With over 70 public saunas to choose from, there’s a good reason why Tampere in Finland is known as the ‘Sauna Capital of the World’.
But with so many options to choose from, which one should you pick? To help out, here’s our guide to the best saunas in the city.
This article may include mentions of products from one or more of our affiliate partners. Unless explicitly stated, we are not being paid to include these. To learn more about our advertising policy, please refer to our Terms of Service.
Best Saunas in Tampere: Where to Experience the Sauna Capital of the World
I visited Tampere in April 2026 with ITV’s This Morning, as we filmed a segment about affordable saunas. I found out so much about the place that I wanted to share with you guys – so here it is!
Why choose Tampere for a sauna trip?
Tampere gets called the Manchester of Finland (Manse by the locals) thanks to its industrial past. In the 1700s, the city’s waterways powered its factories – and these days, they power its sauna culture instead.
Located between Lake Näsijärvi and Lake Pyhäjärvi in Finland’s lakeland region, Tampere is one of the best places in the country to combine sauna sessions with time in nature and cold water swimming. Like elsewhere in Finland, sauna culture here is part of daily life – an opportunity to switch off, socialise and relax.
And not all saunas are created equal. In Tampere, you’ll find everything from traditional wood-fired saunas to electric, steam and smoke saunas (savusauna), where the room fills with smoke during heating for a softer, more atmospheric experience.
What is a sauna experience in Finland like?
You’ll find saunas all over the place in Finland – even in public buildings like churches and libraries. While they’re relaxing, they’re not really about pampering – sauna culture here is more tied to wellbeing, routine and spending time together.
You might hear the word löyly, which literally means steam in Finnish. In a sauna context, it describes both the act of throwing water onto the hot stones and the feeling that comes with it- the heat, atmosphere and overall vibe.
There’s a sauna experience in Tampere for you to enjoy whatever your budget – here are some of the most popular ones:
Wood-fired sauna
Considered to be the most classic type of sauna, this type is heated by a traditional wood-burning stove, these saunas have a gentler, more natural heat than electric saunas and are very popular.
Electric sauna
The most common modern sauna type in cities and hotels. They heat up quickly and are easy to use, while still giving the classic sauna experience. The temperature is usually a bit lower than in wood-burning saunas, so it’s a bit more gentle.
Smoke sauna (Savusauna)
This is one of the oldest and most traditional types of Finnish sauna. These saunas are heated by burning wood for hours without a chimney, so there’s a deep smoky aroma and softer heat. Don’t wear your best swimwear in here, as it’ll get dirty from the smoke!
Vihta (or vasta) sauna ritual
This is the traditional practice of hitting or brushing the skin with birch branches inside the sauna. It’s said to improve circulation, exfoliate the skin and release a fresh scent. It’s more common in midsummer when birches are blooming.
Lake swimming and sauna
Not technically a sauna type, but a big part of Finnish sauna culture – especially in Tampere. You alternate between the hot sauna and a cool – or icy! lake – this is especially popular during winter.
Do you have to be naked in Finnish saunas?
Traditionally you would have gotten naked in Finnish saunas – especially single-sex ones. But now it’s common to wear swimwear – especially in mixed saunas and saunas that cater more to tourists. If you don’t want to bare all, you can always wrap up in a towel – and it’s common to use a perfletti, which is a little towel for under your bum.
Are saunas in Tampere adults-only?
In Finland, sauna culture is something many families grow up with, so you’ll often see children and families enjoying public saunas together.
That said, some spa hotels and modern wellness centres have adults-only areas or quieter evening sessions aimed more at adults.
Are saunas in Tampere expensive?
Saunas in Tampere are very affordable, which is why it’s so great for a sauna trip.
Many traditional public saunas don’t cost much to enter, often around €10-15 for a session. Even some of the more modern sauna spas are far cheaper than you’d expect compared to similar places in the UK. A lot of hotels here have a free sauna as well.
Of course, if you choose a luxury spa, private sauna experience or guided smoke sauna ritual, prices can climb much higher. But you absolutely don’t need to spend a fortune to experience authentic Finnish sauna culture.
Where are the best sauna areas in Tampere?
In Tampere, great saunas are spread all across the city. Thanks to Tampere’s lakeside setting, there are a lot of popular saunas in beautiful lakeside locations – so you can combine the sauna with a refreshing dip.
Saunas here aren’t necessarily open every day – wood-fired saunas take a long time to fire up, and the heat can only be sustained for a certain period of time. So check the opening times of the sauna you want to visit before you go. In summer, you might find their opening times are slightly longer than advertised.
1. The Iconic Sauna: Rajaportti Sauna
Rajaportti is the oldest public sauna in Finland, and is the place to come for an authentic sauna experience.
The wooden interiors and huge traditional stove date back to 1906. Finland’s sauna culture is actually recognised by UNESCO, so this is genuinely one of the most authentic sauna experiences you can get.
Rajaportti has separate saunas and changing areas for men and women. There’s an on-site cafe, and you can book for a massage or private sauna experience here too. It’s traditional to be naked in here, and you can rent towels and sauna mats (to sit on) from reception.
Opening times: Mon & Wed 4-10pm; Fri & Sat 2-10pm
Entry: From 8€
2. The Nature Sauna: Pereensaaren Sauna
Pereensaaren Sauna is on a small island in Pirkkala, about 15 minutes’ drive from Tampere. It’s a lakeside setting surrounded by forest, so you’re definitely escaping the city here.
It’s a smart modern building, with gorgeous lake views from inside the sauna, plus an on-site cafe and even a couple of padel courts.
No matter the time of year, you can warm up in the sauna then cool off in the lake – they make an ice swimming pool when the water freezes in winter! It’s very relaxed and welcoming – ideal if you want to experience typical sauna culture in a forest setting.
