Helsinki is surrounded by the sea and water is one of its most defining features. Although Finns are famous for their courageous ice swimming, our staff chose some suggestions of the places where you may enjoy the warm waters all year around. Enjoy!

Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall

The oldest swimming hall in Finland is also the most beautiful one. The historic building that looks like an ancient spa is a sight as such. The men and women have separate shifts as wearing a swimsuit is optional. We recommend renting a dressing cabin on the second floor since this grants you access to the wood-heated sauna and the infrared sauna. Up on the second floor you can also use the services of the charming cafe in between swimming rounds. Be sure to check the days for the men and the women from the City of Helsinki website before paying a visit!

Location from Hotel Arthur: Walk 15 minutes or take tram 3 from Kaisaniemenpuisto to Ylioppilastalo, then walk 350 meters. Address: Yrjönkatu 21b. Closed for renovation.

Allas Sea Pool

This fun and entertaining place is located next to The Market Square, opposite side to the Presidential Palace, right in the heart of the city. There’s a year-round heated sweet water pool and unheated sea water pool. During the summer there’s also a pool for children. It’s nice to watch the ships and vessels arriving to port while sitting on the bench of the electric heated sauna. You may have a dinner, some lighter snacks or just have a drink after exercise on the terrace with a view. A wide range of concerts take place here during the summer. You can also participate in different group fitness lessons, like yoga or fitness boxing.

Location from Hotel Arthur: Walk around 20 minutes or take tram number 2 from Mikonkatu to The Market Square. Address: Katajanokanlaituri 2a

Mäkelänrinne Swimming Hall

Although the Mäkelänrinne swimming hall is very popular, there’s plenty of space to swim in The Olympic-size main pool. In the second pool where the skilled athletes are doing Olympic diving, there’s a separate section for the aqua joggers. The third pool is dedicated to children; and in the fourth pool, the therapy pool, you are able to relax in the bubbles and get some massaging from water jet showers. After the swim you may choose between the Finnish sauna and the Turkish bath to warm your muscles. Besides swimming and other aquatic activities, there’s a wide selection of group fitness classes on offer; there is also a cafe onsite where they have lots of different savories and sweet pastries.

Location from Hotel Arthur: Take tram number 7 from Snellmaninkatu to Mäkelänrinteen Uintikeskus, total travel time 25 minutes. Address: Mäkelänkatu 49. Closed for maintenance 05.07.-08.08.2021.

Löyly

If you prefer saunas, then Löyly which was listed in Time Magazine World’s 100 Greatest Places is definitely for you. You can go to the only public smoke sauna in the city and to the big wood-burning sauna or have a private experience in a smaller wood-fired sauna. Men and women are able to enjoy the sauna together, so you should wear your swimsuit all the time. The stunning location with beautiful architecture is a place where you easily forget that you are in a bustling city. There’s no pool, but you are able to refresh yourself by dipping into the sea: they keep a hole in the ice open for ice swimming even in winter time. There’s a large outdoor terrace and an atmospheric restaurant which serves brunch, lunch and dinner.

Location from Hotel Arthur: Take tram number 3 from Kaisaniemenpuisto to Viiskulma, then take bus number 14 and get off at Henry Fordinkatu. Total travel time 30 minutes. Address: Hernesaarenranta 4.

Seurasaari baths

This swimming facility is mostly a nudist beach with separate sections for men and women. On Wednesdays and Sundays the beach is open for everyone and thus swimwear is mandatory. It’s a calm and traditional beach on an island where you can sunbathe on the sand watching a boat or a seagull occasionally passing by. This beach is not a touristic attraction but a spot where the grannies and grandpas of Helsinki have spent their summer days as long as they can remember. So pack your picnic basket with goodies, grab some sun lotion and a towel and take a short break from the hustle and bustle. There is an outdoor shower, a dressing room and a toilet; so nothing too fancy.

Location from Hotel Arthur: Walk 10 minutes to Lasipalatsi stop and take bus 24 to Seurasaari, then walk 13 minutes to the beach. Total travel time 50 minutes. Address: Seurasaari. Open during 7.6. – 15.8.2021 daily 10 am -6 pm.