Finland, the nation with over three million saunas for 5.5 million people, is the ultimate destination to experience the smoke or steam of the beloved activity. From first timers and those who love a good rejuvenation to travellers looking to unwind in solitude or catch up with family and friends, the heat of the sauna provides the perfect holistic experience.
In Finland, sauna is not just a luxury enjoyed by a select few; it is deeply ingrained in the culture as an activity for everyone. As the sauna culture continues to thrive, Finland has seamlessly integrated the concept of luxury into this beloved tradition. Alongside the rustic, traditional saunas, the country now boasts incredible luxury spas and resorts, elevating the sauna experience to new heights.
Beautiful views and eco-friendly treatments create a special atmosphere in Finland’s best spas. Discover the definitive guide to the finest saunas and spas in Finland for 2024, providing travellers with unparalleled experiences.
Hilltop Forest Spa, Inkoo
In the scenic landscape of Inkoo, where Finnish nature meets spa luxury is The Forest Spa at The Hilltop Forest Resort. A gem set 60 km outside of Helsinki, where guests are invited to elevate their forest retreat with an exclusive spa experience. Thoughtful details, including a pre-lit wood-burning sauna, pre-ordered drinks, a pre-heated outdoor hot tub, and plush pre-fluffed towels, ensure a seamless and indulgent stay. Guests will immerse themselves in Nordic luxury, surrounded by the calming ambiance of the forest, for a truly serene and private spa escape.
How: Book a private 90-minute spa reservation during a stay at Hilltop Forest. When guests add a spa reservation, linen bathrobes will be provided in the hideaway lodges upon arrival. Pre-ordered drinks will be chilled. Starting from €159 for two guests, €30/additional guest. Private spa slots at Forest Spa are available for non-guests. For information and booking, visit: hilltopforest.fi/en/spa.
Sauna Gondola, Ylläs
Sauna Gondola redefines the traditional Finnish sauna experience. Amongst the panoramas of Lapland, travellers can relish the power of dry heat, with temperatures between 80-100 degrees. Seamlessly integrated into Ylläs Ski Resort, this exclusive experience provides added luxury following a long day on the slopes. The gondola operates with the resort’s facilities, ensuring guests’ journey from the slopes is effortless and indulgent. The gondola accommodates four individuals at a time for a group of up to 12, guaranteeing intimate and immersive relaxation. Upon reaching the summit, access is given to a dedicated sauna with a lounge, shower, heated Jacuzzi, and panoramic views of Lapland.
How: Sauna Gondola and its accompanying facilities are available from €1,500 for up to 12 people. The top-of-the-fell sauna can be booked separately starting from €250. Further information is at ski.Ylläs.fi/en/gondola/sauna-gondola.
Saunaravintola Kuuma, Tampere
Tampere has been hailed as the sauna capital of the world, meaning there is no better destination to experience a Finnish sauna. Combining a traditional sauna with an urban aesthetic, Saunaravintola Kuuma is a sleek lakeside building with two saunas, a buzzing restaurant serving seasonal Nordic cuisine, and a fabulous tasting menu with select wines. Drawing visitors all summer, is the large outdoor pool and two-story terrace overlooking Lake Pyhäjärvi.
How: Sauna prices at Saunaravintola Kuuma start from €12. Swimsuits and towels are available to rent for €3. To make a reservation, visit saunaravintolakuuma.fi/en.
Snow Sauna, Rovaniemi
Located in Rovaniemi’s Snow Hotel, the Snow Sauna is made entirely of snow and ice. Even the most experienced sauna-goers are mesmerised by the concept, with the combination of the cold, snowy walls and the thick steam of the stove keeping temperatures high. Guests can experience the snowy sauna from December to March, but for a year-round sauna experience, the hotel also offers traditional log-built saunas, complete with hot tubs.
How: Snow Sauna prices start from €60 for a 90-minute slot and include the sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi. To make a reservation, visit arcticsnowhotel.fi/snow-sauna.
Kuru Resort Sisley Day Spa, Rantasalmi
Find inner peace and tranquillity at the Kuru Resort’s Day Spa. Ultra-luxury meets off-the-grid retreat at Sisley Day Spa in Saimaa, Finland, as part of the Kuru Resort – the first of its kind in the country. Massage treatments drawn from rituals all over the world are combined with the healing power of aromatherapy. As well as steam, sauna and outdoor Jacuzzi, followed by complimentary beverages. A private spa and sauna are provided in each room for guests staying at the resort. Kuru Resort hosted the ‘Masterclass of Happiness’ in 2023, now inviting travellers to indulge in a four-night package in 2024, immersing guests in Finnish wellbeing.