Open: Mon-Fri 2-10pm; Sat-Sun: 12-10pm
Entry: from 14€
3. The Lakeside Sauna: Kaupinojan Sauna
Another spot for the classic Finnish experience of sauna and cold plunge is Kaupinojan sauna, beside Lake Näsijärvi.
This is a popular spot for locals all year round – in summer you jump straight into the lake, in winter you hop down into a hole cut in the ice. There’s also a yurt sauna next door – a traditional Mongolian structure – and you can buy a combined ticket for both.
Both saunas operate occasional silent hours, when no talking is allowed. Swimsuits are mandatory.
Opening times: Mon-Fri 3-9.15pm; Sat & Sun 12-9.15pm
Entry: From 12€
4. The Spa-Style Sauna: Sauna Restaurant Kuuma
Kuuma (the word means hot) is the modern version of the sauna experience in Tampere. If you like your sauna to come with more of a high-end vibe, then it’s the spot for you.
It’s a sleek structure in central Tampere, on the waterfront for those cold water swims and with a restaurant attached.
They have two mixed saunas – a wood-fired one and a smoke one – and they’re open every day.
The restaurant serves up Nordic cuisine, and there’s plenty of outdoor seating to admire the riverside views.
Opening times: Mon-Fri 11am-11pm; Sat: 12-11pm; Sun 12-9pm
Entry: from 19€
5. The Locals’ Sauna: Kaukajärven Sauna
Kaukajärven Sauna on Lake Kaukajärvi gets skipped by tourists – but it’s a local favourite.
It’s by the rowing club and the atmosphere is no-frills and rustic, with traditional saunas, direct lake access for swimming and drinks and snacks on sale.
They have two original saunas, and a newer one that was built in 2024 so they can accommodate more visitors at once. These saunas are open daily, so if you want a typically Finnish everyday sauna experience, this is one of the best options in the city.
Opening times: Daily 12-10pm
Entry: from €12
6. The Art Lover’s Sauna: Serlachius Art Sauna
Serlachius Art Sauna is a little bit different, and is just outside Tampere, by the lakes and forests of Mänttä.
It belongs to the Serlachius museum and combines sauna culture with modern art and design. The materials, formation and surroundings have all been chosen to give a design-led, elevated sauna experience. The sauna is a bit of a way from the museum, so they let you borrow a bike to ride the 3km between the two locations!
This is mostly a private sauna but the public can go along every Tuesday.
Opening times: Tuesdays
Entry: From 14€
7. The Spiritual Sauna: Sauna Temple
Sauna Temple really celebrates the ritual of the Finnish sauna, focusing on relaxation, mindfulness and connecting with nature.
This is a wood-fired yurt sauna, with a calm and respectful atmosphere. It’s mostly silent, with gentle talking allowed at certain times, and you can book in for a sauna ritual, like meditation or birch whisking, if you want.
It’s a great option if you want something slower-paced and you’ve got an interest in wellbeing.
Open: Mon-Fri 5-9pm; Sat & Sun 3-9pm
Entry: From €11
8. The floating sauna: FLOU sauna
FLOU Sauna is a stylish floating sauna that sits directly on the water at Lake Pyhäjärvi, giving you incredible views while you sweat it out inside. It’s a public sauna although it can be booked out privately too – like many saunas here.
You’ve got the lake right there for cold plunges, and there’s a lounge-restaurant too, with a terrace bar on the top – so you can head up and relax outdoors afterwards. This is a more modern, social sauna option, ideal for long summer evenings.
Opening times: Daily – whenever there is no private sauna booking
Entry: From 13€
9. The Country-House Sauna: Tahmela’s Villa
Tahmela Villa is a picture-postcard lakeside house beside Lake Pyhäjärvi where you’ll find a couple of saunas. They fire the authentic, wood-heated stoves on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Sundays.
It’s a calm tranquil spot, with the lake right there for a refreshing dip, and a cafe onsite too. Swimsuits are mandatory.
Opening times: Tue 3-9pm, Thu 3-9pm, Sun 12-9pm
Entry: From 8€
10. The Much-Loved Sauna: Rauhaniemi Folk Spa
This Rauhaniemi Folk Spa is one of Tampere’s best-loved saunas.
It’s on the edge of Lake Näsijärvi, with big wood-heated saunas and beautiful views – and swimming in the lake of course. It’s currently being renovated and will reopen in 2027 – it’s traditional and quintessentially Finnish.
Opening times: Closed for renovation until March 2027
Entry: From 10€
Sauna etiquette guide for first timers
We spoke to an actual Finn and got the lowdown on sauna etiquette. Follow these steps and everyone will think you’re a local!
- Shower before you go in – it’s polite to be clean, and it can help cool you down first.
- Take off metal jewellery – it can heat up quickly, and you don’t want to burn yourself.
- Ask before adding water to the stove – this is called löyly, and the extra steam can feel intense for some.
- Don’t leave the water bucket empty – if the water is low when you go in, or when you’re about to go out, be kind and top it up.
- Keep noise appropriate – read the room, but sauna time is generally more for calm than loud conversations.
- Choose your bench – heat rises, so the top benches are hottest and the lower ones are gentler.
- Get in and out quickly – don’t hold the door open and let the cold air in! You might hear ‘Ovi kiinni’ (close the door).
Why Tampere Is The Sauna Capital of the World
Tampere has many types of sauna at accessible prices, so if you want to experience traditional Finnish sauna culture, Tampere is a great place to do it.
From no-frills public saunas, to traditional ones using smoke or birch twigs, and even swanky spas if that’s your thing, Tampere has a range of saunas for every budget that get you connected to the full Finnish sauna experience.
So if you’re planning a Finland trip and want an experience that feels authentic, Tampere absolutely deserves a place on your itinerary.
