The best spas, pools and saunas in the city
Your wellness journey can start before you even arrive, with a sauna on your cruise to Helsinki. Once in the city, sink into relaxation at a spa hotel, swim in year-round pools, or enjoy the heat of a sauna followed by a refreshing dip in the sea. Whatever the season, Helsinki is made for feeling good.
Spa hotels in Helsinki
Discover Helsinki’s luxury spa hotels, where you can enjoy relaxing treatments, soothing pools, and beautiful views over the city. Treat yourself to a moment of calm after a day of exploring.
Hotel pool with a city view
For a swim with a view you’ll never forget, check into the Clarion Hotel Helsinki. Up on the 16th floor, the Rooftop Pool & Terrace is a true escape above the city. The outdoor pool is heated all year round, so you can float with the skyline on one side and the sea on the other, whatever the season.
Luxury spa
At Hotel St. George, you can enjoy a truly luxurious spa experience that lets you reconnect with yourself. Take a quiet swim in the serene pool, warm up in the sauna, or treat yourself to a spa treatment that soothes both body and mind. If you’re staying at the hotel, spa access is included.
Photo: The Hotel Maria, Helsinki
Peaceful spa experience
If you’re looking for a moment of peace, visit the Maria Spa at the five-star Hotel Maria. Swim in the pool, enjoy the warmth of the sauna, or choose a relaxing treatment. Afterwards, head over to the Atrium with daybeds, flowing fountain and glowing fireplace. The spa is open to guests and visitors aged 16 and over.
Wellness in the heart of Helsinki
Hotel Kämp’s spa offers a touch of luxury right in the city centre, with modern treatments with ESPA products. Short on time? Try an express treatment. Want to indulge? Spend the whole day being refreshed from head to toe in an elegant setting.
Saunas, wellness and pools
Sitting in a warm Finnish sauna as the steam rises and the world slows down – it’s a feeling like no other. Float in a pool or cool off after the sauna with a dip in the sea, and simply enjoy being present in the moment.
A unique sauna by the sea
Löyly has two public saunas: a traditional smoke sauna and a wood-burning sauna. Both are open every day. After a good steam, you can cool off on the terrace or take a refreshing swim in the sea. Swimming is possible all year round. Please note that you need to wear swimwear, and sauna visits must be booked online in advance.
Photo: Helsinki Day Spa
One of Finland’s largest day spas
Tucked inside a beautiful 19th-century building, Helsinki Day Spa is the perfect place to slow down and treat yourself. From relaxing classics to advanced treatments, there’s something for every kind of self-care. Enjoy a manicure, massage, or body treatment – the kind of care that helps you unwind, even on the most stressful days.
Outdoor swimming year-round
At Allas Sea Pool, you can enjoy a unique swim with stunning views of the sea. Open all year, it offers both warm and cold outdoor pools – perfect for a refreshing dip, even in winter. Brave the chill, then head to the sauna to warm up like a true Finn. If you’re visiting in winter, don’t forget to bring slippers for the walk between the sauna and the pools!
Sauna culture in Finland
Sauna is a big part of Finnish life – and good for your health. Traditional saunas are quiet, dimly lit, and naturally scented with birch or tar. Finns often go nude, even with strangers, but there’s no pressure. If you prefer a swimsuit or towel, that’s perfectly fine too. Just relax and enjoy.
Finnish sauna tour
Did you know there are over 3 million saunas in Finland for just 5.5 million people? If you want to truly understand why Finns love the sauna so much, join a guided sauna tour in Helsinki. You’ll learn about sauna culture, take a dip in the sea, and enjoy a proper sauna session. If this sounds like your kind of experience, make sure to book it well in advance.
Finnish sauna traditions
In Finland, the sauna is a place where everyone is equal and titles and status are left at the door. The atmosphere is peaceful, and swearing is considered impolite. Finnish sauna traditions go back centuries and are a source of national pride. Sauna culture is so important that it’s been recognised by UNESCO as part of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
What else to do in Helsinki
Not into spas and saunas? No problem! Helsinki has so much more to offer. Go shopping, enjoy a seaside meal, or explore the city’s best sights at your own pace.
Photo: Karoliina Bärlund / Helsinki Partners
Have a nice meal
After a relaxing sauna or spa session, it’s the perfect time to refuel. Stay hydrated and treat yourself with a delicious meal at one of Helsinki’s many restaurants, or grab something light and local café.
Visit museums
Have you been to Amos Rex, EMMA, or Kiasma? Or caught the latest photo exhibition at Fotografiska? If not, why not start your day by exploring Helsinki’s vibrant art and culture scene before heading to the spa?
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Helsinki Partners
Enjoy shopping
Explore Helsinki’s design stores, biggest shopping malls, and markets. Whether you’re looking for Nordic style, handcrafted goods, or just a memorable souvenir, shopping in Helsinki is a pleasure in itself.