Finland, also known as the birthplace of the sauna, offers a plethora of sauna experiences ranging from traditional smoke saunas to modern, innovative spa complexes. Because the sauna is such an essential part of Finnish health, community and culture, there are over three million saunas located throughout the entire country. Here, we have narrowed down some of the best saunas to visit across Finland on your next trip to the North.
1. Löyly Sauna in Helsinki
Located in the heart of Helsinki, Lyly Sauna offers a modern Finnish sauna experience. Set by the Baltic Sea, it offers stunning views and minimalist design that blends seamlessly with nature. Visitors can enjoy both heat therapy and cooling dips in the sea, making it a serene yet urban escape. Lyly Sauna offers a unique perspective on traditional sauna amidst Helsinki's bustling cityscape.
Löyly Sauna in Helsinki. Photo: Yiping Feng, Ling Ouyang, Helsinki Partners
2. Rajaportti Sauna in Tampere
Rajaportti Sauna in Tampere, Finland stands as the countrys oldest public sauna, dating back to 1906. The historic log cabin sauna retains its authentic charm with traditional wood-burning stoves and a communal atmosphere. In a stunning location, it offers visitors a genuine Finnish sauna experience, complete with cooling opportunities in a nearby river. Rajaportti is a beloved cultural landmark, providing a glimpse into traditional Finnish sauna culture.
Rajaportti Sauna in Tampere. Photo: Laura Vanzo
3. Saunasaari Island Sauna in Helsinki
Saunasaari Island Sauna in Helsinki offers an escape into nature with a plethora of different sauna types provided. Accessible by boat, this remote island sanctuary allows visitors to unwind in traditional Finnish saunas followed by refreshing dips in the sea. Saunasaari provides a stunning sauna experience with a glimpse into cottage life, and is a cherished destination for those who seek natural beauty and rejuvenation.
Saunasaari Island Sauna interior. Photo: Saunasaari
4. Kuurakaltio Sauna in Lapland
Kuurakaltio Sauna offers a unique and unforgettable sauna experience in the Lapland wilderness. Amidst arctic landscapes, it is an authentic smoke sauna situated next to a clear stream for cooling dips. During the summer, visitors can experience the midnight sun, while winter visitors might get a chance to view a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
Smoke sauna interior. Photo: Suomen Latu Kiilopää
5. SkyWheel Sauna in Helsinki
The SkyWheel Sauna in Helsinki combines relaxation with breathtaking views. Perched atop a Ferris wheel overlooking the citys skyline and the Baltic Sea, this sauna gondola offers a unique perspective to traditional sauna. Visitors enjoy the warmth of the saunas heat while taking in panoramic vistas from glass-enclosed cabins. SkyWheel offers urban leisure and a luxurious retreat with stunning sights in every direction.
Helsinki's SkyWheel Sauna. Photo: Yiping Feng and Ling Ouyang; My Helsinki
6. Jätkänkämppä Smoke Sauna in Kuopio
Jätkänkämppä is a real lumberjacks' lodge from the 1950s, with an authentic smoke sauna that sits right by Lake Kallavesi. The traditional smoke sauna method uses birch wood to heat stones, creating a gentle, aromatic steam. Visitors can relax in rustic ambiance, enhanced by the saunas natural log construction and stunning surroundings.
Jätkänkämppä Smoke Sauna. Photo: Spa Hotel Rauhalahti
7. Rauhaniemi Public Sauna in Tampere
Rauhaniemi Sauna, located on the shores of Lake Nasijarvi in Tampere, Finland, was established in 1929 and offers a genuine sauna experience. It blends tradition with modern amenities, featuring wood-burning saunas and a refreshing dip in the lake. There are two traditional saunas at Rauhaniemi: a large one with excess heat and a small one for a gentler experience.
Sauna-goers dip into Lake Nasijarvi. Photo: Laura Vanzo/Visit Tampere
8. Forum Sauna in Turku
Located in the coastal city of Turku, Finland, Forum is a public and therapeutic sauna that blends contemporary and traditional experiences. It was originally founded in 1926, and is currently the only public sauna in Turku. The sauna also offers additional, unique services such as cupping and peat therapy.
Forum Sauna in Turku. Photo: Visit Finland
9. Koivurannan Saunalautta in Oulu
Koivurannan Saunalautta is a unique wood-fired, floating sauna experience on the Oulujoki River. It combines relaxation with adventure, offering waterside views of the city and surrounding nature. The sauna is housed on a large, wooden raft that is open to groups for private sessions. Its an ideal way to unwind while cruising on the river, enjoying the soothing heat of the sauna with refreshing dips in the water.
A floating sauna experience on Oulujoki River. Photo: Juho Kuva/Visit Finland
10. Arctic Sauna World in Muonio
Located within the Lapland region on the shores of Lake Jerisjrvi, Arctic Sauna World offers an unforgettable Arctic Circle sauna experience. Visitors are met with four different saunas, with each one representing a different element: earth, water, air and fire. Testing out different sauna experiences, enjoying stunning lake views, and taking an after-sauna dip in the frozen lake makes this sauna spot one-of-a-kind.
After-sauna dip at Arctic Sauna World. Photo: Mariia Kauppi/Visit Finland
