Jump In and Try The 3 Best Public Saunas in Helsinki

The public saunas in Helsinki are making waves in a big way. Travelers are eager to jump in and experience the unique Finnish sauna culture. The sauna is nothing new to the people of Finland, as they have been reaping all the benefits of these healing spaces for centuries.

There is a wide range of public saunas in Helsinki, so it can be hard to choose. Fancy a traditional Sauna or a smoke sauna? Or maybe a combination of both? There are free saunas, social saunas, and neighborhood saunas scattered among the city.

I spent a little over 2 weeks in Helsinki and dipped my toes into the local phenomenon, chasing after the best “löyly,” or the steam that comes off the hot rocks when water is poured over them.

Here are my three favorite public saunas in Helsinki.

Table of Contents

• A Brief History of Finnish Sauna Culture
• Best Public Saunas in Helsinki
• Löyly | A Modern Treat
• Sompa Sauna | Free Public Sauna in Helsinki
• Kotiharjun Sauna Oy, Iconic Sauna
• Conclusion | Public Saunas in Helsinki

A Brief History of Finnish Sauna Culture

The Finnish Sauna has a cultural significance that an outsider may have difficulty understanding.  For the 5.3 million people that call Finland home, there are an estimated 2-3 million saunas.  To say that saunas play a major role in their culture would be an understatement. 

Private saunas can be found in almost every apartment complex, but recently there has been a surge to bring the public sauna back into the mainstream.

Saunas not only have healing benefits for the body but also help with overall mental health. The increase and surge of public saunas are making the sauna a social space.

When visiting Helsinki, do delve into the sauna culture.

3 Best Public Saunas in Helsinki

There were my favorite saunas in Helsinki. Find everything from free public saunas to modern treats all within the city limits of Helsinki Finland.

1 | Löyly A Modern Sauna Treat

This sauna is a must-see for anyone visiting Helsinki. If you are on a tight schedule and have time for only one sauna experience, Löyly is the one I recommend.

Sitting right on the ocean, Löyly is aesthetically pleasing to the eyes and has a modern sleek look. Besides a sizzling name, Löyly works on its commitment to sustainability. The sauna experience at Löyly includes a traditional smoke sauna and a traditional wood sauna.

Once inside, find a nice relaxing room with a view, fireplace, water station, and of course an iPad system to order cocktails and refreshments. There are separate changing rooms for men and women, but the public spaces are shared. Swimsuits are required, which is not typical of a Finnish sauna.

The two different saunas can be experienced in two-hour reservation blocks, or add additional hours. One of the best things about this Helsinki sauna is the closeness to the sea. Jump into the frigid sea to cool off.

With a mix of tourists and locals, a 2-hour reservation for 23 euros is extremely affordable and worth it. Reservations are essential, but can easily be completed online. A towel is included with the rental, but it’s a good idea to bring along flip-flops to walk among the common areas.

After experiencing one of the best public saunas in Helsinki, head to the outdoor deck to savor the views or book a table at the restaurant.

 Löyly | Find it here: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki | Reservations Required | Don’t forget a Swimsuit!

2 | Sompa Sauna Awesome Free Public Sauna in Helsinki

My absolute favorite public sauna in Helsinki is Sompa Sauna. If seeking that authentic Finnish sauna experience, then look no further than this incredible spot.

Sompa Sauna is no thrills. This public sauna in Helsinki is free and open at all times. It runs on donations and by everyone contributing to the public space. This can be anything from helping saw firewood, fetching water, or of course by monetary donations. The vibe of this sauna is what captured my heart.

There are three saunas with an open outside area to hang personal items. There are no showers or changing rooms, but there are dry toilets and a small locker area (just bring your own lock). This is very much a traditional public sauna in Helsinki, so swimsuits are optional.

Bonus, Sompa Sauna is all about sustainability and is using all recycled material from the surrounding construction areas to heat this neighborhood hot spot.

Make sure to bring a towel or two, footwear, and bring water. Be prepared to have real conversations with locals, or simply sweat in silence. There is a really awesome community that frequents this public sauna in Helsinki.

Besides the lovely atmosphere, it steps away to swim and take a dip in the Baltic Sea. The views are stellar as well.

Want to help keep Sompa Sauna the best public sauna in Helsinki? Donations are always welcome!

This place is a bit of a walk from the nearest Metro Station (Kalasatama), but take the time and effort to reach this incredible experience. If you want to have a local experience, Sompa Sauna will not disappoint!

Sompa Sauna | Find it here: Verkkosaarenkuja 6, 00580 Helsinki | Come here for the authentic experience and be part of the community

3 | Kotiharjun Sauna Oy Iconic Sauna in Hip Kallio

Kotiharjun Sauna is an iconic public sauna in the bohemian Kallio district of Helsinki.

Kotiharjun Sauna is another great authentic sauna to experience in Helsinki. Completed in 1928, this sauna remains the only traditional neighborhood wood-heated sauna in Helsinki.

Visually, Kotiharjun Sauna is impossible to miss this place. The neon sign welcomes tourists and locals alike. The people watching here is fantastic and it’s fun to see the men sitting around in their towels banter back and forth with a beer in hand. It’s actually part of the iconic vibe of this sauna.

Public saunas are separated by men and women, but anyone can enjoy the outdoor space.

This is an authentic experience in Helsinki that again is no frills. Make sure to bring a towel, flip-flops, and your own drinks. They provide a free fridge to keep the beverages cold! Remember, like in most traditional Finnish saunas, no need to bring a swimsuit (but you will need to be covered in a towel if you wish to sit outside).

For 15 euros, this sauna is another very affordable place to enjoy a local public sauna in Helsinki.

Kotiharjun Sauna | Find it here: Harjutorinkatu 1, 00500 Helsinki | Opens in the afternoons & closed on Mondays

Conclusion | Best Public Saunas in Helsinki

In short, exploring the public saunas in Helsinki is one of the best ways to experience the local culture. Not only is the sauna great for your mind, body, and soul, but offers a way to connect with the local Finnish people.

During my time housesitting in Helsinki, I fell in love with Finnish Sauna Culture. These three public saunas in Helsinki showcase the very best of sauna culture, from a modern and beautiful sauna to a free public sauna, and a classic iconic neighborhood sauna.

So jump in and do as the locals do, and visit at least one of these public saunas in Helsinki.

Did you visit any of these public saunas in Helsinki? Which one was your favorite? Let me know in the comments below!

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