A public sauna visit is easier when you know what the venue provides. Some places include towels or seat covers; others expect you to bring your own. Check the booking page before leaving home.
A simple packing list
- A towel for drying and, if wanted, wrapping around yourself.
- A small seat towel or reusable sauna seat cover.
- Swimwear if the venue requires it.
- A water bottle for breaks outside the hot room.
- A bag for wet items afterwards.
Check the dress code
Rules vary between mixed public saunas and separate sauna spaces. Do not assume that swimwear is required everywhere or allowed everywhere. Follow the venue’s posted guidance, and ask staff when the instructions are unclear.
Once you arrive
Shower before entering. Leave your phone and food outside the sauna room, respect other visitors’ space and ask before adding water to the stones. Take breaks whenever you want; a first visit does not need to be a test of heat tolerance.
Further reading: MyHelsinki’s sauna etiquette guide and its guide to different sauna customs. Read our main Finnish sauna guide for the broader introduction.
