At Helsinki Airport, the sauna facilities were renewed in 2014 and are situated between gates 36 and 37, with the Finnair Lounge and the new Finnair Premium Lounge.
'The sauna is an inseparable element of Finnish culture, and therefore an obvious experience to offer at the airport as well. It can refresh travellers after a long day before their flights or connections, or offer a good way to relax before a night-time flight', enthuses Timo Rissanen, Head of Service Concept, Ground Service at Finnair.
Our sauna can fit 3 to 4 at the same time, and everyone wears a towel, as it's a mixed sauna. Shower rooms are separate for men and women, and individual changing rooms with their own showers and toilets are also available. The sauna facilities are furnished in the Nordic style.
Why not order some top-quality food or drinks from the lounge to make the experience even more special?
The unisex sauna has attracted a lot of interest, delight, and also puzzlement from passengers.
'The sauna is, of course, a very familiar thing for Finns. Asians are usually rather reserved about the sauna in general and the unisex concept, too, while our American and British visitors, for instance, really seem to enjoy it'.
'People have been both delighted and confused upon hearing there is a sauna at the airport!'
What does it cost? Access to the Finnair Lounge and the sauna next to it is free to Business class customers and Finnair Plus Silver, Gold, and Platinum members, as well as to oneworld Emerald and Sapphire members booked on a departure marketed by Finnair.
Other passengers can enter for a fee of EUR 48.00 or by using their Finnair Plus points.
How to book? At the lounge reception. You can also order an entry voucher beforehand from Finnair's website.
Views of the runway and Kolvanki Lake from the sauna at Kuusamo Airport
At Kuusamo Airport, you can find the sauna in Mosquito, the building next to the terminal. Mosquito serves travel service providers who take their customers on safaris right from the airport, but the premises can also be hired by companies and private parties.
'The ground floor hall is rather simple and Spartan, as it's been mainly designed for getting changed before various activities, but some company cocktails and even family parties have been organised there. Upstairs is reserved for sauna', explains the airport's Operations Manager Sari Päivärinta.
The sauna is a typical Finnish one, and 8 to 10 people can sit comfortably on its U-shaped benches. While cooling down on the terrace, you can admire the views of the runway and the tiny Kolvanki Lake, a unique experience you will never forget.
The most exotic visitor to the sauna must have been Santa, Päivärinta believes.
'One of Santa's best-guarded secrets is that he has a hidden cabin in Kuusamo, not very far from the airport. In fact, he has come to enjoy the gentle heat at our sauna many times to recharge during his busy season'.
What does it cost? The basic fee is EUR 50.00 (for 2 hours) + EUR 10.00 per person. Extra hours are EUR 15.00 each.
How to book? At Finavia's website. You can also call +358 (0)20 708 8810 or send an email to [email protected].
Admire Aakenustunturi fell at Kittilä Airport's sauna
Kittilä's new airport sauna has been open for business since 2008. The sauna facilities are on the third floor of the airport building, accessible both before and after the security check.
The sauna and changing rooms can accommodate roughly ten people. There are three nice, well-lit shower rooms and a cosy lounge area. The panorama isn't bad either: in addition the gate area, you can see Aakenustunturi fell in Pallas-Yllästunturi National Park.
'Our sauna is mostly used as a part of VIP packages or snowmobile and dog sled safari services offered by travel service providers, but it is also available for hire by companies and private parties alike', says Airport Manager Kari Tohmo.
What does it cost? EUR 100.00 per hour + EUR 20.00 per person; the minimum time is 1 hour. The price includes the use of towels and robes. Food and drinks can be pre-ordered from the airport café.
How to book? At the airport info desk at least 4 hours in advance or at Finavia's website. You can also call +358 (0)020 708 8919 or send an email to [email protected].
