Experience Sauna with a Finn – Sea, Steam & Sauna Mythology
ID: GYG985511-1529390
Category:
Country: Finland
Duration:
02:30 hours
Description
Join a local for a real Finnish sauna by the sea in Helsinki. Hear sauna stories from folklore to modern life, enjoy a steamy sauna, a refreshing ocean swim, and traditional non-alcoholic drinks.
Finnish Sauna Experience with Sea Swim up and Sauna Stories
Duration: Around 2-2,5 hours
Location: Helsinki
Language: English
Group size: Minimum 2 people, Max 9 people
Tour starts at 11 am.
What we'll do:
Join us in Helsinki for an authentic Finnish sauna experience by the ocean – a perfect balance of relaxation, tradition, and connection with nature.
We’ll begin with a short walking tour (around 45-60 minutes) from our meeting point to a sauna. Along the way, you’ll hear fascinating stories about the history of sauna in Finland – how it has shaped Finnish culture and how it continues to be a key part of life today. You'll get to hear also about Finnish sauna mythology, including stories of ancient rituals and the spirit of the sauna, known as saunatonttu.
Once we arrive to sauna, you’ll receive clear instructions and helpful tips on how to enjoy the sauna and swimming safely. After instructions you'll have relaxing time to enjoy the views and heat of sauna. You have a possibility to go swimming if you have swimming skills. You have guide at your disposal all the time and you have possibility to ask questions about sauna culture or just local life in Finland.
You’ll enjoy around 1-1,5 hours of sauna and ocean swimming – alternating between hot and cold, just like locals do. During and after the session, we’ll enjoy traditional refreshments: fresh water and either mead (sima) or birch sap drink (koivunmahlajuoma).
After the sauna, there’s time to go to shower and change clothes. The guided part of the experience ends at the sauna.
What’s included:
Local guide throughout the experience in Helsinki
Introduction to Finnish sauna traditions, history & mythology
Ocean side sauna entrance fee
Ecological body & hair wash products to use
Sauna seat cover
Traditional refreshments: water + mead or birch sap drink
What to bring:
Swimsuit
Towel
Swimming shoes (if you wish)
Good to know:
There is shower and toilet in sauna premises. We use public saunas in our tours, so there might be other people too. It is mandatory to use a swimsuit in the sauna. Sauna is not suitable for people with serious heart conditions. If you are uncertain if you can attend, please consult your doctor first.
Suitable for adults and teens (ages 15+)
❤️ Why you'll love this experience:
This is more than just a sauna – it’s a deeply Finnish cultural ritual in the heart of Helsinki’s nature. Whether you’re visiting Finland for the first time or want to connect with something truly local, this experience will leave you refreshed in both body and spirit.
Photos are from Löylykontti Sörnäinen.
Highlights
- A local host shares sauna myths, customs, and modern traditions
- Relax in the heat, then refresh with an ocean swim like a true Finn
- Taste traditional drinks and experience sauna the authentic way
Guiding languages
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
We use different public saunas in Helsinki such as Löylykontti or Allas Sea Pool.
We will meet in front of Aleksis Kivi Statue near Helsinki Central Railway Station and from there we have walking tour until we reach the sauna.
INCLUDED
- What’s included:
- Local guide throughout the experience in Helsinki
- Introduction to Finnish sauna traditions, history & mythology
- Sauna entrance fee
- Ecological body & hair wash shampoo
- Sauna seat cover (for hygiene)
- Traditional refreshments: water + mead or birch sap drink
- Transportation tickets, in case a vehicle is needed (we use tram, metro or bus only if sauna is not in center area where we can walk)
When should I book?
To guarantee availability book as soon as possible. Early booking is worth consideration especially if you planning the trip during high season like public holidays or weekends.
Cancellations
This excursion you can cancel with no cost up to 24 hours before the start of the trip. If you cancel it after 24 hours or not show up on the excursion you will still be charged the full price of the activity. Being late on pick-up or departure will be considered as not showing up.