and a restaurant, all beautifully designed to make the most of the breathtaking, sweeping views across the bay. To give visitors a holistic experience, there are three different types of sauna, heated with wood sourced from responsibly managed forests: a continuously heated sauna, one that is heated once a day (but stays warm), and a traditional smoke sauna, the latter being a rarity in an urban setting. Between the saunas there is a spa area, plus a relaxation room with a fireplace at its centre. And you can step down into the sea for a swim if the mood takes you. Löyly is open all year round, so if you visit in winter and you’re feeling brave, you can try the ‘avanto’ - a hole made in the ice for winter swimming, a popular custom in Finland. After having your fill of the saunas, relax in the restaurant with a glass of wine, a coffee or a bite to eat – the organicthemed menu offers local cuisine such as elk meatballs and salmon soup alongside international fare like grilled beef and root vegetable falafels (www.loylyhelsinki.fi ). For a novel experience, try the world’s first sauna in the sky on Helsinki’s SkyWheel. Up to five guests can sweat it out in the unique SkySauna cabin while
enjoying breath-taking views of the city, sea and surrounding islands from up to 40 metres in the air. Meanwhile, on terra firma, up to ten people can relax in a huge private hot tub or spread out on the adjoining terrace while they wait for their turn in the sauna in the sky (https://skysauna.fi/en/). Something of a legend in the Finnish capital, Kotiharjun has welcomed sauna-goers since 1928 and is the last traditionally wood-heated public sauna in Helsinki. Should you wish, hardy washing ladies are available to hand scrub the living daylights out of you, and massage, cupping, manicures and pedicures are also available by prior arrangement. Bring your own drinks and there’s a fridge to chill your beers. You’ll be in the company of friendly, long-time local regulars and other foreigners, and after your sauna you can sit on the street in your towel and enjoy the fresh air. Visit early for a peaceful experience and avoid Fridays and especially Saturdays (www.kotiharjunsauna.fi). Lastly, for a very different ambience, try Sauna Hermanni in the Helsinki district of the same name. ►