The best saunas in Tampere

What is it? Finland’s oldest public sauna still in operation

Why we love it? Rajaportti is the ultimate slow sauna. The massive, wood-burning stove is heated just once a day – firing starts in the morning with metre-long logs and takes five hours in summer, six in winter. By evening, bathers are welcomed by soft, humid steam that wraps around you like a hug. There are separate dressing, washing and sauna areas for men and women, but the same stove heats both sides. The sauna itself is built from stone rather than wood, with the benches perched high up in the rafters. It’s a nude sauna, and washing takes place beneath the lofted seating. The atmosphere feels unchanged from the early 1900s, when Rajaportti was first built. There’s no lake for cooling off, but the courtyard benches are perfect for chatting with locals afterwards. Drinks can be enjoyed in the cosy café, which serves lemonade, craft beers and steaming hot sausages.

Time Out tip: Once a month, Rajaportti hosts mixed sessions and silent saunas. During the mixed sauna, both sides are open to everyone, and swimwear is allowed. Silent sessions are for quiet relaxation – no chatting, just calm.

Address: Pispalan valtatie 9

Opening hours: Mon–Wed 16.00–22.00, Fri–Sat 14.00–22.00

Expect to pay: Adults Mon–Wed €7–8, Fri–Sat €11–12; ages 6–15 €4; under 6s free

What is it? Gentle, wood-fired steam in a bohemian lakeside villa

Why we love it? For sauna purists, wood heating is the mark of quality – and Tahmela Villa delivers. Its two small saunas offer soft, lingering steam, and the outdoor sauna gives a hint of smoke sauna atmosphere. The wooden building is dimly lit and warmly humid, and a dip in Lake Pyhäjärvi is the perfect finishing touch. The wider public hasn’t yet discovered Tahmela Sauna, so you can enjoy the peace and quiet here. It’s also easy to reach by bus 10, with just a short walk from the stop. No booking required. The villa itself dates back to the late 1800s and looks like something out of a Moomin tale, full of winding corridors and secret rooms.

Time Out tip: The café serves delicious homemade pastries at friendly prices. On Sundays, international pop-up events feature immigrant chefs cooking dishes from their home countries.

Address: Uramonkatu 9

Opening hours: Winter: Tue 15.00–20.00, Thu 15.00–18.00 (women 18.00–20.00), Sun 14.00–20.00

Expect to pay: Adults Tue & Thu €7–8, Sun €10–12; under 12s free

What is it? A hugely popular public sauna on the shores of Lake Näsijärvi

Why we love it? Rauhaniemi might just be the most beloved sauna in Tampere – it’s easy to reach from the city centre by bus 2 and open every single day of the year. There are two large oil-heated indoor saunas plus a wood-fired “sauna temple” by the lake, where silence is golden. You’ll always find a steam session to suit your mood and schedule. The site also includes a sandy beach and, in winter, a well-maintained ice hole for swimming, with a heated walkway and carefully sanded paths to prevent slips. Half the experience here is social – while politics are off-limits, heated debates about local ice hockey teams Ilves and Tappara are practically tradition. That’s Tampere for you!

Time Out tip: Grab a soft drink or snack from the on-site café, or grill your own sausage on the outdoor electric barbecue. In summer, there’s even an ice-cream kiosk the kids won’t let you skip.

Address: Rauhaniementie 23 B

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 14.00–22.30, Sat–Sun 11.00–22.30

Expect to pay: Adults €11–17; ages 7–14 €5; under 7s free

What is it? A beloved winter swimming sauna with famously fierce steam

Why we love it? If you crave heat, Kaupinoja is your place. Its continuously heated wood sauna delivers intense but wonderfully moist steam that’s far more bearable than dry electric heat. After a session, cool off with a plunge into Lake Näsijärvi – stairs lead straight from the sauna room to the pier, and in winter an ice hole is cut and maintained for cold dips. Popular with winter swimmers, Kaupinoja even hosts annual ice-swimming competitions for the bravest locals. Set next to Kauppi’s beach and nature trails, it’s perfect to combine with a run, cycle, ski or skate session. In summer, you can also rent a SUP board or canoe.

Time Out tip: This big, busy sauna is full of chatter, but the first hour on Saturdays and Sundays is a designated quiet period – the perfect time for peaceful steam.

Address: Kaupinpuistonkatu 1 A

Opening hours: Mon–Fri 15.00–21.15, Sat–Sun 12.00–21.15

Expect to pay: Adults €12; ages 7–12 €5; under 7s free

What is it? An urban luxury sauna where you can stay for dinner

Why we love it? Right in the heart of Tampere, on the banks of the Ratina bay, Kuuma blends spa vibes with authentic sauna culture. Two of its saunas are wood-heated and the electric one mimics a traditional smoke sauna. From the pier, you can dip into Lake Pyhäjärvi while admiring the city’s industrial skyline. Sauna sessions can be booked online in advance – the system shows real-time availability so you’ll never make a wasted trip. While you wait, relax by the fireplace or enjoy a meal at the restaurant. Kuuma’s salmon soup has become a hit, especially with international visitors. The venue provides hairdryers, shampoo, shower gel and moisturiser, and you can rent swimwear and slippers for €3. Everything – from the spotless changing rooms to the stylish décor – feels like a boutique spa.

Time Out tip: Morning sauna sessions are available on weekdays from 06.00 to 09.00 and can be paired with a generous breakfast spread featuring croissants, porridge, yoghurt and berries.

