Copy My Trip: Experience Tampere, Finland, the sauna capital of the world

Dinogo Planet Destination Editor Amy Lynch journeyed to Tampere, Finland—the sauna capital of the world—to explore the Finnish love for saunas. Here, she shares tips and insights for those looking to embark on a similar adventure. I thought I understood saunas. Small electric versions at the local pool or tiny outdoor cabins with lukewarm heat. But nothing prepared me for the Finnish sauna, a holistic, social ritual of cleansing and relaxation. With over 60 public saunas, it’s easy to see why Tampere claims the title of sauna capital. From floating saunas to artistic ones, rooftop options to basic public facilities, Tampere offers a wide variety. Beyond saunas, this vibrant yet laid-back city boasts fantastic dining, scenic hikes just 30 minutes from the center, and a plethora of cultural attractions.

What makes saunas so beloved in Finland?

With more than 3 million public and private saunas in Finland, these spaces serve as the social hub of Finnish life. Saunas are where friends reconnect, special occasions are celebrated, and relaxation occurs, as well as a preparation for the day ahead. Meetings can happen in saunas, some women give birth there, and it’s common for people to request a final wash in a sauna before death. This sacred space is believed to offer numerous benefits, including relaxation, enhanced blood circulation, rejuvenation, better sleep, and illness prevention. Inside the sauna, long-handled ladles are used to pour water onto the heated stones to generate steam. Important sauna etiquette dictates that the individual nearest to the stones is responsible for ladling the water, but only after confirming with others present. The experience often culminates in a refreshing plunge into a cold lake after a sauna session.

What was the highlight of your trip?

My absolute favorite sauna experience in Tampere was the ceremony I attended at the Sauna Temple, a yurt-style sauna at Rauhaniemi Folk Spa. The Sauna Temple features a wood-fired silent sauna (though quiet conversations are permitted on Wednesdays). The sauna ceremony is conducted by Saunakonkeli (@saunakonkeli on Instagram), who lead an immersive, mystical ritual that includes spells, chanting, traditional folk songs, and gentle whisking of guests’ skin with maple twigs and leaves, while ladling water onto the hot stones. It’s a deeply overwhelming and sensual experience that connects sauna-goers to the sacred traditions of sauna culture—the blend of all four natural elements to create löyly (steam).

What was the most hidden gem you discovered in Tampere?

About an hour and a half northwest of Tampere's center lies the charming town of Mänttä, home to the Serlachius Museum of Art. Nestled by Lake Melasjärvi, this museum features well-curated exhibits that reflect the collection of the Serlachius family. It showcases paintings from Finland's Golden Age and works by European masters, along with sculptures, video installations, and temporary exhibitions from contemporary artists—a true treasure trove. A standout for me was Anselm Kiefer's impressive large-scale piece, Väinämöinen Ilmarinen. During my visit, I was captivated by the temporary exhibit Fade Cut, which offered a poignant exploration of queer identity against the backdrop of American barbershop culture. On-site, Restaurant Gösta is another highlight, with award-winning chef Henry Tikkanen preparing delectable dishes using seasonal, locally sourced ingredients. The attention to detail extends to the dining experience, from the carefully chosen tableware to the meals. I still remember the creamy beetroot risotto topped with mushrooms and crispy kale, followed by an exquisite white chocolate choux paired with passionfruit sorbet. Additionally, the complex features an Art Sauna, designed to harmonize with the museum's architecture, adorned with thoughtful art pieces, including a stunning tile mosaic in the outdoor shower area.

What surprised you the most during your time in Tampere?

In Finland, the chance to immerse yourself in nature is always within reach, and Tampere is no exception. Just a 30-minute tram ride south brings you to the Hervantajärvi nature trail, where you can wander through a dense, snowy forest along the frozen banks of Makkarajärvi. I ventured there with Patrick from Adventure Apes to forage, learn fire-making techniques, and savor some sausages and coffee cooked over an open flame at the Viitastenperä campfire. Although I struggled at first to start a fire, the flames eventually danced to life, allowing us to enjoy our hot coffee and sausages. Discovering such a serene and isolated spot so close to an urban center was truly refreshing, especially after a few days of exploring Tampere’s city streets.

What was the most visually stunning moment of your journey?

Just north of downtown Tampere is the Pyynikki neighborhood, adjacent to the Pynnikki Ridge nature reserve. This area boasts numerous paths and trails, with benches and flat rocks perfect for enjoying views of the lake. It’s a popular spot for locals to stroll and jog. However, the most spectacular perspective can be found at the Observation Tower, accessible from the ridge’s entrance. For just €2, you can climb to the top and step onto the balcony for a 360-degree panorama of Tampere and its surrounding lakes. The scenery features a blend of towering industrial chimneys, contemporary buildings, lush forests, and vast lakes. (And don’t worry, there’s an elevator for those who prefer to skip the stairs.) At the base of the tower, the café is renowned for its doughnuts—fresh, fluffy, and generously coated in sugar. Treat yourself to a well-deserved break with a doughnut and coffee after your hike and climb.

What Finnish food or beverage should I sample?

I was introduced to Long Drink (or Lonkero in Finnish) on my very first evening in Tampere. This beloved Finnish beverage is a must-have for picnics and long summer nights. Long Drink is a ready-to-drink mix of gin and lemonade, typically flavored with grapefruit. It’s refreshingly crisp and slightly sweet, and before long, I found myself sampling all the different varieties. You can easily spot it in blue and white striped cans at most supermarkets, priced at just a couple of euros each, or available in multipacks. Amy Lynch traveled to Finland at the invitation of Visit Tampere. Dinogo Planet staff members do not accept freebies in exchange for positive coverage.