Kulttuurisauna

This was a relaxing experience from beginning to end. The staff was pleasant, the other patrons were respectful and the facility met all the needs for a great urban sauna experience. I particularly liked the private, shared courtyard and access to the water in the harbor for cooling off between times in the sauna. The staff was also friendly but intrusive.
Here is a description of the facilities: The locker room and showers are fairly basic, but you don’t spend much time in these transition zones. The sauna is well designed with a large, high bench in the sauna with natural light and a bit of a city review. Most importantly, the relaxation areas, both inside the building and in the courtyard, surrounding a large birch tree, and well laid out and pleasant. The courtyard opens to the harbor with an industrial scene with stairs down to the water.

What a fabulous spot!
I didn’t know exactly what to expect from Helsinki, nor from the Finnish saunas, but I was very pleasantly surprised to take up a tour guide’s advice to try out this (brand new) sauna very close to the city center. However, it doesn’t feel like it!
The building is a big «U» shape with females on the right and males on the left, connected via the main lounge area where you check in/​out. The building is on the waterfront and has very beautiful views — available from inside the sauna from pretty big windows. You can see ships parked across the way, a bit of an industrial landscape, and lots of sun. Don’t worry — everything is too far away to actually see any other people. «Inside» the U section is a grassy area with a tree for sitting, cooling off, cooking up a sausage on the open fire (available to purchase there), and swimming in the Baltic Sea! It’s really a fabulous set-​up.
The entry fee is 15 euro which includes a seat-​cover for the sauna. Be sure to bring your own towel and water bottle to stay hydrated. If I remember correctly, it’s about on par with the prices of other saunas (perhaps a bit more spendy), but the cool, Ikea-​like modern, new atmosphere is definitely worth it.
Personally, I chose to wear my swimsuit inside the sauna (not «traditional», I know) and felt completely at ease. I noticed a few other ladies did the same. Overall, it is a very open and welcoming environment, no need to worry about any self-​perceived ‘body-​related issues’. The locals simply don’t care — and neither should you! It’s about the experience and the memories, and I can’t recommend a better spot to get both!

A quiet sauna close to the center of Helsinki. The inner yard of the sauna is completely separated from the city and is facing the sea.
The sauna does not sell or allow drinks (only water), which can be considered a minus for some.
They provide sauna seat covers, and you can rent a towel, but you better bring your swimsuit if you want to go for a swim in the sea.