Staying in a spa/sauna hotel in Helsinki is the best way to make the most of your time in Finland’s capital. Going to the sauna is part of the Finnish way of life, so staying in a Helsinki hotel with a sauna allows you to embrace the culture, as 90% of Finns visit the sauna weekly – more if they have one in their home.
So, when it comes to the best Helsinki hotels with a sauna, let’s get into the top nine accommodation options. These fit a range of budgets – there’s even a hostel in my list – so you’re sure to find a perfect match for your trip to Finland.
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. But don’t worry — I only share products that I love and trust!
Sauna culture in Finland
Apparently, there are more saunas in Finland than cars. In fact, there’s more than 2 million saunas across the country, with a population of 5.5 million. But saunas are not just a popular pastime; they’re very much ingrained in the culture and lifestyle. Finnish saunas are meant for relaxation – a space for physical, mental, and social rejuvenation.
Locals and visitors alike gather at public or private saunas to sweat it out, cleanse their bodies, and unwind. Interestingly enough, it’s not uncommon for sauna social gatherings to involve drinking. Sometimes, going to the sauna on a Saturday night is like going to a party with added benefits.
In terms of benefits of using a Finnish sauna, there are many. Sweating in a sauna opens your pores and cleanses your skin and your body of toxins. Plus, the high heat can relieve muscle pains and improve sleep quality and help you relieve stress.
It’s common in Finland to pair the sauna with either a cold shower or going ice swimming. The ice-cold water increases your mood and energy balance, reduces blood pressure and manages stress.
The alternating exposure to cold and hot temperatures also aids in preserving skin elasticity by decelerating the cellular aging process. Fantastic!
Needless to say, going to a sauna is one of the best things to do in Helsinki.
How to use a Finnish sauna
What is a Finnish sauna, you might ask? The traditional Finnish sauna involves cycles of hot steam followed by a refreshing rinse in cold water before returning for another session. Most Finns prefer natural dips in icy waters or rolling in the snow, known as “avanto.”
These bad boys are hot-hot, too! They range from 80 to 110 °C (176 to 230 °F), with an average around 80–90 °C (176–194 °F).
For most Finns, visiting the sauna nude is customary and natural; it’s all part of the experience. In public mixed saunas like the smoke sauna, wearing bathing suits is expected. However, in gender-separated public saunas, nudity is the norm.
In familial or friendly sauna gatherings, if it’s a mixed sauna and everyone is at ease, being nude is common.
When saunaing with a Finn, it’s best to follow their lead. While nudity is typical, wearing a bathing suit for comfort is absolutely acceptable if you prefer.
Best Helsinki hotels with a sauna
Now that you know all about visiting the sauna in Helsinki, let’s dive into the best Helsinki hotels with sauna – all including either a private in-room sauna or a sauna spa available to guests.
Lapland Hotels Bulevardi - Best Central Helsinki Hotel w/ Private Sauna Rooms
For Nordic elegance and private sauna rooms, book your stay at Lapland Hotels Bulevardi (check current rates on Booking.com). This modern gem invites you to relax in the traditional Finnish sauna after a day of exploring the best things to do in Helsinki. Nestled in a central spot of the Design District and offers a cozy retreat with luxury Nordic design elements and warm lights.
This Helsinki boutique hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a private sauna room, a central location, and modern-neutral Nordic rooms. The Arctic DeLuxe Spa Room with Bathtub & Sauna is divine.
Their included Lappish breakfast is lovely as well!
Offers: Complimentary breakfast, fitness center, bar, restaurant, private parking
Price: Upscale
Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel - Best Helsinki Hotel w/ Complimentary Saunas
One of the most popular spa hotels in Helsinki, Radisson Blu Helsinki has beautiful rooms that overlook the water and complementary sauna access.
The 4-star hotel has three different saunas along with a chic rooftop lounge.
Its rates are usually lower than Lapland Hotels Bulevardi (mentioned above) but they don’t have private sauna rooms.
Radisson Blu Helsinki has over 3,000 Google reviews, so it’s definitely a hot spot to stay in Finland.
Offers: Paid breakfast, fitness center, saunas, bar, restaurant, private parking
Price: Mid-range
Noli Studios - Best Studio Accommodation in Helsinki with Digital Nomads)
Right outside the main hub of the city, you’ll find Noli Katajanokka with its cozy studios and apartments. It’s perfect if you’re looking for an Airbnb-style stay with the same perks of staying in a hotel.
There are 263 rooms so it’s not a small hotel. 24/7 access to the gym and sauna are included in your stay. It’s the best place for digital nomads or anyone working on the go, thanks to their excellent studio set-up and coworking spaces.
Offers: paid breakfast at Finca Las Ventanas, sauna, gym, restaurant, community zones, shared cooking areas
Price: Budget-friendly
Note: Some of the links below contain affiliate links. This doesn’t increase the cost of any item to you, but simply means that I’ll receive a small commission of any sales from those links. But don’t worry — I only share products that I love and trust!
Eurohostel - Best Budget Accommodation in Helsinki with Free Sauna
Perfect for the savvy traveler seeking comfort without the splurge, Eurohostel is your cozy haven with communal sauna amenities. Whether you’re on a budget or prefer to save on hotel costs, this best Helsinki hostel has all the perks, just with bare bones rooms instead of upscale Nordic spaces.
