Saunasaari: A Sauna Island Just Opened in the Middle of Helsinki
A brand-new island in the Helsinki archipelago is dedicated entirely to Finland’s favourite ritual. Saunasaari (literally “Sauna Island”) officially opened on June 26, 2026, occupying the northern tip of Vasikkasaari — just a short water taxi ride from Helsinki’s Market Square.
Created by hospitality innovators Nina and Riku Stenros, the venue pairs a genuine wood-fired savusauna (smoke sauna) with sea-side hot tubs, Baltic cold plunges, and open-fire dining — all on one secluded island inside the city limits. “The Finnish archipelago, traditional smoke sauna, open-fire cooking and genuine hospitality are all deeply rooted in our identity,” Nina Stenros told Euronews. “We wanted to create an experience where visitors can step into that world without leaving Helsinki.”
Quick Facts: Saunasaari at a Glance
- What it is: Helsinki’s only dedicated sauna island, with the city’s sole urban smoke sauna.
- Where: Northern tip of Vasikkasaari, Helsinki archipelago — reached by water taxi from Market Square.
- Opened: June 26, 2026.
- Season: Friday and Saturday evenings, through August 8, 2026.
- Price: From €108–€128 per person for the sauna-and-dine package.
- Founders: Nina and Riku Stenros.
The Ultimate Nordic Ritual: Smoke, Steam, and Sea
What sets Saunasaari apart from popular mainland spots like Löyly or Kotiharju is its combination of ancestral tradition and isolated island geography.
- Helsinki’s only urban smoke sauna: the island’s massive traditional savusauna has no chimney — it’s heated for hours until the room fills with gentle heat and a woodsmoke aroma, then the air is cleared before bathers enter.
- The waterfront “palju”: two traditional Finnish wood-fired hot tubs sit right on the rocky shoreline, with panoramic views from Kaivopuisto past Market Square to the Crown Bridges.
- The Baltic cold plunge: wooden walkways connect the saunas and tubs directly to the sea for the classic hot-cold contrast.
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The “Sauna & Dine” Experience at RÖK
Saunasaari isn’t just a bathing spot — it’s an all-evening experience. Every Friday and Saturday until August 8, guests can book a package that pairs the sauna ritual with open-fire dining at RÖK, the island’s summer kitchen, set on a terrace with a glass veranda.
- Flame & fish: whole freshly smoked fish or open-fire grilled beef entrecôte.
- Green option: char-grilled summer cabbage with local herbs.
Prices and Booking
Because Saunasaari sits out in the archipelago, booking ahead is essential. The island takes both public weekend bookings and private buyouts for corporate events, via the official Saunasaari website.
| Package | Price | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Full Experience Ticket | €128 / person | Round-trip water taxi from Market Square, sauna & palju access, dinner at RÖK. |
| Independent Sailors | €108 / person | For guests arriving by their own boat (no water taxi). |
| Wine Pairing | €34 / person | Curated wines matched to the open-fire dinner menu. |
| Towel Rental | €10 / towel | Available on-site — bringing your own is recommended. |
Good to know: the whole island is a licensed alcohol area (anniskelualue), so outside drinks must stay on the mainland — a full bar is available on site.
A Typical Evening: Timeline
- 17:00 — Departure: board the water taxi at Market Square for a scenic cruise through the archipelago.
- 17:15–19:15 — Sauna & sea: smoke saunas and waterfront hot tubs, alternating with cold sea plunges. Separate changing facilities for men and women.
- 19:15 — Dinner at RÖK: a slow, multi-course meal cooked entirely over open flame.
- 21:00 — Return: the water taxi brings guests back to Market Square as the midsummer sun sets.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Saunasaari?
Saunasaari (“Sauna Island”) is a dedicated wellness island in the Helsinki archipelago, on the northern tip of Vasikkasaari. It opened on June 26, 2026, and features Helsinki’s only urban smoke sauna, wood-fired hot tubs, Baltic Sea swimming, and open-fire dining at its summer kitchen, RÖK.
Where is Saunasaari and how do you get there?
Saunasaari sits on Vasikkasaari, in the Helsinki archipelago just off Market Square. Guests reach it by a dedicated water taxi from Market Square, or arrive by their own private boat.
How much does Saunasaari cost?
The Full Experience Ticket, including round-trip water taxi, sauna and palju access, and dinner at RÖK, costs €128 per person. Guests arriving by their own boat pay €108 per person. Wine pairing is €34 per person and towel rental is €10.
When is Saunasaari open?
Saunasaari runs its public sauna-and-dine sessions every Friday and Saturday evening from June 26 through August 8, 2026. Private buyouts for corporate events and celebrations can be booked separately.
How do I book Saunasaari?
Bookings for public sauna-and-dine evenings and private group buyouts are made directly through the official Saunasaari website, saunasaari.fi. Space is limited to preserve the island’s quiet character, so booking ahead is recommended.
To book your evening or ask about private group buyouts for the 2026 season, head to the official Saunasaari booking site. Space is strictly limited to preserve the island’s quiet, uncrowded character.
Sources: Euronews, Time Out, Forbes, and MyHelsinki.