The 7 Best Hotel Saunas in Finland

Did you know that saunas were born in Finland? These heated rooms are a cornerstone of Finnish culture, and are deeply ingrained in the Finnish way of life. Saunas as we know them today are found across Finland, whether standalone or part of a hotel, but each one is characterised by its own features that make it unique and extra special. Tourists visiting Finland definitely need to try a sauna at some point, and what better way than having one in the same hotel that you’re staying in? 

It can be hard to decide where to go to try out the best saunas, but we’re here to make your life a little easier by giving you the lowdown on 7 of the best hotel saunas in Finland, from traditional Finnish smoke or wood-burning saunas to electric or steam saunas. 

Steam, plunge or swim, or all three: the best hotel saunas in Finland

7. Valo Hotel

Traditional Finnish saunas typically feature stoves with heated stones, with water regularly thrown onto them to generate steam, known as ‘löyly.’ These types of saunas are featured in many hotels across Finland, including Valo Hotel. Valo Hotel brings a touch of rustic charm to the busy modern streets of Helsinki and offers one of the best and most authentic sauna experiences. Aside from the main star of the show, which is the spa and sauna, the hotel is a 4-star haven of luxury and excellent quality service that makes your whole stay all the more memorable. 

6. Hotel Maria 

Hotel Maria is known for its luxury, but the star of the show is definitely its sauna and plunge pool combo. After you’ve relaxed in the traditional Finnish sauna, head to the icy depths of the plunge pool for a rejuvenating and invigorating experience. Hotel Maria promotes authentic Finnish culture through and through, and is one of Helsinki’s best-loved hotels for this very reason. When you’re finished in the sauna, you can also experience a range of beneficial spa treatments, creating the ultimate Finnish spa package and a relaxation experience like no other. 

5. Hotel Nuuksio

Focussed on nature and promoting relaxation, the beauteous location of Hotel Nuuksio lets you immerse yourself in the depths of true Finnish culture, whether that’s hiking in the woods, reindeer rides, exploring Helsinki, or, of course, relaxing in the sauna. Hotel Nuuksio’s version of the Finnish icon includes a backdrop of Lake Siikajarvi which, in winter, creates its own natural plunge pool, plus an indoor pool and sauna area. Saunas are certainly at the forefront of this hotel, as well as business and meeting spaces – what better way to round off a long day of business meetings with a sauna session and a swim? 

4. Baro Hotel 

Barö Hotel in the Inga region of Finland effortlessly combines Norse history, Finnish tradition and nature to bring you the best stay you’ve likely ever experienced. But, your stay will be made much better by the beautiful Finnish sauna that’s found in the Barösund suite of the hotel. Overlooking a bay, the sauna and jacuzzi offer the best picturesque views, creating the perfect relaxing ambience. The Barösund suite features its own private sauna, so guests can enjoy their own little slice of Finnish way of life without having to see anyone else.

3. Hotel Kämp

One of Helsinki’s most prized possessions, Hotel Kamp is truly an unforgettable experience from check in to check out. A 5-star hotel, you can expect nothing short of luxury in every corner of this hotel, including its traditional Finnish sauna and grotto sauna that are certainly some of the main attractions at this hotel. With two different types of sauna and a revered reputation for its luxury, Hotel Kamp is unapologetically Finnish to its very core, and likes to ensure that its guests feel that Nordic authenticity through every aspect of the hotel, but especially through its sauna.

2. Arctic Circle Treehouse Hotel

One of the more curious hotels, the Arctic Circle Treehouse Hotel is located right in the heart of Finnish Lapland. Every service and amenity that you can experience here is rooted in Lappish / Finnish culture, including the traditional Lappish sauna. You can book a private sauna session in the wood-heated sauna, and command your experience in any way you like, although the traditional Finnish way is said to include an ice bath or plunge immediately after your sauna experience – if you’re brave enough! Rooted in traditions, Arctic Circle Treehouse Hotel is one of the best experience hotels in Finland, and its sauna is not one to miss.

1. Jarvisydan Hotel & Spa

Jarvisydan stands out for its ‘sauna world’, which includes six saunas that offer a traditional sauna experience in their own unique ways. If you’re travelling with a large group of friends, you can also book out the whole ‘sauna world’, giving you your own private paradise and slice of Finnish culture. Choose from the traditional smoke sauna, the Riihi or Haukosauna, and create your own traditional sauna experience. Aside from its sauna world, Jarvisydan Resort is the perfect haven for Nordic activities like fishing and hiking, as well as luxury accommodation that’s truly unbeatable.