Saunas & Health · Our pick in Helsinki
The Finnish sauna: the back story
The back story
About The Finnish sauna: the back story
The sauna is part of everyday life in Finland, and Helsinki has public saunas for every mood: the wood-heated Kotiharju in Kallio, open since 1928; Löyly by the sea at Hernesaari; Allas Sea Pool on the harbour; and newer neighbourhood saunas in Jätkäsaari and Hakaniemi.
The old public saunas
Kotiharju, at Harjutorinkatu 1 in Kallio, has welcomed bathers since 1928 and is, in MyHelsinki’s words, the last genuine wood-heated traditional public sauna in Helsinki. Washers are on hand, and massage and cupping can be booked ahead.
By the sea
Löyly, at Hernesaarenranta 4, offers public saunas, private saunas and morning sessions, with a restaurant alongside (Löyly). Allas Sea Pool, on the Katajanokka quay, has pools and saunas on the harbour; Uusi Sauna in Jätkäsaari and Kulttuurisauna in Hakaniemi are neighbourhood favourites.
Bring a towel or rent one, shower first, and take your time.
Etiquette
Shower before you go in, sit on a towel, and follow each sauna’s rules on swimwear and mixed or separate sessions. Cool off between rounds, drink water, and never sauna after drinking alcohol.
Our advice: one evening at Löyly for the sea, one morning at Kotiharju for the tradition.
Why it's on our list
- The old public saunas
- By the sea
- Etiquette
Opening hours, prices and seasonal openings change, so please check with The Finnish sauna: the back story before you go.