Furuvik Seaside Sauna

Set on the grounds of Villa Furuvik, the oldest villa in Helsinki’s Laajasalo district, this public sauna has an archipelago-like feel just a few kilometers from the city center. The entire operation is built around a collection of historic wooden outbuildings on a small, sandy beach. The primary sauna, known as Rantasauna, is a converted 19th-century fishing net shed that holds about a dozen people. A second, larger sauna called Pihasauna sits in a former chicken coop and has its own lounge area with a fireplace. The experience here is centered on the traditional cycle of moving between the heat of a wood-fired sauna and the cold of the Baltic Sea. A pier provides direct access to the water for year-round swimming, which includes ‘avanto’ – ice swimming – during the winter. The facilities are functional and rustic rather than luxurious. You’ll find a main shower room, a separate changing trailer for women with three more showers, and another trailer that contains lockers for your valuables. A few things to know before you go: entry requires booking a ticket online in advance. Most sessions are mixed-gender, and wearing a swimsuit is mandatory, though specific women-only times are also on the schedule. It’s best to bring your own towel and a small seat cover, but both can be rented on-site. There are no cafes right here, so it’s common for people to bring their own food and snacks for the picnic areas. Non-alcoholic drinks are available for purchase via a self-service system, and you can borrow swimwear and ice-swimming accessories at no charge.