Löyly Sauna Entry Ticket Helsinki

Löyly on the Hernesaari waterfront

Löyly opened in 2016 on the western tip of Hernesaari, a former industrial harbour district of Helsinki that has been turned into a waterside neighbourhood. The building was designed by Avanto Architects, and its wall of pale wooden slats and stepped terraces slope down to the sea like a piece of coastal sculpture. Time magazine named it among the world's greatest places.

The word löyly is Finnish for the steam that rises when water is thrown on hot stones, and the name says what to expect: a modern building made for a very old habit. If you search for the best sauna in Helsinki, Löyly comes up first because it joins design, sea views and a genuine sauna culture in one visit.

The smoke sauna and the wood-burning sauna

Löyly has two saunas, and each takes around 20 people. The smoke sauna, or savusauna, is heated by burning wood in a stove that is allowed to smoke before it is ventilated, which gives a soft heat and a distinctive scent of wood. The wood-burning sauna has a more traditional dry heat and large windows that look out over the sea.

Both saunas are mixed, so swimwear is required, and the changing rooms and showers are separate for men and women. Sit on the seat liner, pour water on the stones only when the room agrees, and step outside to cool down between rounds. First-timers usually spend ten to fifteen minutes in the heat, then rest before going in again.

Swimming in the Baltic Sea and the terraces

What sets Löyly apart is its direct access to the sea. From the saunas you walk down a short ramp and slip into the Baltic, a classic Finnish contrast of hot and cold. In summer the water is refreshing, and in winter guests may cool off in the icy sea from a dock, though you should go only as far as you feel comfortable.

The wooden terraces above the water are made for sitting once you are warm. They give an open view across the bay, and in the evening the sun sets over the water. Even if you do not swim, a Löyly visit is a relaxing way to spend two hours in Helsinki, and it works in any season.

Planning your Löyly visit

The ticket is valid only for the 13:00 entry, so arrive a few minutes early to collect your towel and use the changing room. Swimwear is mandatory in the saunas and can be rented on site if you forgot yours. Nudity is not allowed, and guests under 18 need a guardian. Children under 10 can visit free if they share a locker with a parent.

Löyly is a short ride from the city centre by public transport, taxi or bike, so ask how to get to Löyly from your hotel if you need directions. There is also a restaurant on site, but food and drinks are not part of this ticket. Many visitors ask what to bring to Löyly: swimwear, a light change of clothes and a hair tie are enough.