Steamy and soothing, the sauna is one of Finland’s proudest traditions. We’ve put together some of the best sauna experiences you can have in Finnish Lapland.
No wellness visit to Finland is complete without a trip to the sauna. We’ve gathered the most interesting sauna experiences in Lapland, from a traditional smoke sauna to the luxury sauna experience. Whichever you choose, enjoy the heat!
Smoke sauna
The smoke sauna at Kiilopää fell center in Inari-Saariselkä is like heaven after a day outdoors. The gentle heat relaxes the muscles and mind. A refreshing dip into the fell brook running next to the sauna is a must. The sauna is open to the public and is heated three times a week.
A Sauna of Ice & Fire
The snow sauna at the Arctic SnowHotel may be Lapland’s coolest sauna. Despite the cold radiating from the walls made of solid snow, the temperature inside is still warm. A few ladles of water on the stove fills the sauna with steam, a sensation you won’t find in a regular wooden sauna. If it gets too warm, step outside for a few moments and enjoy the stars sparkling over Rovaniemi.
Igloo sauna
The words igloo and sauna might seem like a contradiction, but Arctic Fox Igloos on the shores of Lake Ranuajärvi are made of glass and not snow. Spend an hour melting in the sauna and then retire to your bed. Without lifting your head from your pillow, you can watch the Milky Way and the Northern Lights compete for your attention.
Lakeside luxury
The lights of the Pyhä ski slopes glitter like stars in the distance. The hot tub bubbles keep you nice and warm, but occasionally the wind swoops across the lake at the foot of Sunday Morning Resort. Goosebumps spider down your neck. But you’re not concerned with the -20°C temperatures. The sauna, in all its steamy dreamlike glory, is only a few steps away.
Sauna on the river
The sauna raft M/S Erkin Arkki carries you across the scenic waters of the Kemijoki and Ounasjoki rivers, which meet in the heart of Rovaniemi. You can bathe in the wood-heated sauna while the raft floats on the river. When you feel like cooling down, the skipper will stop, and the river is all yours for a refreshing swim under the Midnight Sun.
Sauna in the wilderness
If hiking is your thing, you will find a lovely sauna in the heart of the UKK National Park in Inari-Saariselkä. In conjunction to the Luirojärvi open hut, (nicknamed the Luirojärvi Hilton), there is a wood-heated sauna where hikers take turns for a replenishing bath. A jump in the lake gives a nice contrast to the heat and an extra boost to tired legs.
Sauna on the sea
The Bothnian Bay National Park, in the archipelago around the towns Kemi and Tornio, hide secret gems. The rental cabin on Vähä-Huituri island features a seaside sauna, and on Selkäsarvi island, there is a sauna open to the public. These islands can be reached either by boat or kayak. Remember to bring your own drinking water and food!
