Step into the steam – Discover sauna the Oulu way

In Oulu, sauna isn’t just a tradition — it’s a lifestyle with a splash of northern attitude. Float down the river on a steaming sauna raft, sweat it out by the sea, or sink your toes into Hailuoto sand between sessions. Wherever you steam, chill, or dip, one thing’s certain — Oulu knows how to turn up the heat in true Finnish style.

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Sauna culture in Oulu – Where to stay and steam like a Finn

Experience authentic Finnish sauna culture in Oulu, where northern charm and wellbeing go hand in hand. With nearly three million saunas across Finland, this cherished tradition is part of everyday life — a moment to pause, breathe, and feel the warmth. Whether you’re staying by the sea or in the heart of the city, many accommodations and hotels in Oulu offer private or shared saunas, giving you the perfect chance to unwind and relax like a true Finn.

Book your stay with a sauna in Oulu

Lakeside sauna - Taiga Resort

A tradition rooted in everyday life

In Finland, there are more saunas than cars — about 3.3 million of them for a population of 5.6 million! That says a lot about how deeply sauna culture runs here. It’s not just a place to wash; it’s where life slows down, thoughts untangle, and quiet moments become sacred.

Long ago, saunas were simple smoke-filled huts — places for bathing, healing, even giving birth. They were warm, humble sanctuaries where body and mind could reset. Today, the same spirit lives on, whether it’s a family’s weekly ritual or a post-work wind-down with friends. The warmth, the wood, the soft hiss of steam — it’s Finland’s oldest wellness trend, and it never goes out of style.

Sauna moments you’ll never forget – Only in Oulu

Oulu gives sauna culture a playful twist. Here, you can drift down the Oulujoki River in a floating sauna or steam by the sea at the Market Square. Each spot has its own personality — some rustic, some a bit wild — but all share the same heart: warmth, equality, and a good dose of Finnish calm.

Whether you plunge into icy water after a steamy session or sip something cold under the midnight sun, Oulu’s sauna moments will leave you glowing (and maybe just a little addicted to löyly).

The most unique sauna experiences in Oulu

Olosauna

Sauna Etiquette and how to enjoy It

The sauna experience is simple, but it comes with a few traditions that help keep it relaxing for everyone:

Wash before entering
A quick shower keeps the sauna clean and pleasant.

Sit on a towel
In public saunas, always sit on a small towel or disposable sauna seat cover — called a laudeliina or pefletti in Finnish — for comfort and hygiene. Some saunas offer them for visitors, but it’s always a good idea to bring your own just in case.

Stay quiet or speak softly
The sauna is a calm place to unwind. However don’t be surprised by the occasional loud friend groups – the quiet Finns sometimes let loose in Sauna.

Nudity is natural
In Finland, sauna nudity is completely natural and not seen as awkward. However, wearing a swimsuit or wrapping yourself in a towel is perfectly acceptable, especially in mixed or public saunas. The key is to feel comfortable and relaxed. Always check public sauna’s etiquette – swimwear is often required

Cool down and rehydrate
Take a refreshing dip in a lake, river, or the sea — or simply enjoy the crisp air or a cold shower. Between rounds, drink water to stay hydrated. The cycle of heat and coolness is what makes the experience truly restorative.

No added scents or loud music.
Finnish saunas celebrate simplicity — the scent of birch, wood, and steam is enough.

Try the vihta (or vasta)
This bundle of fresh birch twigs is used to gently tap the skin, improving circulation and leaving a subtle forest scent on your skin. It’s a centuries-old Finnish ritual, especially cherished during summer when birch leaves are at their greenest.

Enjoy the löyly
The heart of the sauna is its steam — the löyly. When water hits the hot stones, it creates a gentle wave of heat that defines the sauna experience: soothing, energizing, and uniquely Finnish. The temperature is usually around 70–90°C. If others are present, it’s polite to ask before adding more water — a quick “Saako heittää löylyä?” (“Is it okay to throw some steam?”) shows good sauna manners.

Take your time
There’s no rush in the sauna. Sit, breathe, and enjoy the silence. Whether you’re alone or with friends, the sauna is not just about warmth — it’s about wellbeing, balance, and a little piece of Finnish peace.

Black Sauna

Saunas to experience in Oulu: Public Saunas – Open to everyone

Mallassauna
In a cozy courtyard in Pikisaari filled with soft sand brought from Hailuoto Island, you’ll find a truly unique sauna experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming — just bring your own towel and swimsuit. Water is carried by hand, adding a nostalgic touch. This charming spot is Mallasauna, open Wed–Thu 16:00–21:00, Fri 16:00–22:00, and Sat 14:00–22:00.

Torisauna
An Arctic sauna experience in the heart of Oulu’s Market Square. Built from authentic logs, Torisauna combines city life with northern calm — steam, sea breeze, and city lights all in one place. Open from 3 Oct 2025 to 11 Apr 2026, it welcomes locals and visitors alike to relax, cool off outdoors, and unwind by the fireplace inside. Located in front of Keltainen Aitta, with views toward the sea and Oulu Theatre.

Black Sauna
A year-round public sauna offering an authentic Finnish wood-heated experience — no booking needed, just walk in and get your ticket on-site. Alongside the public sauna, a private sauna with a hot tub, meeting room, and shared cold pool is available for rent. The outdoor terrace also features hot tubs and a cold plunge for a full wellness experience. Use of the cold pool is included in the ticket; the hot tub is available for a small extra fee. Open: Mon–Thu 17:00–23:00, Fri–Sat 17:00–24:00, Sun 16:00–21:00.

Saunas to Experience in Oulu: Sauna Rafts

Lainesauna
A floating sauna on the Oulujoki River offering both public “walk-in” sessions and private bookings. Enjoy the soft heat, take a refreshing dip in the river — or in winter, the avanto (ice hole) — and relax in the outdoor hot tub while admiring the riverside views.

Olosauna
Located in Hietasaari on the Oulujoki River, Olosauna combines wellness and nature. Guests can cool off in the river or try winter swimming during the colder months. Separate dressing rooms for men and women, and a shared sauna space where swimsuits are worn, make it a welcoming experience for all.

Koivurannan Saunalautta
A beloved Oulu classic — this traditional sauna raft offers both stationary sessions and sauna cruises on the Oulujoki River. Enjoy authentic wooden heat and ever-changing river scenery.