Kotiharjun Sauna Helsinki
Authentic & social public sauna
You should definitely try one of the 3 million saunas we have in Finland! With all due respect, Löyly is surely worth the experience & Allas Sea Pool is nice for swimming. But to see the way the Finns have enjoyed sauna for the past centuries, traditional wood-heated Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio is one of the best in Helsinki!
Don’t expect a luxurious spa; already outside Kotiharjun Sauna, it goes easily unnoticed, as there’s only the legendary neon-lighted “Sauna” marking the entrance. The normal Finnish sauna is rather an ordinary everyday thing and a chance to relax cozily -- and to socialize, which happens very easily at Kotiharjun Sauna even with complete strangers. Weekends may be so packed that I personally might consider Sauna Arla just around the corner as a more tranquil option.
Swimsuits are not recommended as a Finnish standard, but there’s nothing sexual about it that you shouldn’t even bring your towel inside the sauna. It’s actually cool, since in the sauna people are often more social than anywhere else. It really doesn’t make a difference if one’s a janitor or a CEO, everybody’s equal! Men and women have separate sides, though.
A common thing to do is to have a beer or two (drink at least water!). But you cannot buy it at Kotiharjun Sauna! Bring your own instead, like the locals. You can even use the fridge at the entrance to keep them cold! I normally bring my own toiletry & a towel, but you can also rent one.
About this spot
Find your way with 65 Insider Tips from our Local Spotters
Nice place right!? There’s so much more to discover:
Discover all other hidden gems in Helsinki
Via Tribunali
Neapolitan pizza experience
"Via Tribunali" in Helsinki is the first Finnish pizzeria granted the authenticity certificate by Associazione Vera Pizza Napoletana. To give you an idea.
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Lentävä Lehmä
All about the cheese!
"Lentävä Lehmä" (or Flying Cow) is my number #1 place in Helsinki for getting amazing cheese. Nothing is overpriced here and everything is organic!
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Stadin Panimo
Passionate craft beer tasting
"Stadin Panimo" in rugged Suvilahti in Helsinki is one of the best places to enjoy good craft beer locally. Their selection is the biggest I've ever seen!
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Bar Molotow
Cozy Kallio living room
"Bar Molotow" in Kallio, Helsinki, is one of my personal favorites. It's cozy as well as social, and I really like their beer choice & retro rock spirit.
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Pasila
Conduct your own urban art walk
"Pasila" is going to be one of Helsinki's most alternative districts in the coming years! Home to plenty of street art, it's no just dull grey buildings...
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Linnanpiha Terrace
Peaceful terrace with an edge
"Linnanpiha Terrace" Helsinki is in the yard of a former Katajanokka prison. Now it's a restaurant where I like to enjoy a burger and play 'mölkky' or...
By
Markus
Veikkolainen
Korjaamo
The diverse culture factory in Töölö
"Korjaamo" in Helsinki's Töölö is the area's most important highlight; it offers neraly all kinds of cultural events & I usually go for a live music show.
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Käpylä
Laid-back bohemian neighbourhood
"Käpylä" and the kioskk cafe Käpylän Lippakioski in Helsinki make my day! This garden neighborhood is perfect to walk around in and I love the events...
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Oljenkorsi
Cozy craft beer fountain
"Oljenkorsi" in Helsinki is a craft beer heaven. Even after moving away from the neighborhood, I keep returning for the authentic local Toukola spirit...
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Vanha Kauppahalli
The old market hall
"Vanha Kauppahalli" Helsinki is definitely one of my favorite market halls! My favorite spot inside is Restaurant Story as it is like the heart of Vanha...
By
Markus
Veikkolainen
Satkar
In the vanguard of Nepalese cuisine
"Satkar" is one of the most conveniently, centrally located Nepalese restaurants in Helsinki. They're a phenomenon you just have to try for yourself!
By
Joonas
Kervinen
Andante
Flowers, coffee and raw treats
"Andante" combines two trends in Helsinki: raw cakes and a cafe-shop mix. It's also a cool flower shop with more than 20 years of history. Quality coffee too
By
Markus
Veikkolainen
Heading to Helsinki?
65 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
Authentic Stories by Real People
Escape the Crowd & Travel Slow 🐌
... for just €9.99
Heading to Helsinki?
✓ 0 Insider Tips from our local Spotters
✓ 65 Insider Tips
✓ Escape the Crowds
✓ Find Spots nearby
✓ Authentic Stories
... for just €9.99
Our team loves Helsinki
Get to know our other Spotters from Helsinki
As featured on:
