Lonna Sauna | Complete Guide to Helsinki’s Island

Saunas are one of the most defining aspects of Finnish culture. For locals, they are not just places to get warm or sweat—they are sacred spaces for reflection, relaxation, social connection, and cleansing. Across Finland, from urban neighborhoods to lakeside cottages, saunas are everywhere. Yet among all the options in Helsinki, one stands out as especially unique: Lonna Sauna.

Located on the small and charming Lonna Island (Lonnan saari), just a short ferry ride from central Helsinki, Lonna Sauna offers visitors an authentic yet modern Finnish sauna experience. It’s an architectural gem, an ecological project, and above all, a living celebration of Finnish sauna tradition. You can joy sauna experience and Veneajelu, both at one place.

This guide explores everything you need to know about Lonna Sauna—its meaning, design, traditions, unisex culture, location, ferry access, and why it’s considered one of Helsinki’s most memorable sauna experiences.

Before moving further, you can get the complete details of best 50 sauna resorts in Finland. It will help you to choose and book the resort quickly by getting the booking and contact details from one page.

What Is Lonna Sauna?

Lonna Sauna is a public wood-burning sauna located on Lonna Island, part of Helsinki’s archipelago. It was designed to honor traditional Finnish sauna culture while adapting it for modern urban visitors.

The Lonna sauna features:

• Two log-framed loft saunas, heated with massive wood-burning stoves.
• Mixed-gender (unisex) sauna sessions make it inclusive and open to all.
• Eco-friendly design, with natural materials and sustainable building practices.
• A cooling terrace overlooking the sea, where visitors can relax between steam sessions.

Unlike luxury spas or private saunas, Lonna Sauna emphasizes community, equality, and relaxation. It is a place where people come together—locals, travelers, families, and sauna enthusiasts from around the world—to share an authentic Finnish experience.

Location of Lonnan Saari, A Small Island Near Helsinki

Lonna Island, or Lonnan saari, is a tiny island just 10 minutes by ferry from Helsinki’s Market Square. Despite being so close to the city, the island feels like an escape into another world.

Historical Overview

The island once served a military purpose, used for handling sea mines and other defense activities. Many of the old buildings still stand, giving the island a rustic charm.

Today, Lonna has been transformed into a recreational hub, featuring the sauna, a restaurant, cultural events, and nature walks.

Getting there is simple thanks to the Lonna ferry (lonna lautta), which runs seasonally from spring to autumn. Visitors should always check the lonna lautta aikataulu (Lonna ferry timetable), as departure times change throughout the season.

The Architecture of Lonna Sauna

Lonna Sauna was designed by the award-winning Finnish architecture firm OOPEAA (Office for Peripheral Architecture) and opened to the public in 2017.

Key Architectural Features

• Log-frame construction that honors traditional Finnish craftsmanship.
• Two loft saunas, with washing areas below and benches above.
• Nine steps leading to the sauna benches, symbolizing a physical journey upward into the sauna’s heat.
• Large wood-burning stoves (kertalämmitteiset puukiukaat), which create soft, even steam.
• A wide cooling terrace, offering views of the sea and surrounding islands.

The design reflects Finland’s architectural philosophy: functionality, simplicity, and harmony with nature. The use of untreated wood and natural materials ensures the sauna blends seamlessly with the island environment.

Tradition Meets Modernity at Lonna Sauna

Lonna Sauna bridges Finland’s ancient sauna traditions with contemporary values:

• Traditional side: wood-burning stoves, communal atmosphere, and a natural connection to the sea.
• Modern side: inclusivity (mixed-gender sessions), ecological construction, and cultural events tied to sauna life.

This balance makes it appealing to both locals seeking authenticity and international visitors wanting a genuine taste of Finnish culture.

The Unisex Sauna Experience

One of the defining features of Lonna Sauna is its unisex (mixed-gender) policy. Since the 2023 season, all sauna sessions have been mixed, making it one of the few public saunas in Helsinki that is entirely unisex.

What Does This Mean?

• Men and women sauna together in the same space.
• There are separate men’s, women’s, and gender-neutral changing rooms.
• Swimsuits are optional—guests can sauna with or without them.
• Respect, equality, and comfort are central values.

This approach reflects Finland’s progressive and open sauna culture, where body positivity and inclusivity are encouraged. The unisex model also strengthens the community feeling, making everyone part of the same shared experience.

Practical Details: Prices, Booking, and Schedule

Here’s what you need to know before visiting Lonna Sauna:

• Opening Days: Tuesday to Saturday
• Session Length: 2 hours per visit
• Price: €22 per adult (includes seat cover and shower products)
• Children: Under 12 enter free (with adults, reservation not needed)
• Towel Rental: €9 at the sauna reception
• Booking: Strongly recommended online. Walk-ins are accepted only if space is available.

The sauna has staggered entry times, with 12 new spaces opening every hour.

For transportation, check the lonna lautta aikataulu for ferry departure times from Helsinki Market Square.

What to Expect at Lonna Sauna

Visiting Lonna Sauna is not just about sweating—it’s a full sensory and cultural experience.

• Soft Steam: The large wood-burning stoves create gentle, long-lasting heat, ideal for both beginners and experienced sauna-goers.
• Cooling Rituals: After heating up, visitors can step outside to the terrace or plunge into the sea. Water shoes are recommended, as the shoreline is rocky.
• Social Atmosphere: Guests chat, relax, and sometimes sit in reflective silence. The unspoken rule is respect—whether talking or staying quiet, everyone is welcome.
• Food & Drink: The sauna area is licensed, so refreshing beverages are served. Many combine their visit with a meal at the Lonna Restaurant, which focuses on local, seasonal food.

Tips for First-Time Visitors

If you’re new to Finnish sauna culture, here are some helpful tips:

1. Arrive Early – Give yourself time to relax before your session starts.
2. Shower First – Always wash before entering the sauna.
3. Sit on the Provided Seat Cover – Hygiene is important.
4. Stay Hydrated – Drink water (or a cold beverage afterward).
5. Respect Silence – Some like to chat, others prefer peace. Find a balance.
6. Try a Sea Dip – It may be cold, but it’s part of the tradition!

Why Choose Lonna Sauna Over Other Saunas?

Helsinki has many well-known public saunas, such as Löyly, Allas Sea Pool, and Kotiharjun Sauna. Each has its own charm, but Lonna Sauna offers something unique:

• Island Setting – Just 10 minutes from the city, but it feels like a peaceful escape.
• Unisex Inclusivity – Rare in Helsinki, and perfect for friends, couples, or groups.
• Wood-Burning Heat – Authentic, natural, and deeply relaxing.
• Cultural Heritage – Located on an island with rich military history.
• Eco-Friendly Design – Sustainable materials and construction.

If you want a sauna that blends tradition, design, and nature, Lonna Sauna is the ultimate choice.

Lonna Sauna vs. Other Finnish Saunas

Sauna	Location	Type	Unique Feature
Lonna Sauna	Lonna Island, Helsinki	Wood-burning, public, unisex	Island setting + eco-friendly design
Löyly	Hernesaari, Helsinki	Wood burning design	Iconic modern architecture
Kotiharjun Sauna	Kallio, Helsinki	Wood-burning, traditional	Oldest public sauna in Helsinki
Allas Sea Pool	Helsinki city center	Electric + sea pool	Sauna + outdoor swimming pools

The Cultural Meaning of Sauna in Finland

To fully understand Lonna Sauna, one must understand the role of sauna in Finnish life:

• Over 3 million saunas exist in Finland, a country with just 5.5 million people.
• Sauna is a place of equality—titles, jobs, and social status are left outside.
• Traditionally, saunas were also used for healing, childbirth, and rituals.
• For modern Finns, the sauna remains a weekly ritual for relaxation and socializing.

Lonna Sauna continues this heritage while adapting it to the needs of a modern, diverse audience.

Conclusion

The Lonna Sauna is more than just a place to warm up—it’s an authentic cultural experience in the heart of the Helsinki archipelago. Combining traditional wood-burning methods, unisex inclusivity, eco-friendly architecture, and breathtaking sea views, it represents the very best of Finnish sauna culture.