Candlelit Swimming and Cold Shock – Testing Helsinki's Allas Sea Pool

Photos: Allas Sea Pool

Located next to Helsinki’s Market Square, Allas Sea Pool offers a unique combination of saunas, swimming pools, and sea views. Tested on a November evening, this sauna complex surprises with its warm pool, gentle steam, and atmospheric candlelit swimming – not to mention the invigorating cold shock provided by the five-degree seawater pool.

A Prime Location in the Heart of Helsinki

Opened in 2018, Allas Sea Pool is one of Helsinki’s newer sauna complexes located in the city centre. Its location is perhaps the most central, right next to the Market Square. You simply can’t miss the distinctive Allas Sea Pool complex whether you’re visiting the Market Square, taking the ferry to Suomenlinna, arriving at or departing from Katajanokka harbour, or visiting Uspenski Cathedral.

The heart of Allas Sea Pool is a 30-person panoramic sauna designed for shared use, with views extending far into the archipelago and open sea. What sets Allas Sea Pool apart from Helsinki’s other public saunas is its swimming pool, from which it also gets its name. The most visible element from the outside is a large floating dock, which features a 25-metre (82-foot) pool heated to 27 degrees Celsius (81 degrees Fahrenheit). In addition to the pool, the dock houses three saunas and a seawater pool, where the water temperature matches that of the sea.

First Impressions and Dinner at Allas Sea Pool

Despite its central location, the place had been on my to-visit list for a small eternity, but the need for this article finally provided enough motivation to try it out.

On this November weekday evening, there was a reasonable crowd at Allas Sea Pool. We started by having dinner after a long day. The Smashed Burger satisfied my hunger, though I might have wished for a salad alternative to the chips. The restaurant was spacious, with a pleasant atmosphere and good service.

The Sauna Experience

The changing room served its purpose, and after freeing myself from clothes, I began heading somewhat uncertainly toward the sauna facilities. If I had been smart, I would have asked more about navigating the place, but instead, I tried to manage with the signs alone. It worked out, but I didn’t have a complete picture of the area in my mind. The signs also indicated that the sauna and pool areas were unisex, meaning swimwear was mandatory in this sauna.

Fortunately, the signage was clear and informative, so I found what was most important to me: the panoramic sauna, located on the southern side of the main building. There were fewer than ten people on the benches, so I got a good spot to sit and enjoy the steam and sea view. Sometimes the sauna became almost full, sometimes it was as spacious as when I arrived. The steam was pleasantly soft, not too intense at all. By ear, I estimated that perhaps a third of the other sauna-goers were non-Finnish speakers.

Between Hot and Cold: The Full Allas Sea Pool Experience

After fifteen minutes of steam, I stepped out through the shower. Next, I wanted to try the large swimming pool. Although I knew the temperature beforehand, my brain still feared the water would be cool. Fortunately, that fear was unfounded, and I could swim slowly in the warm water. Above opened a dark sky with a few twinkling stars. Candles burning in lanterns added to the atmosphere. Luckily, I had arrived on the evening when candlelit swimming sessions were starting.

After a swim filled with good vibes, I walked to the other end of the dock. I had seen saunas there when I arrived. At the same time, I also found the seawater pool. First, however, I headed to warm up in the men’s sauna (there are three saunas: one for men, one for women, and one mixed). The sauna was warm and the steam soft, perhaps even too soft for many Finns’ taste. But it was perfect for me, and I believe anyone experiencing a Finnish sauna for the first time would agree.

After warming up properly, it was time for something cool. Or actually, this time, cold. Next, I decided to take a dip in the seawater pool, which I estimated to be around five degrees Celsius. You could enter the water either via ladder or stairs. I chose the stairs. I walked slowly into the icy water, squatted on the lowest step, and stayed in the water for about ten seconds. I also glanced at the thermometer in the water, which showed the temperature was slightly below five degrees.

I got out and returned to the sauna, this time to the mixed sauna. The only real difference from the men’s sauna was that there were clearly more people here. I had to wait my turn for a moment, as a sign indicated that the sauna could accommodate eight people at a time. Here, water was thrown on the stones more vigorously than in the men’s sauna, directly from the bucket, but fortunately, permission was asked before doing so. Thus, a few tourists knew to leave the sauna before the steam became intense even by Finnish standards. It did me good, warming me deeply. Just enough so that I could return to the seawater pool for a second cold shock experience.

Cold water has an interesting property. Afterward, the outdoor air that would have felt cold before felt really pleasant. I dried myself, looked at the view, and enjoyed the rising feeling of euphoria.

Finally, I took a few more rounds in the panoramic sauna and warm pool until my body started telling me I had had enough sauna for the day. I showered, got dressed, and headed to the hotel to sleep.

More information on Allas Sea Pool’s website

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