Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi: What to Expect & the Best Options
Stepping into a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi is more than just a way to warm up—it's an immersion into Finland's rich cultural heritage.
Known as the "soul of Finland," saunas are an integral part of daily life and an experience you simply can’t miss while visiting the Arctic. In Rovaniemi, saunas are as authentic as they come, and we had such an amazing time when we went.
In this guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about enjoying a traditional Finnish sauna in Rovaniemi, and all about the one that we personally experienced. From the key steps of the ritual to the unique quirks of Lapland's saunas, prepare to discover one of the most incredible customs of Finnish culture.
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Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi: A Brief Intro
Before checking out the different options for a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi, let's talk a bit about what exactly a Finnish sauna is, and what makes it special.
What is a Traditional Finnish Sauna?
A traditional Finnish sauna is a steam-filled wooden room where people relax and cleanse their bodies through sweating.
The experience typically involves heating up in the sauna, cooling off (sometimes by rolling in snow or jumping in a cold lake), and repeating the process. Many saunas in Lapland use wood-burning stoves, enhancing the atmosphere with a natural scent and softer steam.
Why is Finland Known for Saunas?
Saunas are deeply rooted in Finnish culture, and have always been a thought to keep people healthy. They have been an essential part of everyday life for over 2,000 years, and are used for both physical and mental well-being. As Finland is a really cold country, it's also the perfect way to stay warm in the harsh winters.
How Many Saunas are There per Person in Finland?
There are around 3 million saunas in Finland! With a population of just 5 million, that's more than 1 sauna for every couple!
Where to Find Saunas in Finland
With 3 million saunas, you can imagine just how easy they are to come by! Most people actually have saunas in their homes, and it's extremely common for hotels, resorts, and Airbnbs to come with saunas.
Apart from home and hotels though, if you are looking for a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi you can visit one of the public saunas, or rent out a private sauna for a more exclusive experience.
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Finding the Perfect Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi: Choosing & Booking Your Sauna
In Rovaniemi, you’ll find a variety of saunas, from public spa saunas to private lakeside or wilderness saunas. Consider the following when choosing:
- Type of sauna – Wood-fired, electric, smoke sauna, or even ice saunas in winter.
- Location – Do you want a city spa experience or a secluded lakeside retreat?
- Price – Are you looking for an exclusive experience or a something a bit more budget-friendly?
- Extras – Some saunas offer ice baths, jacuzzis, or even Northern Lights views.
- Traditional vs. modern – Some prefer a rustic experience, while others enjoy a luxurious spa setting.
There are some cool sauna experiences out in nature!
It's important to note that depending on what kind of sauna experience you are looking to have depends on when or how you should book.
While you can simply show up at public saunas, private saunas are typically booked out in advance, and tours have minimum participation, which is also why it's important to book your experiences ahead of time! All sauna tickets can be purchased online, and our favorite Finnish spa experiences in Rovaniemi we found through Get Your Guide.
Want to check out all of the cool spa options? Don't worry- we'll be explaining the difference between each type of spa experience, as well as telling you our favorite choices for public, private, and combo sauna experiences.
Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi Costs
Now that you know how to prepare for a traditional sauna experience in Rovaniemi, let's talk about how much you should expect to pay.
Are Saunas Expensive in Finland?
Sauna prices vary depending on the type and location. Public saunas in Finland are generally affordable, while private saunas or luxury experiences can be more costly.
While the coolest experiences certainly come with a bit more of a price tag, you can certainly enjoy Finland's sauna culture on a budget. The easiest way is by renting an Airbnb or apartment that has one inside, or you can visit one of the public saunas.
We actually stayed at a property with our own sauna which was just $50! If you are driving to Rovaniemi from Helsinki, Asemansaunatupa is a great place to spend a night to break up your trip, as it's right off the main road half way between the two (about 5 hours from Helsinki and 4 1/2 hours from Rovaniemi).
How Much Do Finnish Saunas Cost?
- Public saunas: €5–€30 per visit
- Private saunas: €60–€400 per session (for groups)
- Luxury sauna experiences (with ice baths or Northern Lights views): €100-€300+ per person or per session
*Many accommodations in Rovaniemi offer free saunas for guests, so check before booking!
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How to Prepare for a Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi
Now that you know what a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi looks like, let's go over a few ways to prepare yourself properly.
Do You Wear Clothes in a Finnish Sauna?
Traditionally, Finns go to the sauna naked, especially in private or same-gender saunas. In public saunas, wearing a towel or swimsuit is common, especially for tourists. Some places provide disposable sauna seat covers for hygiene. Always check the specific sauna’s rules before going.
How to Prepare for a Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi
- Shower first – Always wash yourself before entering the sauna.
- Hydrate – Drink water before and after to avoid dehydration.
- Go in relaxed – Saunas are meant for unwinding, not for rushing.
- Bring a towel – Sit on it to keep the benches clean.
