For many travelers, visiting Lapland means chasing the Northern Lights, walking through snowy forests, or meeting reindeer. But if you ask a Finn what really defines Finland, the answer will almost always be the same: sauna.

Almost every Finn grows up with a sauna at home or nearby. For them, it’s not just a way to get warm, it’s a ritual, a place to relax, reset, and connect with yourself and others. If you’re searching for the best sauna in Rovaniemi, you’ll find many options, from public saunas in town to private, wood-heated retreats hidden in the forest.

But how do you choose the sauna that’s right for you and your group? Let’s explore the different types of Finnish saunas and what makes each one special, so you can find the one that speaks to you.

My first sauna experience

When I first came to Finland from the Netherlands about ten years ago, I was visiting my future in-laws. That’s when I had my very first Finnish sauna experience, and it’s a memory I will never forget.

Their cottage near Helsinki had a wood-heated sauna right by the water. It was late October, the air was already biting cold, and my initiation into the family was to take the pier out of the water before we could have our sauna. As the “new member,” that job was mine! My hands were freezing, my nose red, but when I finally stepped into the warm wooden sauna, everything made sense.

The fire crackled, the heat surrounded me, and I quickly understood why Finns love this so much. We sat together, threw water on the stones, and then ran outside into the cold night air to cool off.

That sauna had history. Generations had celebrated important family moments there, and that night, it was my turn to be welcomed into the family. These are the things that gives a sauna its soul, the stories, the laughter, the quiet moments shared and the memories made. 

Which Sauna is Right for You?

Finland has over 3 million saunas, more than one for every two people! Here are the most common types you might come across in Rovaniemi or elsewhere in Finland:

• Smoke Sauna
  The oldest, most traditional sauna. There’s no chimney and smoke fills the room as the fire heats the stones, then it’s ventilated before bathing. The result is a soft, rich heat with a beautiful smoky aroma.
  
  
• Wood-Heated Sauna
  Heated by a wood-burning stove, these saunas are loved for their gentle, even steam and the cozy sound of firewood crackling. This is the type we use at Arctos Lapland Spa for an authentic experience.
  
  
• Electric Sauna
  Common in hotels, gyms, and homes. Quick to heat, practical, but often missing that extra bit of atmosphere you get with wood-fired saunas.
  
  
• Public Sauna
  Public saunas are open to everyone for a small fee, perfect if you want to meet locals and experience the social side of sauna.
  
  
• Tent Sauna
  A simple sauna in a tent with a small stove, often seen at festivals or by rivers. Adventurous, fun, and surprisingly good!

How to choose your best sauna in Rovaniemi

When choosing a sauna in Rovaniemi, it’s worth taking a moment to read reviews on TripAdvisor or Google to see what other travelers have experienced.

We’re proud that Arctos Lapland Spa is ranked #1 on TripAdvisor. So what makes Arctos Lapland stand out from other sauna places in Rovaniemi?

We believe it's the authenticity of the sauna. Before becoming a spa, this was a family’s sauna for many years. We’ve kept its original spirit alive, so when you sit on the wooden bench and throw water on the stones, you can feel its history. Something you can simple not create by putting up a brand new sauna.

Since opening Arctos Lapland Spa, many new memories have been made here too, from marriage proposals in the sauna to families seeing the Northern Lights from the sauna window.

Experience the best sauna in Rovaniemi

Ready to enjoy your own private sauna experience?

Come and see why so many guests say this is the most memorable moment of their Lapland journey.

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