Lonna Sauna: An Island Escape

Lonna Sauna is located on the charming island of Lonna, a short 10-minute waterbus ride from Helsinki's Market Square. This small island, once a military outpost, has been transformed into a recreational haven, offering a unique blend of history, relaxation, and natural beauty. Lonna's history is rich and varied. In the 19th century, the island housed production and storage facilities for gunpowder and mines. It later served as a demagnetizing station for ships during and after the Second World War, protecting them from magnetic mines. Today, visitors can still see the diesel generators used for this process. The public sauna on Lonna Island is a highlight, offering a modern design that respects traditional Finnish sauna culture. Designed by architect Anssi Lassila, the wooden building was completed in 2016 and features a handcrafted wooden log structure and a sculptural pitched roof in zinc plate. Inside, wood-burning stoves heat the steam rooms, providing an authentic bathing experience with views of the sea. The sauna also includes outdoor showers for a full-body experience of the seaside winds. In addition to the sauna, Lonna Island features a restaurant serving high-quality seasonal dishes with a modern take on traditional island cuisine. The restaurant uses mostly Finnish ingredients, favoring organic and locally grown produce. A bar is also available, offering refreshing drinks, wine, coffee, and small snacks. Lonna Island is open from May to September. The island is easily accessible by waterbus from Helsinki's Market Square.