Finnish culture practically revolves around the sauna. Historically, it was the place where Finns washed, steamed, washed clothes, received treatment, gave birth, prepared the deceased for their last journey, or simply drank beer.
Think about it, today there are more than three million saunas in Finland, and this is for 5.5 million inhabitants! There are serious conversations about work, sex, relationships, politics and faith. It’s not just going there, life is in full swing there!
If you are planning a stay in Helsinki and are a lover of good steam, be sure to visit one of the publicly accessible Finnish public baths . And this article about seven authentic or simply charismatic saunas known outside of Helsinki will help you make a rather difficult choice, find out prices, visiting hours and individual features of specific establishments.
Public sauna Arla - “Sauna Arla”
Back in the 1920s and 1930s, during the period of industrialization, many Finns moved from rural forest areas to cities. But since hot water was rare in city apartments, most residents used public saunas. Although the situation has changed radically since then and almost most families have their own sauna and hot water in the house, the public bath system still exists today.
The famous entrance gate "Arla"
The Arla wood-burning sauna, founded in 1929, in addition to the usual relaxation in the legendary steam room, offers its visitors massage services and is one of the most famous facilities in Helsinki. The manager of the Arla complex, Kimmo Helisto, has his own opinion about what it is to steam in Finnish style and what a sauna is in Finland:
… “It’s not bright light and heat that creates its own slightly strange, but warm world. You don’t need to talk too much, because here you can be with yourself and think about your deeply personal things”...
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Arla is the second oldest, but not the most popular and recognizable bathhouse complex in Helsinki, which Wikipedia also writes about.
The harsh men's steam room has remained unchanged for many decades
On weekdays the establishment is open from 15.00 to 21.30, and on Saturdays and Sundays from 14.00 to 21.30, but entry is allowed until 20.00. Monday and Tuesday are not working days. An entrance ticket costs €12.00, with a discount for students, and the length of stay is not limited , although according to observations on average it ranges from two to two and a half hours.
Dressing room without embellishment and frills
In addition to access to the steam room, for this money you get free tea, coffee, water and a spacious wardrobe. Refreshments and snacks can be purchased for a fee. But the most valuable thing that many of those who visit this establishment for the first time note is the cozy, friendly atmosphere. In between visits to the steam room, you can go out to the secluded patio and cool off.
… “A wonderful sauna that doesn’t even try to be bigger than it actually is. One of the fading gems of the nostalgic past...
This is one of the most interesting and accurate characteristics from visitors to “Sauna Arla”, which seems to convey the essence of this oldest complex.
Why ElitSaunaStroy?
The Finnish bathhouse is a “secret weapon” in the fight against colds, increasing the body’s immunity, having a beneficial effect on the general condition of a person, not much inferior to the Russian bathhouse. The main role in the construction of a Finnish bath and its arrangement is given to correctly selected materials and specialized equipment, therefore, ElitSaunaStroy takes a serious approach to the implementation of each project, which ensures the best result. The professionalism of the employees, knowledge of the specifics of the construction of Finnish saunas and their equipment, coordinated and fast work, as well as interesting design solutions - that’s why you need to order turnkey construction of Finnish saunas in.
Kaurilan sauna – “Sauna Kaurilan”
Another one of the oldest baths in Helsinki, Kaurilan, is located in a 19th-century log house. It was originally located in the nearby municipality of Tuusula, but in 1995 it was moved to the famous Old Meilahti district of Helsinki, most of the buildings of which were erected between the 1930s and 1940s.
Mysterious and kind and will accompany you everywhere
Its owner, Saara Lehtonen, who makes her own sauna equipment and organic cosmetics in a workshop not far from the main building, says she has recently seen a surge in activity among Finns seeking the social and spiritual aspects of sharing it.
… “Public saunas have always been a place where your status does not matter and everyone can relax and enjoy the beautiful, unique and even sacred atmosphere that only a steam room can offer”…
You can purchase a ticket for a visit for €16.00, the duration of the session is 2 hours. Tickets can be purchased on the website. At the same time, choose the time of visit: from 18.00 to 20.00 or from 20.00 to 22.00. If one standard session is not enough for you, then purchase two tickets for 4 hours, paying €32.00.
The real interior of old Finland creates an atmosphere of home comfort
There is also a choice for visitors: ordering only for men or only for women, or a combined option, because joint saunas in Finland are quite widespread.
In addition, group reservations are possible: 1-6 people €180/2 hours, 7-10 people €250/2 hours, 11-15 people €300/2 hours. Tickets purchased are non-refundable. You also need to print out the purchased ticket and present it at the entrance.
For those who want to feel and learn the traditions of the Finnish sauna and plunge into the atmosphere of a real village bathhouse, “Kaurilan” will be the place where all this will be possible.
Wood-burning stove and authentic design elements immerse you in the distant past
Guests are welcome to bring their own drinks and snacks to their private event. Towels, seat covers, and handmade cleaning products are provided in the cloakroom area.