Address: Laukontori 21 

Opening hours: Mon 11.00–22.00; Tue 06.00–10.30 & 11.00–22.00; Wed–Fri 06.00–10.30 & 11.00–23.00; Sat 12.00–23.00; Sun 12.00–21.00

Expect to pay: Morning sauna (without breakfast) €13; other sessions €16

What is it? A genuine smoke sauna in the peace and quiet of Teisko

Why we love it? There’s a saying in Tampere: ‘Let’s go abroad to Teisko.’ A trip to Niemi-Kapee is indeed worth a small expedition – public smoke saunas like this are rare. The farm hosts open sessions twice a month throughout the year, complete with freshly brewed pot coffee and tea, plus snacks and non-alcoholic drinks for sale. After steaming, you can cool off in Lake Näsijärvi – or in winter, the ice hole. Occasionally, there are special themed sessions such as the Kekri Sauna, featuring traditional rituals led by a sauna master. The site also has a classic one-time-heated sauna and a continuously heated wood sauna, both available for private hire. Located along the Pyhä–Näsi cycling route, Niemi-Kapee offers cyclists a sauna session, accommodation and breakfast package for €80.

Time Out tip: It’s about a 45-minute drive from Tampere, so carpooling is a good idea – the driver gets a €3 discount on their sauna fee for each passenger they bring.

Address: Kapeenniementie 22, Terälahti

Opening hours: Public smoke sauna usually twice a month on Sundays, 15.00–17.00 and 17.30–19.30 (check the website for exact dates)

Expect to pay: Public smoke sauna €25

What is it? A cosy lakeside sauna that feels like a cottage escape – just a tram ride from the city centre

Why we love it? At Suolijärvi, you’ll feel miles away from the city. Three small wood-heated saunas provide traditional, gentle steam, with crowd sizes kept comfortable through an easy online booking system. Sessions last one hour and include the option to swim or dip in the winter ice hole. You can also just show up – if there’s space, you’re in. Changing and shower facilities are available 100 metres away at the Suolijärvi outdoor lodge. Best of all, it’s easy to reach without a car: take bus 4 or tram 3 to Hervanta Campus, then walk one kilometre through the woods to the saunas.

Time Out tip: Suolijärvi boasts some of Tampere’s best outdoor trails. In summer, a nature path loops around the lake; in winter, it turns into a ski track. After your sauna, pop into Kuikka Kafe at the lodge for coffee and a slice of blueberry pie (weekends 12.00–17.00).

Address: Suolijärvenkatu 5

Opening hours: Wed & Thu 16.25–20.45, Sun 13.25–18.45 (extra winter swimming sessions available; see website for details)

Expect to pay: Adults €7–8; ages 1–14 €5

What is it? A floating sauna that changes location with the seasons

Why we love it: Flou is one of Tampere’s most unique public saunas – it’s a sauna raft. In summer, it’s anchored in the Ratina bay, perfect for combining with a night out or a gig at Ratina Stadium. In winter, it relocates to Jalkasaari in Pyynikki. Both saunas have floor-to-ceiling windows offering stunning lakeside views, especially from the Pyynikki shore. The changing areas are modern and spotless, and there’s plenty of space in the showers. From the terrace, you can plunge into Lake Pyhäjärvi, with an ice hole cut for winter swimmers. One of Flou’s captains is top Finnish chef Arto Rastas, so the onboard grill serves quality fare – think toast skagen, salads and salmon soup instead of sausages. On summer weekends, DJs set the tone for laid-back BBQ evenings.

Time Out tip: Weekend mornings feature a sauna-and-breakfast combo. On special days like Mother’s Day, the breakfast is extra fancy, complete with cake and bubbles. Sauna with breakfast costs €22 for adults, €12 for ages 5–15.

Address: Jalkasaarentie 7

Opening hours: Winter: Mon–Fri 15.00–21.00, Sat–Sun 08.00–21.00

Expect to pay: €10–15 depending on the season; children €1 per age year

What is it? A beloved local sauna on one of Tampere’s clearest lakes

Why we love it? Kaukajärvi is among the most popular public saunas in the region, attracting visitors from Tampere and nearby Kangasala. Demand was so high that a third sauna was added in summer 2024 – it offers slightly milder steam than the older, famously fierce saunas. The lakeside setting makes it a favourite for both hardcore steam fans and active types: you can run, row, paddle or cycle nearby, then dive straight into the water. In winter, there’s an ice hole for cold dips. Swimming here is a treat – Kaukajärvi’s crystal-clear water is some of the purest in Tampere.

Time Out tip: Every summer since 1945, Kaukajärvi has hosted a cross-lake swimming event. Even if you’re not up for the challenge, it’s great fun to watch the pros in action.

Address: Kangasalantie 80

Opening hours: Mon–Sun 12.00–22.00

Expect to pay: Adults €9–11; ages 7–14 €6; ages 1–6 €2

What is it? A traditional unisex sauna with seriously strong steam

Why we love it: Run by local sports club Lielahden Kipinä, Suomensaari is an old-school community sauna where neighbours catch up and unwind together. The lakeside sauna opens straight onto Lake Näsijärvi, with a winter ice hole for brave bathers. The steam is hot and heavy, but the atmosphere is warm and welcoming – you can feel that it’s run by people who care. Bring your own water bottle, as the sauna uses lake water that isn’t drinkable, and keep showers brief so everyone gets enough hot water.

Time Out tip: Lielahden Kipinä also runs affordable fitness classes for kids and adults at nearby schools – perfect to pair with a post-workout sauna.

Address: Suomensaarenkatu 7

Opening hours:
Winter: Mon & Wed 16.00–22.00, Fri 16.00–21.00, Sat 14.00–18.00, Sun 15.00–19.00
Summer: Mon & Wed 17.00–21.00, Fri 18.00–22.00, Sat 16.00–19.00

Expect to pay: Ages 16+ €8–11; ages 6–15 €5; under 6s free