You have not really been to Helsinki until you have sat in a sauna, and Löyly is where most visitors start. Opened in 2016 on the waterfront at Hernesaarenranta 4, in the south-west of the city, it is a striking building of angled wooden slats designed by Avanto Architects that you can walk over like a set of steps. Inside are three saunas, including a traditional smoke sauna, all heated by wood, plus changing rooms and a seaside terrace where you cool off between rounds. The brave climb down into the sea, which is open year-round, so in winter that means icy water. The saunas are mixed, so swimsuits must be worn at all times. The restaurant upstairs serves Nordic food and has one of the best sea-view terraces in town, open even if you skip the sauna.
How it works: sauna visits are sold as timed sessions of a couple of hours and are best booked online in advance, especially for evenings and weekends. Check what your booking includes, such as towel hire, and bring your own swimsuit. Changing rooms and showers are on site.
What to expect: move between the saunas, the terrace and the sea at your own pace. The smoke sauna gives the softest, deepest heat. Drink water, take breaks, and do not feel obliged to swim; a cold shower or a few minutes on the terrace works too. Lights over the dark sea make winter evenings especially atmospheric.
Making the most of it: book a sauna session followed by dinner at the restaurant, and take a taxi or tram plus a short walk, since Hernesaari is on the edge of the centre. If Löyly is full, the Allas Sea Pool by the Market Square and the city’s older public saunas offer a similar experience.
What to expect
The experience
A timed session in three wood-heated public saunas, including a smoke sauna, with a terrace and access to the sea.
Best time
Early evening, especially in winter when the lights glow over the dark sea.
How long
A two-hour sauna session, plus dinner if you like.
Tips
Book ahead, bring a swimsuit, and pair the sauna with dinner on the terrace.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A first, stylish taste of Finnish sauna culture.
- Families
- Possible with older children, but it is mainly an adult experience.
- Couples
- Sauna, a cold plunge and dinner by the sea: the perfect Helsinki evening.
- Pair with
- The Panorama bus tour, the Design District and a walk along the shore.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
Do you need to book Löyly in advance?+
Yes, booking a timed session online is strongly recommended, especially on evenings and weekends.
Do you wear a swimsuit at Löyly?+
Yes. The saunas and public areas are mixed, so swimsuits are required at all times.
Can you swim in the sea in winter?+
Yes, there is year-round access to the sea, which means icy water in winter; it is optional.
Can I eat at Löyly without using the sauna?+
Yes, the restaurant and terrace are open to everyone.
Where is Löyly?+
At Hernesaarenranta 4 in Hernesaari, on the seafront in the south-west of the centre.