How: Prices for activities at the spa start from €33.90 for an entry to the Lake Spa. To make a reservation and see other offerings as Sisley Day Spa, visit kururesort.com/en/sisley-day-spa-menu.
Naantali Spa, Naantali
In the waterfront town of Naantali, amidst the stunning Turku archipelago, is the Naantali Spa. This spa beckons guests to indulge in optimum luxury and rejuvenation. Immerse in the Finnish sauna tradition, relax in picturesque pools and experience the famous Cleopatra milk and honey bath and a reviving rose bath.
Throughout the year, guests have the privilege of basking in archipelago scenery, complemented by the warmth of the outdoor Roman bath beneath the turquoise star dome. The Havana bar, located within the spa, ensures guests can continue indulging for their entire day with culinary delights and beverages on offer. For those seeking an extended escape, the luxurious Naantali hotel awaits, offering an elevated stay that seamlessly integrates with the spa experience. Hotel guests enjoy complimentary access to the spa throughout their entire stay.
How: Prices for the spa start from €24 per day, whilst rooms with complimentary spa access start from €178 per night. To make a reservation and find more information, visit naantalispa.fi/en.
The Hotel Maria, Helsinki
Opened in December 2023, the new luxury spa hotel in Helsinki stands as a cultural milestone for the nation. A proud addition to Preferred Hotels and Resorts’ esteemed Legend Collection, the Hotel Maria exemplifies Finland’s deep connection to wellness through its centrepiece, the Maria Spa – an exquisite world-class wellness centre.
The spa boasts a range of facilities, including a traditional Finnish sauna, a unique steam room, four private treatment rooms, and a set of Jacuzzi and plunge pools designed for ultimate relaxation. Guests seeking added opulence can retreat to one of the 38 spa suite rooms at Hotel Maria, crafted to guide residents into pure bliss, including complimentary access to The Maria Spa
How: Room rates start at €452 (EUR)/$496 (USD) including taxes, full hotel access and breakfast for two. For more information on reservations and The Maria Spa, please visit hotelmaria.fi.
Arctic Sauna World, Muonio
Guests should head to North Lapland for an icy luxury spa experience and to relax by the stunning Lake Jerisjӓrvi. Named after each of the Nordic Gods, Arctic Sauna World offers different saunas placed along the lake to warm up after a day of exploring the Arctic landscape. Winter bathing is also available, well known for its amazing health benefits such as increased immunity, improved circulation, metabolism boosts and improved mental clarity – but not for the faint-hearted! During the aurora season guests can even spot the Northern Lights right from the saunas
How: Tickets for the sauna start from €30, including a towel and refreshments. Season and family tickets are also available for purchase. Visit harriniva.fi/en/arctic-sauna-world to find out more.
Löyly, Helsinki
Stretched along Helsinkis waterfront, providing a sanctuary from the city is Löyly, one of Finland’s most renowned public saunas. The striking wooden building was created by Avanto Architects and is a prime example of Finnish design. Löyly features three wood-heated saunas and a welcoming restaurant serving classic recipes. After sweating it out in the sauna, the brave at heart can dip into the Baltic Sea year round.
How: A two-hour sauna at Löyly is €23 per person and includes towel, peflet, shampoo and shower soap. To make a sauna reservation, visit loylyhelsinki.fi.
Serlachius Art Sauna, Mänttä-Vilppula
On the grounds of the Serlachius Museum Gösta is the innovative Serlachius Art Sauna. The unique sauna is an extension of the main building and acts as a continuation of the museum’s artistic journey. The interior highlights the commitment to design and architecture – a variety of large scale works, such as sculptures, can be found across the sauna from the lobby to the shower rooms, in addition to textile works from Rautiainen, mosaics from Tuula Lehtinen, and works from Alvar Alto.
How: A two hour time slot at Serlachius Art Sauna is €10. To make a reservation at the public sauna, visit serlachius.fi/en/art-sauna.
For more information on how to enjoy the sauna experience in Finland, visit visitfinland.com/en.
