Löyly

Löyly is a public sauna and restaurant on the Hernesaari shore at Hernesaarenranta 4 in Helsinki, Finland, opened in 2016 and designed by Avanto Architects. The building is a sculptural structure of slatted pine and charred wood with stepped terraces that rise from the waterfront, blending into the rocky shore. The name refers to the steam that rises when water is thrown on hot sauna stones. Visitors can use two saunas, a traditional smoke sauna and a wood-heated sauna, and then cool off by walking down to the sea from the deck or by using the showers. In winter, ice-swimming is possible through a hole cut in the sea ice, and in summer the sea is used for regular swimming. Towels are included with entry at about €27 for two hours, and swimwear can be rented for about €8. The restaurant and bar serve Nordic dishes and drinks, and the terraces overlooking the water are a social spot even for those who do not use the saunas. Bookings are made at loylyhelsinki.fi, where time slots are shown and often fill on evenings and weekends. A visit typically lasts two to three hours. The best vantage points are the upper terraces, which face the open sea and catch the sunset, and the roof, where visitors can sit and watch ships pass. Crowds are heaviest on weekend evenings, while weekday late afternoons offer a calmer experience. Hernesaari is about three kilometres from the city centre, reached by bus (check the HSL journey planner) or a taxi of about ten minutes. Sauna etiquette applies: showering before entering and following the swimwear rules posted at the venue.