Löyly

Löyly is a public sauna and restaurant on the Hernesaari shore at Hernesaarenranta 4, on the south-west edge of Helsinki, about 3 km from the centre. Opened in 2016, the building was designed by Avanto Architects and is clad in slatted dark-stained wood that curves and steps down toward the sea, with a roof deck that doubles as a terrace and a place to sit. Two saunas are available: a smoke sauna, heated by wood in the traditional manner, and a wood-fired sauna with a large window facing the water. Separate changing rooms lead to a deck and steps that go directly into the Baltic Sea, so bathers can cool off in the water in summer or take an ice dip in winter. Towels are included in the sauna entry price, while swimwear is required in the shared areas and can be rented. A restaurant and bar on the ground level serve Finnish and Nordic dishes, with outdoor seating overlooking the shore and sunset views. A typical visit lasts two to three hours, and sauna sessions are normally booked in advance at loylyhelsinki.fi for a set time slot, with a price around €27 for a two-hour visit. The roof terrace and shoreline are the best vantage points for photographs, especially in late afternoon when the sun lowers over the sea. Löyly is busiest on weekend evenings and in winter, when queues form for the ice swimming; weekday late afternoons are calmer. Because it is a public sauna, etiquette matters: sauna areas are mixed with swimwear, and quiet behaviour is expected. Getting there involves a bus from central Helsinki or a short taxi ride of about 10 minutes.