Sompasauna
A free, volunteer-run, mixed-gender, clothing-optional sauna by the Baltic Sea in Helsinki. Experience authentic Finnish culture.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Sompasauna
Best Time
Vibrant atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A free, volunteer-run, mixed-gender, clothing-optional sauna by the Baltic Sea in Helsinki. Experience authentic Finnish culture.
"What a cool place. Super friendly, run by volunteers, totally free."
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. Large water containers are usually available.
🗄️ Bring a Padlock
Secure your valuables in the small lockers provided. A padlock is recommended for peace of mind.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Baltic Sea Dip
Adjacent to the saunas
Experience the invigorating shock of a cold plunge in the Baltic Sea after a hot sauna session. Pure refreshment!

Communal Sauna Cabins
Main sauna area
Two distinct saunas offer varying heat levels, from a comfortable 80°C to an intense 100°C. Perfect for a social sweat.

Waterfront Ambiance
Sauna area and surrounding beach
Relax by the water, enjoy the sea breeze, and soak in the unique atmosphere of this waterfront sauna.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Finnish Sauna Culture
Logistics and What to Bring
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. Large water containers are usually available.
🗄️ Bring a Padlock
Secure your valuables in the small lockers provided. A padlock is recommended for peace of mind.
🧖♀️ Embrace Nudity
Sompasauna is clothing-optional and mixed-gender. Most visitors go nude, and it's a respectful, natural experience.
🥶 Cold Plunge Ready
The Baltic Sea is bracingly cold, especially in winter! Be ready for an invigorating dip after your sauna.
Tips
from all over the internet
💧 Stay Hydrated!
Drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session. Large water containers are usually available.
🗄️ Bring a Padlock
Secure your valuables in the small lockers provided. A padlock is recommended for peace of mind.
🧖♀️ Embrace Nudity
Sompasauna is clothing-optional and mixed-gender. Most visitors go nude, and it's a respectful, natural experience.
🥶 Cold Plunge Ready
The Baltic Sea is bracingly cold, especially in winter! Be ready for an invigorating dip after your sauna.
🤫 Quiet Respect
Sauna etiquette emphasizes quiet and relaxation. Avoid loud conversations and phone use inside the sauna.
🚶♀️ Beach Etiquette
Be mindful of others on the beach. While clothing-optional, some visitors may be dressed, and walkers pass by.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sompasauna is lauded as an authentic, free, and welcoming communal sauna experience. Visitors praise the invigorating Baltic Sea dips, the intense heat, and the friendly, volunteer-run atmosphere. Some find the nudity and lack of extensive changing facilities a bit intimidating initially, but most embrace the unique Finnish culture.
"What a cool place. Super friendly, run by volunteers, totally free. Bring a padlock if you want to use a small locker for valuables. I wasn't sure about etiquette, eg some people left flipflops at the door, some kept them on. Naturists were in a minority but it was all cool, even on the beach with passing walkers and cyclists. They'd had a heatwave so the sea was warmer than England! Still wonderfully refreshing though. I think the large plastic water containers are available to fill bottles but most people seemed to bring their own drinks. There are two cabins. One at 80C was plenty hot enough. Four long benches, for up to 20 people. I didn't try the other one - 100C sounded scary! There's a few covered areas, including a 'stage' with a piano. There's a nice little cafe-bar round the corner. Highly recommended!"
Nigel Tart
"One of the best activities to do in Helsinki. Wooden sauna now at new place previously had 3 saunas but now 2 are available over big one which can accommodate around 20 people and other one can accommodate around 10 people. Baltic sea is there to have a dip in it after the sauna and it's not that deep at the start too."
Kashif Nawaz
"I visited here for the first time yesterday- they are moving locations soon. As an American it was a bit intimidating at first but everyone was super friendly and once you get into it it's very calming and meditative. Also fun! The water was freezing so it was fun to hop back and forth between very hot and very cold."
Nate Wooding
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sompasauna is located in Helsinki, accessible by public transport. Many visitors arrive by tram or bus, followed by a short walk. Check local transport apps for the most up-to-date routes and schedules.
It's situated on the waterfront. While it's a popular spot, using a map app on your phone is recommended to navigate the final approach.
