’s a look at the 15 ‘must experience’ public saunas open for everyone.

Article published in April 2020.

Löyly, Helsinki

Löyly is perhaps one of the most iconic and internationally featured public saunas in Finland. It is an urban sanctuary in the middle of a former industrial area on the Helsinki waterfront.

The sculptural wooden building designed by architects Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen of Avanto features three saunas that are all heated with wood, an outdoor swimming facility in use throughout the year, 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 the stunning views of the Baltic sea.

Rajaportin Sauna, Tampere

Located in the old district of Pispala in Tampere, Rajaportti is Finland’s oldest public sauna still in use. Dating back to 1906, the sauna was originally built by Hermanni Lahtinen and his wife Maria. Still heated by wood in a traditional manner, Rajaportti offers not just soft and pleasant steam but an authentic feeling of travelling back in time with its old-fashioned charm and simplicity.

The cosy courtyard café serves traditional sauna sausages, freshly baked cinnamon buns, comforting soups, and a selection of artisan beers from local brewers. A traditional massage tops off the experience.

Lonna, Helsinki

Just a short ferry ride away from Helsinki’s Market Square is the charming island of Lonna, making it a perfect spot for a relaxing day trip away from the hustle of the city. Two modern, chic and simple seaside saunas feature traditional wood burning stoves and a large terrace that offers spectacular views over the Baltic Sea. There are separate sides for men and women. Both saunas accommodate 12 people, and advance booking is recommended.

Saana, Kuopio

The word “saana” in Finnish means sauna when pronounced in the Savo dialect. Situated on the shores of Lake Kallavesi in Kuopio, Saana is a fairly recent addition to the modern public sauna scene in Finland. Saana features three separate saunas – including a smoked one – an indoor hot tub, waterfall showers, two outdoor swimming pools, and the opportunity to try open-water swimming year-round. The restaurant serves locally sourced food and boasts picture-perfect views over the magnificent Kallavesi.

Kuurakaltio, Kiilopää

Surrounded by the mesmerizing Lappish landscape, Kuurakaltio sauna in Kiilopää lies next to a crystal-clear stream, which is perfect for a cooling dip after the heat of an authentic smoke sauna. During the summer season, Kuurakaltio bathes in the midnight sun, while the winter might provide a glimpse of the Northern Lights. No wonder this sauna attracts visitors from all over.

Kuuma, Tampere

Merging sauna tradition with urban vibes, Kuuma is a welcome addition to Tampere’s sauna offering. The sleek and urban lakeside building features two saunas and a popular restaurant serving seasonal, Nordic-style cuisine that includes a delicious tasting menu with selected wines. On a summer day, the outdoor pool and large two-story terrace overlooking Lake Pyhäjärvi fills with crowds enjoying food and drinks until late night.

Kotiharjun Sauna, Helsinki

Kotiharjun Sauna is one-of-a-kind when it comes to its history: it is the last wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki, and has welcomed visitors since 1928. This traditional sauna is located in the eastern part of Helsinki’s downtown area in the laid-back Kallio district. The former working-class neighborhood has sparked to life in recent years offering visitors an array of hipster-esque restaurants, bars, clubs – and saunas.

Kulttuurisauna, Helsinki

Kulttuurisauna is the choice for those sauna-goers looking for a simple, Nordic aesthetic with an ecological twist. Located in Helsinki’s urban Merihaka district, the sauna was designed by Finnish architect Tuomas Toivonen and Japanese designer Nene Tsuboi, and it opened in 2012 as a part of Helsinki’s World Design Capital year. Kulttuurisauna is open year-round and it has its own sections for men and women. You can also try ice swimming in the winter. For groups, there is a limited entry (max. 3 people per group).

Järvisydän, Rantasalmi

For a luxurious spa and sauna experience, look no further than the Järvisydän resort located in Rantasalmi in the heart of Lakeland. The resort’s Lake Spa has been inspired by Finnish nature. The interior is clad with warm wood and large, natural rocks, and the spa overlooks the iconic Lake Saimaa – one of the biggest lakes in Europe. For a day of pampering, try one of the many saunas located in the spa, or go for a beauty treatment.

Kaurilan Sauna, Helsinki

The historical Kaurilan Sauna in Helsinki’s Meilahti district is a sauna experience that will give its visitors a warm and fuzzy feeling inside, and it is not just because of the heat. The wood-heated sauna is located in an authentic 19th century building close to the popular Seurasaari museum island. The public sauna, which can also be rented for private occasions, is open on specific week dates and tickets must be bought in advance, so plan ahead before visiting Kaurila. The sauna ticket includes a towel, seat cover, soaps and shampoos. Remember to bring your own snacks and drinks – those will top off the sauna experience.

Seita Forest Spa, Ruka

Located in northern Lakeland’s outdoor resort Ruka, Seita Forest Spa is for those looking for a true Finnish sauna experience – perfect after a day on the slopes. At Seita, you can try an herbal sauna, a smoke sauna, or a traditional sauna. The entrance ticket includes a towel, robe, toga and slippers. To get the most out of the wellness experience, try a dip in cold water or make a snow angel – in your birthday suit, of course!

Forum Sauna, Turku

Founded in 1926 and currently run by sauna therapist Mervi Hongisto, Forum Sauna in the coastal city of Turku is where time seems to stand still. Forum is currently the only public sauna in Turku. Favoring an old-style approach to health and wellbeing, Forum is preferred by those looking for an authentic bathing experience as well as traditional treatments including peat masks and cupping therapy. The sauna doesn’t serve food or drinks, but guests can bring their own.

Sauna Arla, Helsinki

Sauna Arla, loved by many locals, is one of the most iconic and historical public saunas in Helsinki. The sauna was founded in 1929 and, like the nearby Kotiharjun Sauna, it is located in the Kallio district. Arla’s authentic, no-frills saunas are heated with natural bio gas. On Sundays, there is a traditional washer in the sauna, and massage and even cupping are available upon request. If you’re feeling hungry or thirsty after this traditional experience, bring your own drinks and food, or buy some smaller refreshments and snacks at the front desk.

Sompasauna, Helsinki

Sompasauna is truly a public sauna in every sense of the word. It was built and it is maintained by a group of volunteers. As there is no staff, showers, service or storage lockers, you’ll need a pinch of fearlessness and an open mind to try the sauna. But rest assured, you’ll be rewarded at the end with a warm sauna, a sense of community, and a sincerely unique experience. Sompasauna is located in Helsinki’s Kalasatama district, about a 15-minute walk from the Kalasatama metro station.

Kuusijärvi, Vantaa

Kuusijärvi is a hugely popular year-round recreational center just north of Helsinki in the city of Vantaa. Located only a 15-minute drive from the 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 popular especially during the weekends so a weeknight visit is recommended for those looking for a calmer experience. Kuusijärvi also has a restaurant and café serving burgers, salads and soups as well as refreshments.

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15 ‘Must Experience’ Public Saunas in Finland