If desired, it is possible to additionally purchase various homemade shampoos, creams and soaps, which are positioned as organic and free of harmful chemicals. The average cost of shampoos with a volume of 90 grams is around €15.00, and organic fruit creams of 50 grams cost about the same.
Laying the foundation of FB
If your bathhouse is a free-standing building, first of all you need to take care of building the foundation. To do this, you should determine the type of soil where construction is planned, and also take into account the future size of the bathhouse. When choosing a foundation, consider the following recommendations:
- If the soil is moist with alternating layers, a strip or monolithic foundation will be suitable, which will lie below the freezing level of the soil.
- If the soil is clayey, it is better to use a columnar foundation.
- Screw piles are suitable for uneven terrain.
Complex "Sauna Loyly"
The complex itself has become a popular daytime destination for many Finns since its opening in May 2020. Restaurants, bars, and several notable saunas await their guests from 13.00 to 23.00, depending on the specific steam room. The complex has the ability to choose the type of steam room. You can visit a traditional smoke sauna - a black sauna or a regular wood-burning sauna.
General view of the Löyly complex from above
The general manager of the elegant, magnificently evocative Löyly complex, with a name corresponding to the untranslatable Finnish word that refers to the sound made by splashing water on hot stones (the sound of steam), Emeli Nurminen says this:
…“The key to a good sauna is that it is heated with wood, it has a large enough stove, and it has enough fresh air”…
Guests of the establishment are not allowed to bring their own drinks . If you wish, you have the opportunity to order alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks and snacks on the spot. Separate changing rooms and showers for men and women are available for guests.
One of the mandatory requirements is the wearing of swimsuits . If you don't have one, you can rent one for €6 for 2 hours. The entrance ticket for a two-hour stay costs €19. The price includes a towel, a special seat for the steam room, shampoo and shower gel. Additional stays are charged in the amount of €10 per 60 minutes.
The steam rooms at Löyly are simply a work of art, combining modern technology and ancient traditions
On Saturday the same baths are open from 8.00 to 10.00 am. Service prices are above average. The cost of visiting is also €19 per person. If you want to enjoy the steam with up to 12 people, then it is possible to rent a small wood-burning steam room. Access to the steam room is through public areas. Löyly is the most popular sauna in Helsinki by the water. Therefore, in addition to the usual shower, there is access to the sea for swimming. The rental price is: from Sunday to Wednesday €300, and from Thursday to Saturday €400 for 2 hours.
Ventilation system
Carefully consider the ventilation system to feel comfortable in the bathhouse. It should be as similar to natural as possible, because forced ventilation during sauna operation is contraindicated.
For proper air exchange, you will need two vents in opposite walls. The inflow point is made half a meter from the floor, and the exhaust is half a meter from the ceiling. The first vent should be equipped with a valve to regulate the air flow.
City district sauna Hermanni - “Sauna Hermanni”
Located in its district of the same name, Sauna Hermanni, like many saunas in Helsinki, has its own history. It opened to serve nearby residents back in 1953.
Its current manager and owner, Mika Ahonen, strives to preserve the aesthetics and atmosphere of that time. The walls of the establishment are covered with wooden clapboards, the changing rooms are decorated with wooden panels, there are many interesting photographs and posters from the past. In general, this is not a large, compact city establishment with history and traditions.
Simple and discreet entrance to Hermanni
Manager Mika Ahonen says about his visitors:
…“Most people come after work or school and relax for two to three hours, although we have no time limits and visitors can stay until closing”…
Men's and women's doubles are located separately. You are allowed to bring your own drinks , although it is also possible to purchase drinks with a variety of snacks on the spot.
Photo of the situation in the locker room combined with the relaxation room in “Sauna Hermanni”
The cost of an unlimited visit ranges from €3 to €10: €3 for children, €8 for students, pensioners and the unemployed and €10 for everyone else. For a group booking of 5 people the cost is €35, and for 10 people €70.
Classic wood-burning steam room “Hermanni”
On weekdays, work is carried out from 15.00 to 20.00, on Saturday from 14.00 to 18.00. General sanitary maintenance is carried out on Sundays. In general, over the years of its existence, the sauna has earned a positive reputation and is in demand not only among local residents, but also among tourists visiting Helsinki. It is possible to book a steam room on the website by sending a request by email, by phone, or through a group on Facebook.
Family sauna Kotiharjun - “Sauna Kotiharjun”
Another popular and oldest washhouse in Helsinki was built in 1928. Over the decades, the basic structure and overall design remained unchanged: a men's steam room on the first floor and a steam room on the second floor. The upper steam room can accommodate 20 to 30 people.
Staying between visits to the steam room on an ordinary street is a common practice that does not bother anyone
Kotiharjun was extensively renovated in accordance with the requirements of architectural and historical traditions in 1999. The restoration was carried out under the direct control and support of the Helsinki Cultural Foundation. It is due to the careful and caring attitude that Kotiharjun has maintained its original architecture over the decades.
