Must-visit quirky saunas in Finland

With 3.3 million public and private saunas for its 5.4 million residents, Finland proudly holds the title for the highest number of saunas per capita in the world. Deeply ingrained in Finnish culture, saunas are the go-to place to wind down and relax. From traditional saunas to hidden gems, there are plenty of steamy baths to discover across Finland.  

But did you know this sauna-loving nation is also home to some unique and quirky saunas waiting to be explored? From steam baths high up in the sky to others floating under the midnight sun, these quirky saunas across Finland guarantee a once-in-a-lifetime sauna adventure!

Get ready for a sauna experience reaching new heights with the SkySauna at SkyWheel Helsinki. Hovering above the vibrant city of Helsinki, this sauna in a Ferris wheel gondola offers a thrilling ride above the Helsinki harbour. Picture yourself enjoying a steam bath over the roofs of the city taking in the breathtaking views as you loop around and up and down. With room for four to five people in the sauna gondola, you can keep the fun going for multiple rounds or take a break during the five to seven-minute rides to cool off on the terrace or in a private lounge, or even relax in the hot tub nearby.

Bringing together the ultimate opposites of hot and cold, ice and snow saunas offer an exciting twist to the Finnish sauna experience. Crafted entirely from local snow and ice, saunas like Pyhäpiilo Sauna World in Lapland or Sahanlahti Resort in Lakeland offer a refreshing contrast to traditional wooden steam bath experience. Despite the frosty walls, stepping inside reveals a cosy and inviting warmth. For a truly traditional Finnish winter experience, pair your sauna adventure with an ice swimming session – it’s guaranteed to make your happiness hormones flow.

Nestled in the heart of Finland’s sauna capital, Tampere, the Sauna Temple invites you to find your inner zen enjoying a unique silent bathing and full-bodied sauna experience in a traditional yurt. The circular yurts and wood-fired stoves create a mystical atmosphere and provide smooth, oxygen-rich löyly – the steam rising from the hot stove. Silence is observed every day except Wednesday, fostering a temple-like ambience that allows you to dive deep into your senses and connect with your surroundings. The Sauna Temple also offers guided ceremonies with various themes, such as smoke rituals and meditation, enhancing your experience with calming practices.

Sauna rafts across Finland provide a fun and extraordinary way to experience Finnish sauna culture while floating on lakes, rivers, and even the seaside. Enjoy a relaxing steam bath and then dip right into the water, all while soaking in the natural beauty around you – whether under the stunning midnight sun in summer or paired with a rejuvenating ice swim in winter. Sauna rafts often feature wooden sauna stoves and picturesque scenery, along with great relaxation spaces such as various decks, barbecue facilities, and dining areas, making them perfect for a leisurely day out.

When travelling to Ylläs in Finnish Lapland, hop on the Sauna Gondola and enjoy the steamy heat of an authentic Finnish sauna while gliding up the lift amidst breathtaking Arctic landscapes. Accommodating up to four people at a time, this unique gondola makes three complete tours with each round lasting about 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the rest of your group can relax in another sauna, enjoy showers, or unwind by the fireplace and jacuzzi at the top of the 718-metre-high fell. Enjoy stunning views all year round – from snow-capped landscapes in winter to possible northern lights sightings in autumn and spring, and the magical midnight sun during summer.

Nestled in Helsinki’s West Harbour, the former Finnish Navy warship Vartiovene 55 (Patrol Boat 55) offers a unique sauna experience. This historic boat has been transformed into a magnificent cruise ship with a range of amenities for an unforgettable event, including a sauna, grilling space, and a year-round heated jacuzzi. Whether docked at the harbour or cruising through the stunning Helsinki archipelago, your sauna visit wouldn’t be complete without a refreshing dip in the Baltic Sea. 

Travel back hundreds of years and immerse yourself in Finland’s traditional sauna culture at the nation's only sauna village, located in Jämsä in the Finnish Lakeland region. This unique village was created by a provincial architect who saved endangered old smoke saunas and their unique souls from across Finland. Today, you can explore a true sanctuary of historic saunas, with 24 different structures showcasing their unique personalities, some even dating back to the 18th century. Discover the rich history of Finnish saunas through a guided tour, or roam the village independently, visiting different saunas at your own pace.