Winter warmth at Löyly’s seaside sauna. Photo: Yiping Feng & Ling Yuang / Helsinki Partners
For many Finns, Christmas wouldn’t feel complete without sauna. The cherished joulusauna tradition invites everyone to slow down, relax and prepare for the festivities in the warmth of steam. In Helsinki, both locals and visitors can experience this authentic Finnish ritual in the city’s public saunas open in December and some even during the Christmas holidays.
Sauna is a cornerstone of Finnish culture and an essential part of many celebrations — especially Christmas. The joulusauna, or Christmas sauna, is a cherished tradition for many Finns on Christmas Eve morning: a quiet, reflective moment before the festivities begin. For centuries, families have gathered in the sauna to cleanse both body and mind, preparing to welcome peace and goodwill into their homes.
In ancient times, the sauna was considered a sacred space — warm, pure, and still. It served as the setting for daily rituals as well as major life events. On Christmas Eve, the fire was lit early so everyone could bathe before dusk, and afterwards many would roll in fresh snow to refresh their senses, leaving the sauna tidy and calm for the mythical saunatonttu (sauna elf) to enjoy.
Today, Helsinki’s many public saunas bring this timeless Christmas tradition to life for everyone — locals and travelers alike. Throughout December, and even during Christmas itself, visitors can step into these warm havens to experience an authentic Finnish holiday ritual.
Below are seven must-visit saunas where you can discover the true spirit of a Finnish Christmas — from historic neighborhood bathhouses to modern design landmarks by the sea.
1. Löyly A landmark of contemporary wooden architecture on Helsinki’s southern shoreline, Löyly is both a design icon and a celebration of traditional sauna culture. With three wood-heated saunas, including a rare smoke sauna, it offers visitors the chance to experience authentic Finnish steam (löyly) and plunge into the icy Baltic Sea — the perfect combination of relaxation and rejuvenation.
2. Allas Pool Located beside the Market Square, Allas Pool blends the best of Finnish wellness and urban leisure. With several saunas, a warm water pool, and a seawater pool open year-round, it’s a place where city life meets Nordic serenity. Visitors can sauna, swim, and dine by the sea — an ideal Helsinki winter experience.
3. Sauna Hermanni Step back in time at Sauna Hermanni, a local treasure that has welcomed bathers since the 1950s. With its mellow heat and retro charm, Hermanni offers separate saunas for men and women and preserves the atmosphere of Helsinki’s traditional neighborhood bathhouses. Simple, authentic, and unmistakably Finnish.
4. Kotiharjun Sauna As the oldest wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki, Kotiharjun Sauna has been steaming since 1928. The red-brick building in the Kallio district exudes history, with services like massages and washing ladies that reflect generations of Finnish sauna culture. Cool off outside after your steam and soak in the neighborhood’s vibrant local spirit.
5. Uusi Sauna Located in the lively Jätkäsaari district, Uusi Sauna reimagines the communal sauna as a modern neighborhood living room. Its restaurant and wood-pellet-heated saunas create a welcoming atmosphere where locals and travelers meet, dine, and relax together. A modern classic for the urban sauna enthusiast.
6. Furuvik's Seaside Sauna Along Helsinki’s beautiful coastline, Furuvik's Seaside Sauna offers tranquillity by the sea and the soothing warmth of a traditional wood-fired sauna. It’s the perfect escape from the festive rush — a peaceful spot to breathe in the crisp sea air and let time slow down amid nature and the sounds of the waves.
7. Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna Nestled in the historic Lapinlahti hospital park, Lapinlahden Lähde Sauna offers a serene, community-driven experience surrounded by trees and sea views. With both separate and mixed sauna sessions, it’s a place to reconnect with nature and enjoy a slower rhythm of winter. The nearby Café Lähde adds to the cozy atmosphere.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a returning admirer, Helsinki’s public saunas invite you to discover why sauna — especially at Christmas — lies at the very heart of Finnish life and culture. And when it comes to sauna, there really are so many ways to enjoy it — from historic neighborhood bathhouses to sleek seaside sanctuaries.
Read more at MyHelsinki.fi.
