This is winter sauna the way it was meant to be, and in Oulu you can do it just minutes from the city.
A sauna on the sea, not by it
Every winter, off the coast of Oulu, we set up authentic wood-heated sauna tents directly on the frozen Gulf of Bothnia. Inside, the wood stove keeps things gloriously hot. Outside, there is nothing but white ice stretching to the horizon.
The contrast is the whole point. The soft heat of a wood sauna, the crackle of the stove, the silence of the frozen sea, and the knowledge that you are sitting on top of the Baltic, is something you simply cannot get from a sauna indoors.
Then, the ice
Next to the sauna, a safe ice-swimming spot is opened in shallow water with a clear, sandy bottom. For the full Nordic experience, you leave the heat and lower yourself into the ice hole. It is cold, it is brief, and it is unforgettable, and the rush of warmth you feel afterwards is exactly why Finns have done this for centuries.
And to be clear: nobody has to swim. Plenty of guests simply enjoy the sauna, watch the braver ones take the plunge, and hear about the Finnish tradition of ice swimming from their guide. The experience is just as good either way.
Why ice swimming is good for you
Ice swimming is not just a dare. In Finland it is a genuine wellbeing tradition, and cold-water immersion is widely associated with feeling refreshed, invigorated and clear-headed afterwards. The combination of hot sauna and cold water is a centuries-old rhythm here, and most people are surprised by how good they feel once it is done.
What to expect on the experience
A wood-heated sauna tent on the frozen sea, warmed and ready.
A safe ice-swimming spot opened beside it, entirely optional.
A heated changing tent for a warm, private space to change before and after.
A guide present throughout to keep everything safe and comfortable.
Towels and washing supplies included.
Bring a swimsuit if you want to try the ice, along with warm layers for before and after. Everything else is provided.
When can you do it?
The tent sauna and ice swimming experience runs through the winter season, from 22 December to 31 March, when the sea ice is thick and reliable. Evening sessions are especially atmospheric, with the low winter light or a dark, starlit sky over the ice, and if you are lucky, the northern lights above.
Frequently asked questions
Do I have to swim in the ice?
No. The ice swim is completely optional. Many guests just enjoy the sauna and the setting.
Is ice swimming safe?
Yes, when done properly. The spot is in shallow water with a sandy bottom, a guide is present throughout, and a heated changing tent is right beside it.
What should I bring?
A swimsuit if you want to try the ice, plus warm layers for before and after. Towels and washing supplies are included.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes. No experience is needed, and the guide talks you through everything.
Can we do it as a group?
Yes. The experience works well for couples, families and corporate groups, and larger groups can be arranged in sessions.
Experience Finnish sauna on the ice
Our Arctic Sauna & Ice Swimming experience runs through the winter season, guided in English, with everything you need included. It is one of the most authentic and memorable things you can do in a Finnish winter.
Book Arctic Sauna & Ice Swimming
Planning a group? We arrange sauna experiences for tour operators, DMCs and corporate groups. Get in touch for rates and availability.