Spas in Helsinki - Which One Is the Best?
- By Niko Suominen
The term “spa” has multiple meanings in the Finnish language. Often, a spa features pools for relaxation and various types of saunas. Treatments are available, but they don’t play the leading role. When a Finn tells you they are going to a spa, it usually means only relaxing in saunas and pools. The treatments are expensive, so Finns naturally prefer saunas over other therapies.
In Helsinki, a few day spas focus more on giving treatments. Usually, they are smaller and do not have pools, but they offer massages, beauty treatments, and sometimes saunas. Such services are provided especially by Finnish spa hotels targeting travellers.
Saunas play a significant role in Finnish spa culture. Finnish spas typically feature Finnish saunas, but often also include a steam sauna to accommodate non-Finnish customers who prefer milder temperatures and a more humid atmosphere.
Spas in Helsinki with Swimming Pools
The Helsinki area has four cities: Helsinki, Espoo, Vantaa, and Kauniainen. The public transport network is good, and travelling between the cities is fast.
Flamingo Spa
Flamingo Spa is the easiest choice for a family. It features a water park for children and a private spa area for adults. The adults’ area has many saunas, warm pools, and a restaurant where customers can buy alcoholic drinks and snacks. Treatments can be purchased separately for an extra charge.
Guests may dine in the mall’s restaurants or inside the spa. There is a small restaurant in the adult area of the spa, another on the waterpark side, and a fast-food restaurant called Hesburger. You don’t need your wallet, but you’ll pay when leaving the spa.
Flamingo Spa is a place for the whole family. Children cannot enter the adult area, but they can still enjoy themselves in the water park. Adults are free to stay on any side. There are lifeguards on duty on the waterpark side.
Flamingo Spa is located in the basement of the Flamingo Hotel, just next to the Helsinki Airport, making it an excellent choice for a stopover guest.
The atmosphere in the adult area is peaceful.
- Price: 25 to 39 euros + treatments
- Location: In Vantaa, a few minutes from Helsinki Airport
We recommend Flamingo Spa for stopover guests, families and couples who love saunas and warm pools.
Allas Pool
Allas Pool is perhaps the best summer destination and an exotic winter destination. It has a heated (+26 degrees) open-air pool, a heated pool for children, and a non-heated seawater pool. All the pools are open year-round.
There are separate saunas for men and women, as well as a unisex sauna. Allas has a restaurant serving food and alcohol. Treatments like massage are not available. Swimwear is accepted in Alla’s saunas.
- Price: 15 euros
- Location: In Helsinki Centre
We recommend Allas Pool on sunny days. This open-air spa also offers a unique experience for evening swims in winter.
Helsinki Spas without Pools
Balance Wellness Spa
Balance Wellness Spa is a spa located in downtown Helsinki. It is easily reached by tram from the central railway station. According to Balance Wellness Spa, the place has a luxurious touch with friendly service. Customers can choose between relaxation and a therapeutic massage. Treatments can also be tailored to match customers’ wishes.
Balance Wellness Spa is for people who want to relax and receive treatments in their hectic lives. It doesn’t have a sauna or a pool.
- Price: depends on treatments
- Location: Helsinki Centre (Bulevardi 32)
We recommend Balance Wellness Spa for people who wish to receive treatments in a nicely decorated environment.
Kämp Spa Hotel
Kämp Spa is located in the Kämp Hotel, one of Helsinki’s top 5-star hotels. This day spa is a natural choice for staying in the same hotel. No pools are available, but the spa has a Finnish and steam sauna.
Kämp Spa is a modern, fresh day spa in Helsinki. It’s an excellent choice for treatments or relaxing in the city centre.
- Price: depends on treatments
- Location: Helsinki Centre
Helsinki Day Spa
Helsinki Day Spa is similar to Kämp Spa, with a focus on spa treatments. This spa does not have a pool or a sauna. It shares the premises with the Klaus K Hotel.
Helsinki Day Spa serves snacks like bananas and peanuts in the lounge, which can be accessed before and after treatments. The spa is primarily for relaxation and receiving treatments. It’s a stylish place to unwind, right in the middle of Helsinki.
- Price: depends on treatments
- Location: In Helsinki Centre
Siluetti Spa
Siluetti is a spa and hospital that offers aesthetic consultation and surgery. However, you can book a visit there only to use its spa services.
- Price: Depends on treatments
- Location: In Helsinki Centre
We recommend Siluetti Spa for people who wish to have an aesthetic consultation.
Beauty Salons and Massage Parlours
It is easy to find beauty salons and massage parlours in Helsinki. If you don’t want to try a sauna but still want a treatment, one of these salons could be a good choice. Some Thai massage parlours may offer massages with unwanted extra services.
If you don’t want to try the Finnish sauna (which is a shame), we recommend heading to a regular beauty salon or a massage parlour.
Saunas in Helsinki
Instead of visiting a spa, why not try a public sauna? Even though there are about 2 million home saunas in Finland, public saunas have become popular again—people like gathering together and having a sauna. In Finland, a sauna is where shy Finns discuss with strangers.
Saunas in Swimming Halls
Public saunas do not need to be fancy. With a small budget, you can visit any public swimming hall or outdoor pool with at least one sauna, usually many more. A single ticket to a swimming hall is about 5 euros. If your budget is higher, new public saunas with restaurants are available. Older, traditional public saunas are also available. New ones are more pricey, so visiting an older sauna may be a good choice. They are also more authentic.
Questions and Answers
- What is the best spa in Helsinki?
It depends on what you like. The Flamingo Spa is the largest, and it features many saunas. Allas Pool is the best on a sunny summer day. Smaller day spas are suitable for receiving treatments.
- Which spa is suitable for a stopover guest?
Flamingo Spa is the closest one to Helsinki Airport.
- Are spas expensive in Finland?
Unfortunately, the spas in Finland are pretty pricey.
- Which is our favourite spa?
Unfortunately, the spas in Finland are pretty pricey.
- Where can I try a sauna in Helsinki?
The cheapest way to try a sauna is to visit a public swimming hall. If budget is not a concern, try Löyly, Harjutorin, or Allas.
- Do I need to be naked in a sauna?
It is often recommended. However, you can always wear a towel if you prefer to.
- Where can I find a Thai massage parlour in Helsinki?
Kallio district in Helsinki is the place to find Thai massage parlours.
Which is the Best Spa in Helsinki?
There is no single answer, but we can give you tips on finding your favourite spa. Luckily, there are many spas in Helsinki, so you can choose the one that best suits your style.
Flamingo Spa is the best place to try different saunas and relax in warm pools. The spa has everything you need, and the quality is good. This spa is also family-friendly, offering a space for both adults and children. Unfortunately, the quality comes with the price.
We recommend heading to Helsinki Day Spa if you prefer treatments.
Instead of heading to Helsinki Day Spa for treatments, you may only wish to try a sauna. If budget is your primary concern, try visiting a public sauna with an affordable single-entry ticket (€5— €6) at any public swimming pool in the Helsinki region. The sauna is a famous Finnish relaxing way, so don’t miss it.