Ultimate Public Sauna Guide for Helsinki

This guide is for the top public saunas in Helsinki. Even though there aren't as many public saunas as there used to be, there are some great ones in Helsinki which fit every price point and levels of authenticity. Make sure you bring a towel, bathing suit and flip flops. Most Finns do sauna naked, but if a public sauna allows men and women together in the same sauna, then usually you need to wear a bathing suit. Some saunas also include a towel, others do not, but its always handy to have one with you just in case! Traditionally, you should shower before going into the sauna, then after the heat (5-10 minutes) you should shower in cold water, or go into the sea or cold pool. This all may seem a bit scary at the beginning, but after you are finished, you will feel relaxed and you will understand why sauna culture is so strong in Finland :)

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Löyly Helsinki

Löyly Helsinki

@edmorrow

This is one of the more modern public saunas with a smoke sauna and a steam sauna. It is also one of the most popular amongst tourists so ***book as soon as you know you are going to go*** It is a mixed sauna, so men and women use the same saunas and usage of a bathing suit is mandatory and can be rented for €8. Children are permitted with a guardian. This sauna has steps into the sea and a great bar and restaurant. Take tram number 6 or 6H to Eiranranta (last stop). Entry fee €23 (2 hours) and +€10 for each additional hour. Ticket includes towel, shampoo, shower gel and seat liner.

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Kotiharjun Sauna

Kotiharjun Sauna

@edmorrow

Helsinki's oldest public sauna first opened in 1928. This sauna is no frills, no fuss, working-class sauna action. This sauna is not fancy, nor glamourous, but encapsulates well real sauna culture and is my personal favorite. Located in Kallio (near metro Sörnäinen), the old working class neighborhood, the sauna separated into men's and women's and is done naked. There are no pools, so you will have to shower between sauna sessions. It is possible to bring your own drinks and there is a fridge by the entrance. There are also some benches outside the main entrance where you can sit outside and cool off on the street between sauna sessions. There are plenty of nice bars and restaurants in the area to visit after your sauna session here. €15 for adults, €12 for students and towels can be rented for €3.

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Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool

@edmorrow

Allas Sea Pool is modern sauna right in the heart of the city with steam saunas, a warm swimming pool and a filtered sea water pool (same temperature as the sea on the day you go). Allas Sea Pool also has a nice restaurant and bar and they offer live music in the summer. This sauna is separated into men's and women's sections and a bathing suit is required when not in the sauna itself. A mixed sauna is available for private events. Booking is not required, but it will make it easier to guarantee a visit. Student discounts are available as are towels for rent (€8.90). Entry fee €18 Monday to Thursday, €22 on weekends (3 hours access).

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Sompasauna

Sompasauna

@edmorrow

The cheapest sauna option on this list as it is free and open 24/7! This is a community sauna and there are no staff. It is up to the users to maintain and the sauna and provide the material to keep it operating. This is a very authentic sauna in that a lot of locals go here and also help to maintain it. There are no changing rooms and you need to bring your own lock for the lockers and your own towels. The sauna is mixed but bathing suits are optional and the saunas are located right next to the sea. Take bus 55, 56 or 738 to Argoksenkuja stop or metro to Kalasatama followed by a 5-10 minute walk. This sauna is approximately 25 minutes from the center.

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Sauna Hermanni

Sauna Hermanni

@edmorrow

Open since the 1950s, it is like traveling back in time to what sauna culture was like in Helsinki 70 years ago. Booking in advance might be possible via email and they accept group bookings and private events. However, it is not necessary to book ahead. Towels can be rented for €3 and student discounts are available. Basic entry fee is €12. You are also allowed to bring your own drinks. This sauna is well priced and can be reached via tram number 6 & 8 and the following bus routes: 55, 55A, 68X, 70, 70X, 71, 71V, 73, 73N, 74, 74N, 75, 77.

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Uusi Sauna

Uusi Sauna

@edmorrow

Literally called "The New Sauna" it combines the traditional sauna experience with a bar, restaurant and terrace in the area of Jätkäsaari, not too far from there many of the Tallinn ferries depart from. This sauna is mixed and it is possible to rent a towel for €5 and a bath robe for €8. Entry fee is €18. Booking in advance is not necessary unless you are a large group.

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Furuvik Sauna

Furuvik Pihasauna

@edmorrow

This sauna is ideal for those looking to maximize the health benefits of the sauna. Furuvik's saunas are located on the beach close to nature and inside a villa and the whole venue can be rented for events. Bookings need to be made in advance online and prices start from €17 for sauna access, €8 for bathing robe, €5 for towel rental and €9.5 for a birch whisk. This sauna needs to be booked in advance and is about 50-60 minutes away from the center on public transport. Don't let the distance put you off though, it is a beautiful place!

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Ed Morrow

Moi! I've been guiding since 2014 with experience in Madrid, Barcelona, Girona, and as of 2018, tropical Helsinki . I'm an Authorized Helsinki Guide and Suomenlinna Guide specializing in walking tours in English and Spanish. I have a passion for history and architecture and I love good food and drink. Over the years, I have found what people are interested in and what people don't really know about Finland and Helsinki and I feel like I help visitors bridge the gap between locals and guests. I currently run a walking tour company in Helsinki and I have led all kinds of different tours from pub crawls, to accessible tours, bus tours, bike tours, car tours, architecture tours, worker's rights tours and more, so if feel there is something missing from what I've got on offer, feel free to get it touch :) Of all the cities I have lived in, I feel that Helsinki is one of the most underrated and has so much to offer, its no coincidence its the capital of the happiest country on Earth 6 years in a row! If you're coming to Helsinki, give me a shout and let's make your visit one you'll never forget!

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