- Be open to traditions – Finns may use vihta (birch whisks) to improve circulation.
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The Best Traditional Finnish Sauna Experiences
From fancy resorts to popular public saunas, there is something for everyone in Rovaniemi! Here are a few really cool ones we recommend though:
The Best Traditional Finnish Sauna Experiences in Rovaniemi, Finland: Spa Options
From fancy resorts to popular public saunas, there is something for everyone in Rovaniemi! Here are a few really cool ones we recommend though:
Apukka Resort Sauna
One of the most popular resorts in Rovaniemi, Apukka Resort offers a variety of incredible activities like reindeer sleigh rides, sledding, and snowmobiling. But our absolute favorite part of Apukka is their incredible sauna experience.
The wooden cabins sit right on the lake, and are rented out for private sessions where you can alternate from the sauna to dipping in the refreshing waters of the lake - truly one of the best things to do in Rovaniemi!
Arctic Snow Hotel & Glass Igloos
Looking for one of the most unique traditional Finnish sauna experiences in Rovaniemi? Well, you definitely won't want to miss out on this one.
The Arctic Snow Hotel is a seasonal hotel in Rovaniemi which is entirely made out of snow and ice!
If you sign up for their sauna experience you'll be able to enjoy the stunning rooms made of snow with ice sculptures, as well as soak in the hot, steamy waters of their traditional Finnish sauna.
Ounasvaara Sauna
Originally we showed up to Apukka, and there were no sauna appointments available. We spoke with the receptionist, and she actually recommended this for a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi.
We booked tickets for the following day (there was limited availability), but we absolutely loved our visit to Ounasvaara Sauna, which included sipping in the frozen lake, and cozying up by the campfire after.
If you'd like to learn more about the experience, keep reading! You can also skip to that part if you'd like.
Pajasauna
Just like our experience at Ounasvaara, Pajasauna is an incredible traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi, which includes alternating between the sauna and dipping into the ice cold lake.
You must book this experience in advance, and you can reserve a spot on Get Your Guide or on their website. We found for 1-2 people it is better to book on Get Your Guide, but if you are more than 2 people it makes more sense to book on their website.
Sauna Boat
This has to be the most unique sauna experience in Rovaniemi.
Float around a lake with gorgeous scenery in your own little slice of Arctic paradise, alternating from heating up in the sauna to dipping in the cool waters of the lake.
Whether you're enjoying the magic of the midnight sun in the summertime, or gazing at the colorful Northern lights in the wintertime, this is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Rovaniemi.
Here are the two different sauna boat tours depending on the season you visit:
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The Best Traditional Finnish Sauna Experiences in Rovaniemi, Finland: Awesome Tours
If you're looking for the ultimate traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi, then we highly recommend doing one of combo tours.
Some sauna experiences include local dinner, while some take you out in the wilderness where you can experience the northern lights.
Here are some of our favorite sauna experiences in Rovaniemi:
- Private Traditional Finnish Wood Sauna and Hot Pool - 3 1/2 hour $135.10
- Private Sauna & Ice Swimming Tour with Snacks - 4 hours $154.85
- Sauna & Ice Swimming Tour with Dinner & Aurora - 4 hours $161.08
- Private Forest Sauna and Northern Lights Tour - 3 hours $165.24
- Northern Lights Trip with Arctic Sauna & Jacuzzi - 3 hours $206.81
- Snow Sauna Experience with Dinner in Kota - 7 hours $227.59
- Ice Restaurant Dinner with Snow Sauna & Transfer - 6 1/2 hours $239.02
- Unique Private Lakeside Wooden Sauna Experience - 3 hours $597.56 (for up to 4 people)
The Best Traditional Finnish Sauna Experiences in Rovaniemi, Finland: Public Saunas
Looking for a traditional Finnish sauna experience without anything special? Well, public saunas are a great place to go if you are on a budget, or just want a simple experience.
While you won't be able to experience cool things like snow saunas or private sessions, the public saunas are very affordable, do not require booking in advance, and allow you to be in a place where locals go.
Here are few options for public saunas in Rovaniemi:
- Vesihiiden: Morning swim (Mon-Fri 6:30 AM-1:30 PM) 5€ adults, 3.70€ students/seniors, 2€ children 7-15, 1€ children 2-6/ Public swim (Mon-Fri 1:30 pm-7:30, Sat-Sun 11.00-16.30) 8.30€ adults, 5.20€ students/seniors, 3€ children 7-15, 1.50€ children 2-6
- Santa Sport: Morning Swim (Mon-Fri 6:30-8:30 AM & Sat-Sun 7:30 AM- 9:00 AM)/ Public swim (Mon-Fri 2:00- 9:00 PM & Sat-Sun 12:00 PM- 7:00 PM) 10€ adults, 7€ children 8-16, 7€ students & seniors, 4.50€ children 3-7
- Kesatekemisen Keskus Riske: Sauna & ice swimming with shower and unheated dressing rooms 19.90€/ sauna & ice swimming with shower, heated dressing rooms, tower & slipper rental, 1 soft drink and one hot drink 39€
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Safety & Rules for Traditional Finnish Saunas in Rovaniemi
Now that you know all of the incredible Finnish sauna experiences in Rovaniemi to choose from, let's go over some of the most important details!
