Feel the Sea and Nature! The Charm of Helsinki’s Iconic Sauna ‘Löyly’

Nordic Healing Experience: A Comprehensive Guide to Finland’s Popular Sauna “Löyly” in Helsinki

Table of Contents

What is Löyly?

How to Get There and Location

Booking and Preparing for a Sauna Experience

Ultimate Relaxation in Three Types of Saunas

• Wood-burning Sauna
• Smoke Sauna
• Private Sauna

Refresh in the Baltic Sea Cold Bath

Outdoor Relaxation and Bonfire Experience After the Sauna

Wrap Up Your Visit with Delicious Sauna Meals

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Löyly

What is Löyly?

Opened in 2016, Löyly is a Nordic modern facility that seamlessly combines a sauna and a restaurant. Designed by the City of Helsinki to promote community revitalization, this facility offers a new style of sauna where visitors of all genders can enjoy the experience while wearing swimsuits. It has become particularly popular among tourists!

Additionally, Löyly was selected for the 2024 World Sauna Award “SAUNA37,” attracting numerous tourists from across Europe. It also seems to be a popular spot for Japanese visitors, making it a great choice for those who may feel a bit uneasy about communicating with locals. It’s a highly recommended sauna experience! 💦

How to Get There and Location

It’s about a 15-minute ride by tram from Helsinki Central Station. Helsinki’s extensive tram network makes getting around very convenient. Plus, it’s just a 3-minute walk from the nearest bus stop, making it an ideal location!

Address: Hernesaarenranta 4, 00150 Helsinki, Finland

Official Website: https://www.loylyhelsinki.fi/en

As soon as you get off the bus, you’re greeted by a breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea right in front of you! The stunning location is sure to lift your spirits!

(There’s a green training area in the foreground, where a few locals were doing pull-ups. So impressive! 💦)

Now it’s finally time to enter! Even the entrance has a great atmosphere.

Booking and Preparing for a Sauna Experience

Reservations are required to use the sauna. As of October 2024, the fee is €25 per person for two hours.

Considering €1 ≈ ¥170, that’s about ¥4,250 💦—a bit on the pricier side compared to Japanese standards. Reservations can be made through the official website.

Here’s the reservation availability one week prior to November 15. Despite being a weekday, only early morning and late evening slots remain. It’s best to book at least two weeks in advance!

It’s great that they’re open until around 10 PM to 11 PM!

However, depending on the day, they may be closed in the morning or close earlier at 10 PM. Since the schedule varies, I highly recommend checking the day and making a reservation in advance!

Checklist of Items to Bring

• Swimsuit (Available for rent at €8)
• Sandals (Highly recommended—they’re useful at any sauna in Europe!)
• Waterproof pouch or laundry bag (Handy for carrying wet swimsuits)

No need to bring towels—they are included in the fee!

The facility is equipped with showers, shampoo, body soap, and hair dryers.

Here’s a look at the men’s locker room.

Experience Ultimate Relaxation in Three Types of Saunas

Wood-burning Sauna

This bright space features walls that are half glass, offering a spacious area that can accommodate more than 10 people.

You can enjoy a self-pour löyly (the act of throwing water on hot stones), creating a harmonious blend of natural light and heat for a relaxing experience.

(However, the method for self-löyly is a bit unique, so it’s a good idea to ask the staff for guidance. You’ll need to boldly open the top section of the stove to pour the water—it’s quite heavy, so be prepared to laugh at the effort!)

Smoke Sauna

The smoke sauna embodies Finland’s traditional sauna culture. While its basic structure is similar to the wood-burning sauna, the smoke-heated interior creates a dim, serene atmosphere with high humidity, offering a deeply relaxing experience.

One point to note—this applies to the wood-burning sauna as well—is that if you’re used to high-temperature saunas in Japan, it may feel a bit mild in comparison.

In the Finnish style, it’s generally acceptable to pour löyly (water on the hot stones) freely without asking for permission, as per local sauna enthusiasts. However, at Löyly, which often hosts sauna beginners and tourists, the löyly experience is a bit more subdued. It’s more of a sauna to enjoy the ambiance.

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Private Sauna

Typically available for rent, but if unoccupied, you may be able to use it without any extra charge!

This compact space accommodates around 7–8 people and provides a more intense sauna experience with concentrated heat. Since fewer guests use this sauna, you might get a chance to enjoy a private session and pour löyly to your heart’s content!

The private sauna is conveniently located next to the indoor relaxation space with a fireplace, adding to its appeal. (The indoor relaxation area looks like this—many couples were seen toasting with beer and wine!)

Refresh Yourself in the Baltic Sea Cold Bath

After the sauna, it’s time to head straight to the icy Baltic Sea! In October, the water temperature in Helsinki is around 5°C!

It’s not just the temperature—it’s the incredible feeling of being one with the vast, natural sea! The sense of accomplishment is unbeatable.

As the waves gently sway you, you’ll feel your entire body awaken and rejuvenate. The stunning scenery adds to the experience, making it truly unforgettable. As an activity, it’s immensely satisfying.

In winter, you can even try “Avanto,” a dip in the frozen sea! (Isn’t that too cold? Maybe I’ll give it a shot next time.) During the colder months, walking barefoot on the outdoor terrace can be tough, so sandals are a must! (On a sunny day in late October, it was still manageable to walk barefoot.)

Outdoor Relaxation and Bonfire Experience After the Sauna

Outdoor relaxation, of course, comes with a stunning panoramic view of the Baltic Sea. Since most people tended to gather around the indoor bonfire to stay warm, we had the outdoor area all to ourselves.

Being right next to the Baltic Sea, the flow between activities was seamless! Although I was initially worried about fully relaxing in the chilly season, it turned out to be a pleasantly soothing experience.

Wrap Up Your Visit with Delicious Sauna Meals

After your sauna session, indulge in Nordic cuisine at the adjoining restaurant. Reservations are available, so it’s highly recommended to book in advance!

Even the beer dispenser is sauna-themed… As expected of Löyly!

Even the beer dispenser is sauna-themed… As expected of Löyly!

(Did you know? In Finland, they also eat reindeer! And it’s surprisingly delicious!)

We actually arrived at the restaurant a bit earlier than our reservation time, but they kindly seated us early with access to the drinks menu. Great service!

And when it comes to Finland, you can’t miss Siika (the Finnish word for whitefish). It’s a freshwater fish from the salmon family that inhabits the Baltic Sea. It was light, refreshing, and absolutely delicious!

Surprisingly, the hamburger was absolutely delicious (laughs). The flavor and portion size were impressive—don’t underestimate it. Definitely worth a try!

To top it all off, we even received some original chocolates at the end. Throughout the meal, the staff frequently checked in on us and kindly engaged in conversation. It was such a wonderful restaurant!

It seems there’s also a terrace seating option. Be sure to enjoy the perfect finale to your sauna experience at the restaurant!

Conclusion: Why You Should Visit Löyly

Löyly is a stylish, modern sauna that beautifully blends traditional Finnish culture with contemporary design.

The breathtaking view of the Baltic Sea, meticulously crafted saunas, and delicious Nordic cuisine all come together to offer a truly unique experience that can only be found here.

If you’re visiting Helsinki, make sure to stop by Löyly at least once—it’s an unforgettable experience, even more so at night! ✨