Public transportation is highly recommended. Trams and buses are efficient ways to reach the general area, with a pleasant walk to the sauna itself.
Parking can be limited in the area, so public transport is generally the most convenient option for reaching Sompasauna.
The terrain around the sauna can be uneven. While the saunas themselves are accessible, consider mobility needs when planning your visit.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Sompasauna is famously free to enter, run by volunteers! Donations are welcome, and some suggest Bitcoin for contributions.
No booking is required. It's a public, drop-in sauna, operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
Sompasauna is often described as being open 24/7, especially during peak seasons, but it's always good to check for any temporary closures or changes.
Yes, it is a mixed-gender and clothing-optional sauna. Most visitors choose to go nude, and it's a common practice in Finnish saunas.
While nudity is the norm, some visitors may wear towels or swimwear, especially if they are new to the experience. However, be prepared for a predominantly nude environment.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Key etiquette includes keeping noise levels low, avoiding phone use, staying hydrated, and respecting others' space. It's a communal, relaxing experience.
Bring a towel, a water bottle, and a padlock for lockers. Swimwear is optional. Some people bring their own drinks.
Changing facilities are minimal. You might need to change outdoors or in designated areas, so be prepared, especially in cold weather.
The saunas typically range from 80°C to 100°C. One cabin is often hotter than the other, offering different experiences.
Absolutely! The Baltic Sea is right there for a refreshing dip. Ladders are usually available for easy access.
📸 📸 Photography
It's generally discouraged to take photos inside the saunas out of respect for privacy. Be mindful of other visitors and their comfort levels.
The exterior views of the saunas against the waterfront and the sea offer great photographic opportunities. Capture the unique architecture and the surrounding natural beauty.
Absolutely not. Always ask for permission before taking photos of anyone, and be particularly sensitive in a clothing-optional environment.
There are no specific mentions of drone restrictions, but always adhere to local regulations and be considerate of others' privacy.
Focus on the steam, the wooden textures of the saunas, the sea, and the communal atmosphere. Candid shots of people enjoying the experience (with permission) can also be powerful.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Supervising children closely is essential, especially around the water and during the hot sauna sessions. The communal aspect means there will be adults of all ages present. It might be best suited for families with older children who can understand and respect the social norms. Bringing extra towels and ensuring children stay hydrated are key practical tips.
💰 Budget Travelers
While entry is free, it's a good idea to bring a padlock for lockers to secure your belongings. You'll also want to bring your own water bottle and towel. Consider it a donation to the volunteer-run facility if you feel inclined.
🧘♀️ Wellness Seekers
The communal and natural setting enhances the meditative aspect. It's a chance to disconnect from the digital world (phones are discouraged!) and reconnect with yourself and nature. The volunteer-run, no-frills environment adds to the authentic, grounding experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding Finnish Sauna Etiquette
When it comes to nudity, it's the norm in many Finnish public saunas, including Sompasauna. It's a practice rooted in hygiene and comfort. While it might feel intimidating at first, especially for visitors from cultures where nudity is less common, most people find it quickly becomes natural and liberating. Remember, it's a judgment-free zone focused on well-being.
Finally, the ritual of alternating between the intense heat of the sauna and the bracing cold of the sea is a quintessential Finnish experience. Don't be afraid to take the plunge; it's incredibly invigorating and a highlight for many visitors.
The Unique DIY and Volunteer Spirit
This volunteer-driven model contributes to its free entry, making it accessible to everyone. While donations are encouraged, the core principle is sharing the sauna experience. This fosters a welcoming atmosphere where locals and visitors can mingle and enjoy the facilities together.
The ongoing development and maintenance by volunteers mean the facilities might evolve. Some reviews mention past locations or ongoing construction, highlighting the dynamic nature of this community project. It's this dedication that keeps Sompasauna a special and authentic destination.
Sompasauna in Different Seasons
Winter visits to Sompasauna are particularly memorable. The truly adventurous can experience ice swimming, where holes are cut into the frozen sea for a bracing dip. This extreme contrast between the hot sauna and icy water is a powerful and invigorating experience, often cited as a highlight by visitors.
Regardless of the season, the core experience of a hot sauna followed by a cooling dip remains. However, be prepared for different weather conditions. In winter, dressing warmly for the short periods spent outdoors between saunas and changing is crucial.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit