If you’re passionate about saunas, then 2025 is a great year to Visit Finland for the most unique sauna experiences.
As the birthplace of sauna culture, Finland has long been synonymous with wellbeing, relaxation and quiet contemplation. Finland, with a population of approximately 5.6 million people, is home to over 3.3 million saunas.
Today, saunas in Finland are enjoying a creative renaissance as entrepreneurs and enthusiasts find new ways to put a playful twist on this age-old tradition. From floating skate ramps to whisky barrels, these unique retreats invite guests to discover the magic of Finnish sauna culture in extraordinary settings while still reaping the health benefits: enhanced circulation, stress relief and a boost for both the mind and body.
Go Vuokatti Skate & Sauna Raft
The world’s largest skate sauna raft combines relaxation with urban lifestyle. Equipped with a sauna for 8–12 people, a skate ramp plus an inviting rooftop terrace and grill for cookouts, this raft provides a thrilling sauna session that perfectly melds nature, sports, and pure Finnish tradition.Reopening in Spring 2025.
Urpola Manor’s Viking Sauna World
Nestled in a historic manor setting in Häme region, Urpola Manor’s Viking Sauna World transports you back in time with modern-day comforts. For those looking for something out of the ordinary, the swing sauna and treehouse sauna feature rustic architecture paired with calming forest views. A visit here promises an enchanting combination of traditional Finnish sauna bathing and a taste of Viking-era ambience.
The Whisky Barrel Sauna at Koskenkorvan Trahteeri
Once a 10,000-litre cask for whisky, this converted barrel sauna brings a fresh twist to relaxation. With space for up to seven people around a continuously heated Parra wood stove, this cosy circular interior sets the stage for lively conversation and cherished memories. The timber’s whisky essence may have faded, but the spirited atmosphere remains.
Tucked away in the beautiful landscapes of Northern Karelia, Kotakylä invites you to disconnect from the hustle of modern life and reconnect with the slower pace of nature. Guests can canoe, take lakeside strolls and relax in five distinct saunas—most notably the Muasaana and Kotasauna— surrounded by barley fields. Muasaana is built over a duck pit with a turf roof, providing a rustic, earthy bathing experience, while Kotasauna (also known as a hut sauna) draws on Finnish heritage with its conical shape and wood-fired heat for a truly authentic steam session.
Ever imagined enjoying a sauna at 30,000 feet? At Ilmatar Airplane Lodge, you may not be airborne, but you’ll certainly feel elevated. Housed inside a fully repurposed DC-3 aircraft once operated by the Finnish Air Force, this extraordinary lodge includes a genuine Finnish sauna right where passenger seats once were. Blending aviation history with authentic sauna tradition, Ilmatar Airplane Lodge truly offers a sky-high sense of wonder on solid ground.
