Experience Sauna with a Finn – Sea, Steam & Sauna Mythology｜Finland

Finnish Sauna Experience with Sea Swim up and Sauna Stories

Duration: Around 3 hours
Location: Helsinki
Language: English
Group size: Max 7 people

Tour starts at 10.30 am. Our meeting point is in the front of Finnish National Theatre of Helsinki (Finnish National Theatre is just next to main railway station).

What we'll do:
Join us in Helsinki for an authentic Finnish sauna experience by the ocean – a perfect balance of relaxation, tradition, and connection with nature.

We’ll begin with a walking tour from our meeting point to a sauna. Walking distance is around 2 km. Our primary sauna location is urban sauna Löylykontti Sörnäinen with a sea swim up possibility. However, due to availability or if it rains, we can use Allas Sea Pool as well.

Along the way, we will have stops and you’ll hear fascinating stories about the history of sauna in Finland – how it has shaped Finnish culture and how it continues to be a key part of life today. You'll get to hear also about Finnish sauna mythology, including stories of ancient rituals and the spirit of the sauna, known as saunaelf. Duration of this walking tour is around 1 h 15 minutes.

Once we arrive to sauna, you’ll receive instructions and tips on how to enjoy the sauna and swimming safely. After instructions you'll have relaxing time to enjoy the views and heat of sauna. You have a possibility to go swimming if you have swimming skills (sea water is cold in autumn/winter). You have guide at your disposal all the time and you have possibility to ask questions about sauna culture or just local life in Finland.

You’ll enjoy 1 hour of sauna and ocean swimming, alternating between hot and cold, just like locals do. During and after the session, we’ll enjoy traditional refreshments: fresh water and for example blueberry juice, mead (sima) or birch sap drink (koivunmahlajuoma).

After the sauna, there’s time to go to shower and change clothes. The guided part of the experience ends at the sauna.

What’s included:
Local guide throughout the experience in Helsinki
Introduction to Finnish sauna traditions, history & mythology
Ocean side sauna entrance fee
Ecological body & hair wash products to use
Refreshments: traditional non-alcoholic drinks

What to bring:
Swimsuit
Towel
Water
Sandals/Swimming shoes

Optional in winter time:
Swimming gloves
Neoprene socks

Good to know:
There is shower and toilet in sauna premises. We use public saunas in our tours, so there might be other people too. It is mandatory to use a swimsuit in the sauna. Sauna is not suitable for people with serious heart conditions.

Suitable for adults and teens (ages 15+)

❤️ Why you'll love this experience:
This is more than just a sauna – it’s a deeply Finnish cultural ritual in the heart of Helsinki’s nature. Whether you’re visiting Finland for the first time or want to connect with something truly local, this experience will leave you refreshed in both body and spirit.

Photos are from Löylykontti Sörnäinen.