Best part is that you can enjoy a budget-friendly stay without compromising on a relaxing sauna experience. There are two saunas at Eurohostel, separated by sex. It’s free in the morning and then there is a small fee if you want to visit in the evenings.
Choose from shared dorm rooms, a small private room, or split a twin room with a friend.
Breakfast is also included in most bookings. It’s walking distance to the main city center or a 5-minute tram ride.
Offers: breakfast, saunas, community areas, social activities
Price: Super budget-friendly
Hiisi Hotel Helsinki Jätkäsaari - Best Private Sauna Room for Friends in Helsinki
Hiisi Hotel Helsinki Jätkäsaari is a fantastic mid-range hotel in Helsinki with private sauna rooms. It’s under a mile and a half from Hietaranta Beach and close to Kamppi. The hotel isn’t in the city center but the area is lovely and just a tram ride away.
The reason this is one of the best hotels in Helsinki is, of course, thanks to its amazing Junior suite with a sauna. It’s ideal for two friends or a couple looking for a private sauna in a laid back, modern setting with affordable prices.
Offers: private parking, twin rooms, shared kitchens, private sauna
Price: Budget-friendly
Scandic Grand Central Helsinki - Beautiful Upscale Helsinki Hotel Near Train Station
Another lovely Helsinki sauna accommodation is at the Scandic Grand Central Helsinki by the train station. Its central location is perfect for anyone looking to explore city highlights and take day trips to other parks of Finland.
The rooms are upscale and come in different sizes and styles. They all have tiled bathrooms with nice walk-in showers.
The best parts are a free sauna, a grand breakfast in the sun room, and complimentary city bikes.
Offers: private parking, bar/restaurant, specialty coffee, outdoor terrace
Price: Budget-friendly
Valo Hotel Helsinki - Best Accommodation in Helsinki for Relaxing Sauna Spa Experience
Nordic-inspired serenity awaits at Valo Hotel, one of the most famous hotels in Helsinki, Finland. Enjoy a peaceful sauna experience, contemporary meets Nordic rooms, and a tranquil ambiance outside the city center.
The rooms have a compact, minimalist feel that is really popular right now.
I love the vibe of the wellness area as it is an ice pool and amazing traditional sauna as well as a log sauna. There’s also a jacuzzi and panoramic view from the ice pool on the terrace.
Even if you aren’t a hotel guest, you can pay to visit the wellness area. I would say it’s one of the best saunas in Helsinki.
Offers: complimentary wellness spa access, private parking, free breakfast, gym, bar/lounge
Price: Mid-range
Scandic Hotel Simonkenttä - Best for Private Sauna Suites
Just a short walk from the National Museum of Finland, Scandic Hotel Simonkenttä is another spot with private sauna suites with an extra eco-friendly touch.
They serve an organic breakfast from a California-style restaurant. This central boutique hotel also has bike rentals, sauna, gym access all included in your stay.
If you want a more romantic and private experience, you’ll want to book the Junior Suite or Presidential Suite, which come at a luxury price.
Otherwise, you can still take advantage of a free sauna in Helsinki if you book a room here. Regular room rates are around $110-$135 a night.
Offers: Private parking, breakfast, wellness area, gift shop, restaurant
Price: Mid-range to upscale
Hotel Indigo Helsinki - Stylish Rooms with Hotel Sauna + Steam Room
Another great choice in the Design District, Hotel Indigo Helsinki is a boutique gem! It’s modern with bright accents that give this hotel a bit more stylish flair.
You’ll love the rainfall showers and in-room Nespresso machines. The bistro serves seasonal dishes using local ingredients.
Enjoy the sauna and steam room for a complete experience! The yoga room and fitness center are also a bonus.
Offers: Breakfast, private parking with electric chargers, bar/restaurant
Price: Mid-range to upscale
In a hurry? Choose from 3 Helsinki Hotel Options
Ultra budget-friendly accommodation in Helsinki: Eurohostel
Whether you’re on a budget or just don’t want to shell out excess money on a nicer hotel, this hostel in Helsinki is ideal. They have dorm-style rooms and if you’re traveling with a friend, you can rent out a room for 2 at a really reasonable price. The best part is that you’ll also have access to breakfast and the sauna. It’s free in the mornings and costs a few euros if you want to visit at night. The saunas are separated for male and female guests.Mid-range Helsinki hotel – Noli Studios Katajanokka
If you want to stay in an Airbnb-style accommodation in Helsinki, definitely check out the studio apartments at Noli Studios Katajanokka. They are beautifully designed with excellent views overlooking central Helsinki. Plus, there is a sauna and hot tub on site!Upscale hotel in Helsinki, Finland – Lapland Hotels Bulevardi
This Helsinki boutique hotel is perfect if you’re looking for a private sauna room, a central location, and modern-neutral Nordic rooms. Their complimentary breakfast is lovely as well! As mentioned previously, I also really like the Radisson Blu Seaside Hotel. They have an onsite sauna and rooftop lounge. Its rates are usually lower than Lapland Hotels Bulevardi but they don’t have private sauna rooms.Map these helsinki spa hotels
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