Rules/ Etiquette for Finnish Saunas
When diving into the culture of any activity, you want to make sure you are following the proper etiquette and rules, so here are some things to keep in mind:
How to Dress for a Sauna
- In private or same-gender saunas, nudity is common.
- In public or mixed saunas, wear a swimsuit or towel.
- Bring flip-flops and a robe if the sauna has outdoor areas.
Rules for Finnish Saunas
- Shower before entering.
- No loud conversations or phones.
- Always ask before throwing water on the stones (löyly).
- Respect others' space and comfort levels.
How Do You Behave in a Finnish Sauna?
- Be quiet and respectful – Saunas are for relaxation.
- Sit on a towel for hygiene.
- Don’t stare at others – Sauna etiquette is about personal space.
- Talk is minimal – While some enjoy small talk, others prefer silence.
- If invited, try a sauna whisk – It’s a unique experience to improve circulation.
- Cool off properly – Whether it's a cold shower, rolling in the snow, or dipping in a lake, cooling off is part of the experience.
You can cool off in the snow or in a lake.
Sauna Safety: How to Stay Safe While Enjoying a Finnish Sauna
While saunas are relaxing and beneficial, they may not be suitable for everyone. Here’s how to stay safe and make the most of your experience.
Who Should Avoid Saunas?
- Pregnant women (consult your doctor first)
- People with heart conditions or low blood pressure
- Anyone feeling dehydrated or dizzy
- Those with respiratory problems (extreme heat can make breathing difficult)
- Young children (they overheat faster)
How Long Should You Stay in a Sauna?
- Beginner: Start with 5-10 minutes.
- Experienced sauna-goer: Stay 10-20 minutes at a time.
- Maximum: 30 minutes is the upper limit.
- Cool-down breaks: Always take a cold shower, ice dip, or step outside before going in for another round.
Hydration & Temperature Control
- Drink plenty of water before and after.
- Avoid alcohol before the sauna—it can cause dehydration and dizziness.
- If you feel lightheaded, step outside and cool down.
General Sauna Safety Tips
- Never force yourself to stay longer than you're comfortable.
- Listen to your body—if you feel faint or nauseous, leave immediately.
- Always shower before and after to keep the sauna clean and regulate your body temperature.
- Don’t go alone if you’re new—it’s always safer with a friend.
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Our Traditional Finnish Sauna Experience in Rovaniemi
Alright, so you know what a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi looks like, how to prepare, and which ones to choose from - BUT we'd love to share our experience with you!
We booked our traditional sauna experience at Ounasvaara Sauna, which was located right on the river.
Checking In to the Spa
When we arrived for our appointment, we got there 15 minutes early just in case (we'd recommend doing the same). We checked in, and the staff showed us around, and explained the rules/etiquette for enjoying our traditional Finnish sauna experience.
The Sauna Experience
Men and women went to their own fitting rooms, and we changed into our swimwear. Then we used the shower to clean off, and went into the sauna. The staff wet the stones, and we all enjoyed about 10-15 minutes until our bodies felt hot enough.
The next part was going outside in the freezing cold! We ran down to the frozen lake, where there was a hole carved in the ice, and a set of stairs going down into the frigid water. It was so cold, but immediately after it felt amazing.
We ran back inside, took a quick shower, and repeated the process for an hour and a half.
Finishing Up
Just before the time was up, staff informed us we had just a few minutes left for our final dip.
As the next group was coming in and getting briefed, we all headed back to our fitting rooms, where we showered, dried our hair, and got back into our comfy winter clothes.
We never felt rushed, and were able to use the fitting room as long as we needed.
Enjoying the Property Afterwards
While some people headed out right away, we wanted to enjoy what the property had to offer! This spa had a food truck with hot drinks, alcohol, and a few snacks. We chose to get some ice cold beers and reindeer sausages, which we got to cook ourselves over the bonfire!
We cozied up by the fire inside a teepee, and enjoyed our sausages so much that we each got another one. You can also roast marshmallows on the fire, but we found them to be a bit overpriced, so we'd recommend bringing your own.
The reindeer sausages were just a few euros though, and the beers were also well worth it. We stayed there for a total of 3 hours, and truly enjoyed our traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi.
We recommend getting the reindeer sausage to cook!
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So are you ready to experience a traditional Finnish sauna experience in Rovaniemi? It's the perfect way to integrate into the culture, but also to relax and warm up after all of the Arctic adventures you'll be doing.
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