Combine a short harbor cruise with a Finnish sauna and the chance to swim or SUP near the Suomenlinna sea fortress. This two-hour outing blends city sights with a cultural bathing ritual and calm archipelago time.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
The boat slips away from the Market Square and the city exhales: granite facades and church domes shrink as the archipelago opens. Salted wind tugs at your jacket while the vessel threads between rocky islets, Cathedral spires on one side and the low stone ramparts of Suomenlinna ahead. The cruise pairs slow coastal reconnaissance with a Finnish ritual — panoramic sauna bathing on deck — and looks for a sheltered anchorage near the Sea Fortress for a swim or a quick SUP.
Difficulty
easy
Duration
2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; involves short boardings, light standing, and optional paddling.
Wildlife
History
Suomenlinna was constructed in the mid-1700s by Sweden as a maritime fortress and later played roles under Russian and Finnish rule; it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Conservation
The Baltic Sea is ecologically sensitive; visitors are asked to avoid soap in the water, pack out trash, and follow local guidance to protect shore habitats.
Reserve your spot on the Sauna and Sightseeing Helsinki cruise today and enjoy a trusted, highly rated experience designed to help you make the most of your adventure.
Bring swimwear under your clothes
Change quickly on board to make the most of sauna and swim stops without carrying wet items around the boat.
Watch for cold-water shock
The Baltic can be very cold; enter the water slowly after the sauna and stick to short dips if you’re unaccustomed to low temperatures.
Protect electronics
Store cameras and phones in waterproof bags or dry compartments—spray and sauna steam are constant hazards on deck.
Plan for public transit return
Harbor access is central and well connected by tram and bus; check schedules if you plan to explore Suomenlinna after disembarking.
Swimwear
Wear under your clothes for quick transitions between sauna and water.
summer
Towel and quick-dry robe
A towel for drying and a robe or warm layer to wear after the plunge.
Waterproof daypack or dry bag
Keeps electronics and spare clothes dry on a wet deck.
Light windproof jacket
Wind over open water can be chilly even on sunny days; a shell helps after the sauna.
spring