Take the plunge: 12 must-visit public saunas in Finland

Public saunas in Finland—12 picks

1. Lonna: A ferry ride to relaxation

When a sauna is on an island, getting there is part of the experience. In summer, a water bus from Helsinki’s Market Square takes you to Lonna, located between the departure pier and Suomenlinna. Inside the log-built structure are two loft-style saunas, each heated by a single-heated, wood-burning sauna stove. The atmosphere in these unisex saunas is relaxed and calm, and on the cooling terrace, you can sit back and admire the serene archipelago view.

Island of Lonna, Helsinki, 60°9.251’N, 24°59.453’E, lonna.fi/en/services/sauna/

2. Uuni: Open the door to history

The Uunisauna (Finnish for “Oven sauna”) in Karkkila offers a cinematic experience with its detailed touches, which is no surprise considering it’s run by Juulia Jokinen, a former film set designer. Converted from a former enameling factory hall, this atmospheric sauna fuses Finnish tradition, Japanese serenity, and the rugged appeal of ancient Roman baths. Old brick lines most of the walls, and candles glow in every corner. On the opposite side of the river, which flows outside the large picture window, there was once a sauna belonging to the Högfors ironworks, where workers would wash away the soot after their shifts.

Valurinkatu 2 C, Karkkila, uunisauna.fi

3. Forest Spa: Pools under a starry sky

The magic of Tahkovuori is on full display at Forest Spa. All of its three saunas sit in a breathtaking spot, and the entire spa complex is visually striking. The treetop sauna, perched at the level of the treetops, is an especially unique experience. Outdoors, under the open sky, you can choose between a warm, soothing pool or a cool and refreshing one. You’ll find additional pools in a separate pavilion, which has been thoughtfully designed to showcase the scenery. Part of the Panorama Landscape Hotel, the spa enforces an age limit.

Tahkomäentie 335, Nilsiä, https://www.panoramahotel.fi/en/spa/

4. Kuuma: A meeting spot

This popular sauna-restaurant at Laukontori market square in Tampere attracts visitors with a tried-and-true combination: a central location, a Nordic menu, spacious saunas, and the opportunity to swim in Lake Pyhäjärvi. The sleek, light-colored building houses two saunas: a wood-heated sauna for up to 15 bathers, and an electric one reminiscent of a smoke sauna, that can fit up to 25. This lively gem has been renovated for even better functionality, and the new cooling area allows you to enjoy a drink even during cooler weather.

Laukontori 21, Tampere, saunaravintolakuuma.fi/en

5. Pereensaaren sauna: Dark and fiery

You’ll never run out of space on these sauna benches: the Pereensaaren sauna can accommodate up to 40 people at a time. The minimalist black sauna building blends smoothly into its surroundings, and the dark tones continue throughout the calming interior. The experience is completed by a dip in Lake Pyhäjärvi or the cold pool reminiscent of an ice hole. The lounge and terrace offer a lovely spot to enjoy a refreshing drink.

Pereensaarentie 43, Pirkkala, pereensaarensauna.fi/en

6. Trahteeri: Steam of the spirits factory

Nestled by a barley field, the Trahteeri sauna complex gets its name from a Finnish word meaning “to host or entertain.” And it lives up to the name. Summertime sauna evenings draw both locals and tourists, and it’s recommended to set aside two to three hours for the experience. You’ll step into the sauna wearing the venue’s signature sauna trunks, which you can also buy as a keepsake. There are always at least three saunas ready for you, including a whiskey sauna crafted from an old whiskey barrel from Alko’s Salmisaari distillery.

Trahteerintie 3, Koskenkorva, trahteeri.fi

7. Kankaan sauna: Whisk to your heart’s content

An over-a-century-old red-brick building in the Kangas area, Jyväskylä, hides a surprising gem. Two modern saunas are open to the public from Thursday through Saturday. This atmospheric space once served as a stable, garage, and fire station for a paper mill—as evidenced by the chimney that was used for drying hoses and the ramp leading to the hayloft. In the vastasauna, you can use a vasta, the traditional birch whisk, to your heart’s content. There’s also a cold pool reminiscent of an ice hole.

Kympinkatu 3, Jyväskylä, kankaansauna.fi/en

8. Sataman Viilu: The view is everything

Located beside the Kuokkala Bridge in Jyväskylä, Sataman Viilu offers three saunas: the dark-toned Sisu, the minimalist Valo, and the modern, spacious Loiste. The subtle contrast of dark and light wood extends to the building’s exterior. From the panoramic window of Loiste, you can take in the calming view over Lake Jyväsjärvi. The ambience shifts with the time of day, as the saunas are open from mid-morning to late evening. Between rounds of steam, you can have a dip in the outdoor lake pool or soak in the hot tubs. Refreshed by the sauna, you can head to the Viilu restaurant.

Satamakatu 10, Jyväskylä, satamanviilu.fi/in-english/

9. Luoto: A calming landmark

Luoto in the Kuopio harbor is impossible to miss. The airy timber structures and dark, charred panels create a look that’s both soothing and captivating. Inside, you’ll find a sauna-restaurant as well as a lake center. In addition to the wood-burning Hehku sauna, be sure to check out Haiku, which offers a taste of a smoke sauna. While the architecture itself is impressive, the true focal point is Lake Kallavesi, lapping at the end of the pier.

Makasiininkatu 5, Kuopio, luotokuopio.fi/en

10. Storfinnhova Gård: The spa cave in a magical forest

Set in a beautiful landscape, Storfinnhova Gård is an unforgettable destination in itself, but the real enchantment begins in the forest. Beneath the ground lies a granite smoke sauna illuminated by candles and lanterns. Public sessions run 3–5 times a month, and usually sell out. Inside the sauna, you’ll find two pools, and you can dip into the lower one in the midst of your sauna session. Outdoors, an even cooler bath awaits: a sandy-bottom pool fed by a stream meandering through the forest, with a water temperature of about 2 °C.

Finnhovantie 163, Kemiönsaari, storfinnhova.com

11. Kesän sauna: A floating midsummer dream

Kesän sauna (Finnish for “Summer’s sauna”) has been floating on River Oulujoki since 2014. In addition to its daily evening sauna sessions, this popular sauna raft hosts morning steam sessions several times a week. The modern raft was built through volunteer efforts, and it remains largely volunteer-run. It’s definitely worth checking out the quiet sauna slots and the evenings with extra-hot sessions. A dive into the Oulujoki completes the experience.

Koskitie 58, Oulu, kesansauna.fi/in-english

12. Arctic Sauna World: Steam in the midnight sun

This setting makes even a Finn feel like a tourist and marvel at the Finnish sauna culture. Built on the shore of Lake Jerisjärvi as part of Jeris Lakeside Resort, this sauna world includes four different saunas that stay open daily until 10 p.m. It’s the perfect finale to a hike in Pallas-Yllästunturi. For an even more unforgettable experience, time your visit for one of the midnight sun sauna events, held a few times each summer.

Jerisjärventie 91, Muonio, harriniva.fi/en/arctic-sauna-world/

Images: Maj Kajasmaa, Mika Kankainen, Teemu Lautamies, Taina Ristikivi and Antti Rastivo / Sherpa, Nura Suominen, Marko Vasara, and participating businesses