There are so many beautiful saunas in Stockholm Sweden that knowing which one to visit is tricky (though I’ve had fun testing them out!).
Saunas in Sweden are known as ‘bastu’ and you can find them everywhere — in gyms, yoga studios, swimming pools, fancy spas, and ski hills.
Sauna-going is a regular activity for Swedes, not just a special treat. It’s a way to relax, stay healthy, and hang out with friends. In Stockholm, visiting a sauna is a must-do, and it’s even more special in winter. Enjoying a sauna when it’s cold outside and dark by 3 p.m. is one of my favourite things to do in Stockholm in winter.
This guide focuses on the best outdoor saunas in Stockholm and those that are a bit more unique. The ones which are floating on lakes and rivers, rather than those that are part of a hotel or larger spa experience.
If you’re looking for a fun and unique Swedish experience in Stockholm, then be sure to check out these saunas in the city. These saunas are some of the reasons why we think winter is a great time to visit Stockholm.
Table of Contents
Map of the best saunas in Stockholm
Using This Map: First, click the image to load the map into your Google Maps account. In the upper left corner, click the tab to access different layers. Toggle visibility by clicking on the checkboxes next to each layer. For detailed information about specific locations, click on the icons you see on the map.
To access this map at another time on your mobile device or desktop, launch Google Maps, click the menu icon, then “Your Places,” select the Maps tab, and find this map in your collection.
Sickla Sauna
Sickla Sauna is easily one of Stockholm’s best because of its stunning location and thoughtful design.
You’ll find this sauna on the river banks near Nacka Reserve (a beautiful place for a walk in Stockholm). Its location means it has beautiful views while you get toasty. It’s even more special if you get to gaze out at the frozen lake!
The sauna has soothing, relaxing lights and everything about it is designed to give you a relaxing experience. Plus, there’s also a Bluetooth sound system. So, if you’ve rented out the sauna for you and your friends you can play your favourite tunes right from your phone while unwinding in the sauna.
- Address: Nackanäsbron 4
Centralbadet
Centralbadet in Stockholm is right in the centre of the city. It’s one of few on this list that is part of a gym and swimming pool, but its beautiful interior is what makes it unique. This historic public bathhouse, established in 1904, is housed in a stunning Art Nouveau building.
As well as this indoor sauna in Stockholm you can enjoy a spa treatment or a steam bath too.
One of my favourite parts of Centralabdet in Stockholm is the herb sauna with aromatherapy from herbs and spices creating a special experience.
As a guest, you can also get bathrobes on your arrival which adds a touch of luxury to the experience.
- Address: Drottninggatan 88, 111 36 Stockholm, Sweden
Tanto Bastu
Tanto Bastu in Stockholm is a community-driven sauna experience. Born from a citizen’s proposal in 2015, you can enjoy a wood-burning sauna by Årstaviken, available all year round. The Tanto Sauna Association manages this sauna raft, which started in 2016 thanks to its members’ support.
While you need to be a member to book sessions, the public can still access it several times a week, just check on their website to see the latest public sessions.
Remember to bring two towels (one for sitting in the sauna and one for after lake bathing), swimwear for the lake (you can wear it in the sauna), and drinking water, as there’s no fresh water on the raft.
- Address: Årstaviken, 117 39
Floating Sauna in Stockholm // Sauna Raft Stockholm
The Floating Sauna Stockholm is a sauna on a raft where you can enjoy the beauty of Stockholm’s water views while relaxing in a warm sauna.
Renting out the floating sauna is perfect for an event and there’s a large grill too so you can have a BBQ. There’s also a roof terrace with comfy sofas too.
You’ll get a captain to guide your journey so you can focus on relaxing and having fun!
- Address: Stocksunds hamnplan, 182 78
Hellasgården
Just 15 minutes from downtown Stockholm, Hellasgården is an outdoor paradise, perfect if you love nature. It’s by Lake Källtorp and offers amazing saunas with beautiful views of the lake and surrounding landscape.
There are two saunas, one for women and one for men, and after heating up in the sauna, you can cool off with a swim in the lake.
