Sauna in Nature! Where to Enjoy a Sauna at Finland’s Outdoor Destinations

Finland offers countless nature destinations where you can experience an authentic Finnish sauna. You’ll find saunas deep in the wilderness as well as in green areas close to cities. At the end of this article, we list nature saunas our team members have personally enjoyed around the country. There are many more, of course — you can easily discover additional options by searching online with the word “sauna” and the name of your chosen destination.

In addition to public saunas, there are also private saunas available by reservation. Here’s how they differ:

1. Public Saunas

Public saunas are typically heated on specific days of the week. In most cases, you don’t need to book in advance — simply arrive at the right place at the right time, and you’re welcome to join. Bring a payment method and essential sauna items: a towel, a swimsuit, and perhaps soap and shower sandals.

Some public saunas operate only during the summer season, while others are open year-round — for example, those located next to winter swimming spots.

What to Bring to a Finnish Sauna – A First-Timer’s Guide

*At Jerisjärvi Arctic Sauna World, you can also take a dip in an ice hole during the winter season.*

2. Private Saunas (Advance Reservation Required)

A reservable sauna is exclusively for the group that has booked it. As with public saunas, remember to bring your own sauna essentials.

Practices vary with reservable saunas: at some locations, the operator heats the sauna in advance, while at others there may be no staff on site at all, and you are expected to heat the sauna yourself according to the provided instructions.

Sauna access at accommodation facilities

You may also enjoy a sauna privately by renting accommodation that includes an indoor or outdoor sauna. This does not necessarily mean a high price tag, as in addition to entire apartments and luxurious cottages and villas, you may also find sauna access at much more affordable types of accommodation. For example, traditional Finnish cottage villages with clusters of rental cabins, as well as camping and caravan sites, may offer a shared sauna for all guests. In such cases, you usually reserve your own sauna time (often 1–2 hours) at reception or via a booking calendar displayed near the sauna.

What You’ll Find in a Finnish Sauna: A Simple Introduction

Sauna Etiquette

Public saunas usually provide clear information about the specific rules that apply. There may be separate sauna times for men and women, or everyone may bathe together. During mixed-gender sessions, swimwear is worn.

Consideration for others is an essential part of sauna culture. Being intoxicated, making excessive noise, or throwing too much water on the stones (creating overly intense and hot steam) is inappropriate. Facilities should be kept clean, and water should not be wasted — hot washing water may be limited.

In a private sauna, you have more freedom. Within your group, you can decide whether to follow the traditional Finnish custom of bathing nude or to wear swimsuits or towels. You may also adjust the steam and volume of conversation to your liking — provided you don’t disturb neighbors. Excessive alcohol consumption in the sauna is strongly discouraged, as losing balance and falling onto the hot stove can quickly lead to serious injury and an ambulance ride.

Even so, remember that a reservable sauna is not your personal property. It belongs to someone — perhaps a private owner, volunteers, or is maintained with public funds. Therefore, it is equally important to behave responsibly. Leave the sauna clean and undamaged, and take your rubbish with you unless recycling bins or other waste solutions are provided on site.

Finnish Sauna Etiquette for International Visitors

*At Kuusijärvi Outdoor Recreation Area in Vantaa, a traditional smoke sauna is heated by the lakeshore.*

Nature-Connected Saunas in Finland

Advance Reservation Required

Prices vary — please check directly with each provider.

Haltia Saivo Sauna, Espoo / Nuuksio National Park (also public sessions available)
Haukanpesä Sauna, Espoo / Nuuksio National Park
Heishala, Rovaniemi (both reservable and public sessions) Read our story!
Hugo’s Smoke Sauna, Rautjärvi, Read our story!
Kammikylä Peatland Sauna, Kauhajoki
Löylykontti, Helsinki / Espoo / Kuopio, Read our story from Espoo!
Matildanjärvi Sauna, Salo / Teijo National Park
Polku Hotel Sauna, Vihti / Nuuksio National Park (for hotel guests)
Salamajärvi National Park Lakeside Sauna, Kivijärvi
Samperin Savotta Wilderness Hotel Sauna, Savukoski (for guests) Read our story!
Sipoonjoki Heritage Sauna (both reservable and public sessions) Read our story!
Storfinnhova, Kemiönsaari (both reservable and public sessions)
Suomun Sauna on the Sandy Beach, Lieksa, Read our story!
Tupaswilla, Laukaa, Read our story!
Utö Havshotel Seaside Sauna, Parainen (primarily for guests, but others may inquire at the hotel)
Vihkosaari Riverside Sauna, Ii, See photos!

Public Sauna Sessions

Prices and opening hours vary — please check directly with each provider.

Heishala, Rovaniemi (both reservable and public sessions) Read our story!
Jerisjärvi Sauna World, Muonio
Kokkila Sauna, Salo
Korteniemi Heritage Farm Sauna, Tammela / Liesjärvi National Park (on summer event days)
Kuusijärvi Saunas, Vantaa
Lonna Island Sauna, Helsinki
Saana, Kuopio (spa complex on the lakeshore) Read our story!
Savukka, Lieksa / Koli National Park
Sipoonjoki Heritage Sauna (both reservable and public sessions) Read our story!
Storfinnhova, Kemiönsaari (both reservable and public sessions)
Teijo Village Sauna, Salo

Sauna in Nature! Where to Enjoy a Sauna at Finland’s Outdoor Destinations

1. Public Saunas