Loyly and the Helsinki Sauna Revival
The new wave of seaside public saunas in Helsinki - striking architecture, sea plunges and a revival of the city sauna as social life.
Updated 4 August 2026
Helsinki has led a revival of the public sauna, and its seaside houses have become social landmarks. Loyly is the flagship, a sculptural timber building on the shore with saunas and a ladder into the Baltic, while the free, volunteer-built Sompasauna and the harbour pools of Allas show the range of the movement.
What you'll find
- Loyly - the award-winning stepped timber sauna building with a sea plunge.
- Sompasauna - the free, self-service, volunteer-run sauna by the water.
- Allas Sea Pool - saunas and heated and sea pools by the market square.
- The sea plunge - the ladder or hole into the Baltic between heats, year-round.
When to go
Year-round; winter brings the exhilarating ice-swim between saunas, summer the warm sea and long evenings. Book the popular houses ahead; Sompasauna is first-come and free.
Practical notes
The flagship houses are stylish and can be pricey and booked out, while the free Sompasauna is basic, communal and take-it-as-you-find-it. Etiquette still matters even in the new venues. It is a modern, mixed-swimwear take on the tradition rather than the old nude ritual.
Nearby
The Helsinki waterfront, the market square and Suomenlinna ferry are all close.
What to pack for Loyly and the Helsinki Sauna Revival
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
