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Credits: Flou, Taru Jytilä
Sauna restaurants are hot in Finland right now, with new ones opening in cities across the country. These spots combine a public sauna, a restaurant or a bar, and range from casual to upscale. They are typically located by the water, so guests can enjoy refreshing dips, too.
Here's a look at some of the must-visit sauna restaurants around Finland.
You can’t miss Allas Pool and their tempting, centrally located pools and terraces when strolling around Helsinki’s Market Square. After your sauna and a refreshing swim, grab a coffee at Allas Cafe, or head upstairs to the second floor's Seagrill restaurant for casual bites. If you're in the mood for cocktails and great views, try the Sky Bar rooftop terrace. Summer evenings at Allas Pool mean music and sunset drinks; winter calls for an icy dip followed by something warm and hearty.
Local tip: For a calmer vibe, go in the morning. There are fewer people, fresh air, and Helsinki slowly coming alive.
In the summer, hop on a ferry from the Market Square to the tiny Lonna Island. Here, you’ll find a charming wooden sauna and a cozy restaurant. The island’s sauna, built from thick logs, has a gentle steam and big windows looking straight out to the open water. After your sauna, slip into the sea from the rocks before heading to the summer restaurant – open from May to September – known for seasonal dishes and a laid-back atmosphere.
Löyly is famous for its striking Nordic architecture, cool seaside location, and modern yet authentic saunas. After a steam and a dip in the Baltic, settle into the stylish restaurant for mouth-watering food, from salmon soup to seasonal dishes with a Nordic twist. You can even order from a special sauna menu without leaving the warmth of your bathrobe.
Local tip: Time your visit for sunset. The wide wooden terraces turn into the best seaside lounge in Helsinki.
In the very heart of Helsinki, on Keskuskatu, you’ll find a sleek bar offering hot sauna sessions and cold cocktails. Kyrö Sauna Bar is operated by Kyrö Distillery, famous for its award-winning rye gins and whiskies. The founders came up with the idea for their Finnish rye distillery in a sauna – naturally.
Local tip: Planning a bigger evening? Book a private sauna session and cabinet for your group. It's perfect for relaxed get-togethers, or even a memorable client meeting.
Bodom Bar & Sauna in Espoo, a city next to Helsinki, is a one-of-a-kind hangout for music and sauna lovers alike. The bar serves a rotating selection of local craft beers and doubles as a mini-museum dedicated to the band Children of Bodom. After exploring the band's memorabilia, relax in one of the three saunas – women’s, men’s or mixed.
Local tip: Take the metro to the Bodom Sauna & Bar. It's located just steps away from the Niittykumpu station.
Lakeland is truly the heart of Finland – and the heart of Finnish sauna culture. The Lakeland city of Tampere has even named itself the sauna capital of the world. FLOU is a sauna, a bar, and a restaurant all housed in a floating modern log building. In summer, Flou transforms into a lounge-like terrace serving BBQ and party vibes by the Tammerkoski rapids.
Saunaravintola Kuuma is an urban oasis, also in Tampere, offering traditional Finnish saunas and modern Nordic gastronomy year-round. Relax in a wood-fired sauna, enjoy a refreshing dip in Lake Pyhäjärvi, and then head to the terrace for a gourmet meal and relaxed vibes.
Local tip: Want to try a Finnish smoke sauna? Have a go at Kuuma.
In Jyväskylä, the harbour is dotted with floating saunas and restaurant boats. To enjoy it all in one place, head to Sataman Viilu – a modern sauna restaurant right on Lake Jyväsjärvi. Here you can alternate between sauna sessions, dips in the lake, and meals that highlight Finnish ingredients in both classic and seasonal dishes.
Local tip: Enjoy the design of Alvar Aalto when in Jyväskylä. You’ll find more works by this world-renowned architect here than anywhere else in the world.
In the eastern Lakeland city Kuopio, just minutes from the city centre, you’ll find Saana, a sauna and spa with gorgeous views over Lake Kallavesi. After relaxing in the saunas and outside pools, you can choose between three on-site restaurants: Pizzaana, fish restaurant Fisu, and Wings restaurant.
Local tip: try the famous, fried small fish of this region, muikut (vendace).
Kuopio is also home to Luoto, the city's newest sauna restaurant, rising like a wooden island on Lake Kallavesi. Its striking Nordic design houses modern saunas, a lakeside terrace and a restaurant celebrating fresh, seasonal Finnish flavours.
Local tip: Try Luoto's delicious Sunday brunch.
In Lapland, several sauna restaurants take the tradition a step further by pairing löyly with local traditions, riverside views, and even snow-carved walls. Kesärafla Sauna in Rovaniemi is a summer favourite, perched by the Kemijoki River. Guests can move seamlessly between the wood-heated sauna, refreshing dips in the water, and a relaxed riverside terrace serving charcoal-grilled burgers. When winter arrives, the same spot transforms into WNTR Sauna by Kesärafla.
For something truly extraordinary, head to the Snow Sauna at Arctic SnowHotel in Rovaniemi. Here, the sauna walls are made of snow and ice. After heating up, you can step into an outdoor jacuzzi under the Arctic night sky. The experience continues with dinner in the Ice Restaurant, where courses are served on frozen tables.
If you’re looking for something rustic and deeply rooted in tradition, travel to Isokenkäisten Klubi near Kuusamo, on the southern edge of Lapland. Here, the star attraction is the Seven Star Smoke Sauna, followed by a dip into the clear wilderness waters. The restaurant serves dishes made from local game, fish, and wild herbs. All dishes are handmade in the Klubi kitchen.
Local tip: Traveling with a group? Book the restaurant's unique Lappish hut Helekuta for a private meal.
This one is for the beer lovers! In the coastal city Oulu, head to Pikisaari island and restaurant Mallassauna. This casual hangout serves beer from local brewery Hailuodon Panimo and a carefully curated food menu to match. The best part? The unique, wooden beachside sauna, heated during summertime.
Local tip: When in Pikisaari, try another local icon, the traditional Sokeri-Jussin Kievari restaurant.
Imagine relaxing in a stylish sauna while admiring stunning sea views, going for a swim on the sandy beach, and then enjoying a delicious Nordic dinner made with seasonal, local ingredients. The newly opened sauna restaurant Kaarna offers just that. Located in the coastal town of Kaarina, this gem is just a 20-minute drive from Turku and open year-round.
Local tip: Visiting in the winter? Try ice swimming at Kaarna!