Stopping here after exploring Nackareservatet is such a great day out near the city!
- Address: Källtorpssjön 1, 131 33 Nacka, Sweden
Ice Bears Sauna Bromma
Ice Bears Sauna Bromma is loved by Stockholm’s real sauna enthusiasts. While this is normally members only, it’s open to the public on selected days, it’s situated beside Lake Mälaren, featuring a jetty and both a large and a small sauna with electric heating units.
In winter, they have an area for ice bathing, and you’ll get beautiful views of Mälaren all year round.
- Address: Kanaans väg, 168 44
Stockholm Sauna Vinterviken
The Stockholm Sauna Vinterviken is another member-managed facility in Stockholm where everyone contributes to its upkeep, creating a strong sense of community among sauna-goers. It’s the best sauna in Stockholm on this side of the city.
Vinterviken has separate sessions for women, men, and mixed groups, each lasting two hours.
If you want to become a member, it’s quite accessible, with an annual fee of 500 SEK or a monthly option of 349 SEK for unlimited use. Even non-members have the opportunity to enjoy the sauna on Wednesdays from 5 to 7 p.m.
Sjöbastun
Sjöbastun in Stockholm is a great choice for those seeking a private and exclusive sauna experience. This sea sauna offers a unique setting moored on the water and it’s rented out privately (with a minimum of three hours), ensuring complete privacy for you and your group. It can comfortably accommodate 10-12 people at a time, making it perfect for small get-togethers.
You have the entire sauna raft to yourself during your rental period including a small changing room where you and your guests can change clothes and store belongings securely.
Yasuragi
Yasuragi is 25 minutes from central Stockholm and is unique as you’ll get to experience a blend of Japanese and Swedish sauna experiences.
The sauna is in amongst the forest and gives you amazing views of the Stockholm Archipelago. It’s a peaceful spa with a traditional Japanese bathhouse, where the focus is on cleansing and unwinding in serene surroundings.
- Address: Hamndalsvägen 6, 132 45 Saltsjö-Boo, Sweden
Sätra sauna
Sätra Sauna operates on a simple yet inviting principle: if there’s room, you’re welcome to join. For just 40 SEK, you can enjoy a sauna session, payable via Swish (The Swedish banking app).
This sauna is all about the no-fuss, easy-access philosophy, as you cannot book in advance. If it’s full, there’s a waiting list, ensuring a fair chance for everyone to enjoy the sauna.
What to Expect When Using Saunas in Stockholm
If it’s your first time experiencing a sauna in Stockholm then below is a bit of guidance. Things can vary between saunas so it’s a good idea to check out the website for the one you’re interested in first.
Going Nude is Normal
In Stockholm, it can be common to disrobe completely. Swedes are generally comfortable with nudity in saunas, and wearing clothes might actually draw more attention.
Exceptions for Mixed Saunas
In mixed-gender saunas, swimwear is usually allowed. Men typically wear Speedos and women bikinis, but a towel wrapped around them is also common.
Essentials to Bring
Always bring a towel for sitting or lying in the sauna, which makes it more comfortable and hygienic. It’s also used for wrapping around between the sauna and changing rooms. In an outdoor sauna in Stockholm, enjoying a drink with friends is common.
Check the rules of the sauna if you’re planning to bring a beverage.
Before Entering the Sauna
It’s common to take a swim or shower before entering the sauna to stay clean.
Drink plenty of water before and during your sauna session to stay hydrated, as you’ll sweat a lot. Most saunas provide water coolers or taps but it’s a good idea to take a water bottle with you anyway.
Inside the Sauna
Choose a spot and relax and remember, the higher you sit, the hotter it gets.
You can increase humidity by pouring water on hot stones.
After the Sauna
A cool shower is typical after a sauna to close the pores. Rehydrate your body with a drink and moisturize your skin after you’ve enjoyed the best sauna Stockholm has to offer.
Hannah is the owner and main writer of Outdoor Sweden. Having travelled the world and documented it on ThatAdventurer.co.uk, including 6 years living in Canada, Hannah and her husband have decided to make Sweden their home for the outdoors activities Sweden offers.