The modest Finnish sauna “Kotiharjun” has a modest dressing room without frills
In the main furnace, about 1500 kg of stones and about 800 kg of iron are placed in the main furnace to generate and maintain good heat and steam. On the men's side, stones are replaced several times a year! The atmosphere itself does not pretend to be sophisticated, but creates a feeling of home comfort and tranquility.
Interior of "Kotiharjun"
The work schedule is almost standard. Day off is Monday. On other days the sauna is open from 14.00 to 21.30. However, it is worth paying attention to certain non-working days, such as Father's Day, Independence Day, Mother's Day and others. The cost of a regular visit is €9.
There is a whole range of additional services. Massage - €35 for 30 minutes and €45 for an hour, manicure and pedicure from €45. It is possible to rent a steam room with an electric stove for small groups and families.
Building materials for a Finnish bath
You can build a Finnish sauna from wood, stone or brick, but the interior decoration must be wooden. So, let’s find out what material will be needed during the work process:
- To waterproof the foundation, you will need a double layer of roofing felt (from 250 rubles per roll).
- Log and frame walls best cope with the function of thermal insulation. Wooden posts and beams with a section of 80x80 - 120x120 mm (from 4,500 rubles per cubic meter) are suitable.
- For the walls of the steam room, you can use linden, birch, and aspen boards with a thickness of 20–30 mm (from 4,500 rubles per cubic meter).
- For vapor barrier you will need foil, parchment or polyethylene (foil from 50 rubles per square meter).
- Thermal insulation must be carried out on the inside with mineral wool, felt slabs, foam concrete (from 300 rubles per roll of mineral wool).
- Felt will be needed to insulate doors (from 130 rubles per kilogram).
- For the floor - concrete (from 2000 rubles per cubic meter) and tiles (from 20 rubles per piece).
Sauna on the island of Uunisaari - “Sauna Uunisaari”
The tiny beach island of Uunisaari, which can be reached by ferry from the Helsinki pier in just a couple of minutes, carries a feeling of nostalgia and is reminiscent of the past. Already in the 19th century, a famous bathhouse in Finland was located on the island.
The popular restaurant, barbecue areas and island beaches are open to the public all year round. But the outdoor Jacuzzi is exclusively for reserved use, except on Sundays, when you can purchase a public ticket and relax between steamy sessions on the harbor-view terrace with cocktails and live music.
A holiday at Uunisaari is an opportunity to relax in the warm water of a jacuzzi right outside
The island itself is located in the south of Helsinki and is a traditional holiday destination for many local residents. The isolated rocky landscapes in the south will make you feel like you are in the middle of the ocean. The restaurant windows offer breathtaking views of the Finnish archipelago.
On the northern part of the island there is a beautiful beach with changing rooms, showers and toilets. From the north terrace you have beautiful views of the city and harbor, and there is a restaurant and bar with great cocktails. Many people note that the Yuzhn restaurant prepares excellent fresh grilled dishes.
Rest room at Sauna Uunisaari
Traditional Finnish style with hints of classic Scandinavian design creates a feeling of peace and tranquility. Probably thanks to this detail, soaring in Uunisaari is so popular. The entire furnishings are thought out to the smallest detail, and the classic steam room with a powerful stove will not leave anyone indifferent. There are a total of 2 steam rooms in the complex, with separate changing rooms and private terraces.
“Uunisaari” sauna in Finland: photo of the steam room
The sauna is open daily from 14.00 to 21.00, but it is possible to extend the work. Day off is Monday. For a group order the following prices are set: for 10 people the cost of a 2-hour visit to the steam room is €350, for 15 people the same is €350, each additional 60 minutes costs €50. Ordering a jacuzzi is made together with a steam room and will cost you €150 for 2 hours.
Modern Kulttuurisauna - “Sauna Kulttuurisauna”
Created in 2013 by designer Nene Tsuboi and architect Tuomas Toivonen, this wood-heated waterside sauna in Helsinki takes its stylistic cues from the ideas of Finnish architect Alvar Aalto, who was an ardent believer in the purity and dignity of the sauna.
Follow just a few local rules and you'll feel the process is respectful and spiritual: no private parties, no groups of more than 3 people, no alcoholic beverages .
“Kulttuurisauna” does not amaze with its volume and grandeur, but is extremely popular
The establishment has separate sections for men and women, but swimsuits and towels are prohibited in the steam room, and photography of interior views is also prohibited. A huge plus for some is the real opportunity to swim naked in the cold Baltic Sea after a good steam, for example, in November when the air temperature drops to zero.
Entrance to the kulttuurisauna complex
Opening hours are daily from 16.00 to 21.00, but the last visitors are allowed until 20.00. Monday and Tuesday are days off. The cost of admission for students and pensioners is €12, for everyone else – €15. It is possible to purchase a seven-time weekly ticket for €70.
The kulttuurisauna complex uses wood stoves
The Helsinki saunas presented in this review are varied in shape, age, services provided and individual rules of use. However, there is no doubt that what they have in common is the love with which they are made, a reverent attitude towards the traditions of soaring and care for visitors. And every traveler will be able to choose the option that will not leave him indifferent and will make visiting the steam room unforgettable.
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