FAQ – Saunas

Natura Viva saunas – frequently asked questions

Where are Natura Viva's saunas?

All our saunas are right by the water:

Solid Sauna – Vuosaari Paddling Center, Helsinki, by the sea
Haukanpesä sauna – on the shore of Lake Haukkalampi, Nuuksio National Park, Espoo
Matildanjärvi sauna – on the shore of Lake Matildanjärvi, Teijo National Park, Salo
Oravankolo – a separate lakeside sauna in the yard of the wilderness cabin, Nuuksio National Park
Tikankolo – a separate sauna building in the yard of the wilderness cabin, Nuuksio National Park
Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin – the cabin has its own sauna, Fiskars, Raasepori

You can book a sauna slot at Solid Sauna, Haukanpesä sauna and Matildanjärvi sauna. Using the saunas at Oravankolo, Tikankolo and Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin requires an accommodation booking, which includes the use of the sauna.

How many people fit in the sauna room?

Solid Sauna: up to 8–10 people at a time
Haukanpesä sauna: about 6 people
Matildanjärvi sauna: about 5 people
Oravankolo and Tikankolo: 4–5 people
Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin: 3–4 people

How do I heat the sauna?

You will receive heating instructions in the messages sent after you have made and paid for your sauna booking. Plan to arrive before your slot starts and make sure the sauna has been switched on to heat up in time.

Solid Sauna, Haukanpesä sauna, Matildanjärvi sauna and the sauna at Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin are electric saunas. A slot at Haukanpesä or Matildanjärvi includes one hour of heating time before it starts. The saunas at Oravankolo and Tikankolo are wood-heated, and firewood is included in your stay.

Is there a shower and hot water?

Solid Sauna: there is water in the sauna, but it is mainly for throwing on the stove. Wash in the shared changing rooms and showers of Vuosaari Paddling Center.
Haukanpesä sauna: warm water comes from a hose. There is no actual shower, but warm water is available.
Matildanjärvi sauna: warm water and a small shower cubicle for washing.
Oravankolo and Tikankolo: washing water is heated in a wood-fired cauldron, and water is fetched from the lake or pond all year round. There is no running water.
Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin: water is pumped to the sauna and cabin from the lake with a submersible pump.

Is the water drinkable?

We cannot guarantee that the water is drinkable. The water at Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin is lake water, so boil it or bring your own drinking water. The water at Haukanpesä sauna comes from a well, and its drinkability is not guaranteed either. Bring drinking and cooking water with you to Oravankolo and Tikankolo.

Can I use soap or shampoo in the sauna?

At Tikankolo, Oravankolo and Solid Sauna, do not use any washing products that are not environmentally friendly – ideally, avoid washing products altogether. In Vuosaari you can use washing products in the showers of the Paddling Center's changing rooms.

Can I go for a swim from the sauna? Is there an ice hole?

Yes. All our saunas are on the shore of the sea, a lake or a pond. At Solid Sauna in Vuosaari you can take a dip in the sea in both summer and winter. In winter 2027 we are gathering experiences of ice swimming in Vuosaari and developing winter sauna bathing based on our guests' feedback. We do not maintain an ice hole at our other saunas.

Tip: if you go cooling off or swimming in natural waters, put a bucket of water in front of the sauna door to rinse your feet. That saves you from unnecessary cleaning.

Do I need a swimsuit and a sauna seat cover?

We recommend bringing your own sauna seat cover to all saunas. If you go swimming, we recommend wearing a swimsuit, as there are many other people around in the national parks and at Vuosaari Paddling Center. On public Solid Sauna slots, a swimsuit and a seat cover are mandatory.

Are there toilets at the saunas?

Solid Sauna: the changing rooms, washrooms and toilets of Vuosaari Paddling Center are available to sauna guests, and toilet paper is provided.
Haukanpesä sauna: there are public outdoor toilets maintained by Metsähallitus (Parks & Wildlife Finland) in the yard, with hand-washing facilities in summer. Bring your own toilet paper – when Cafe Haukka is open, you can also get some there.
Matildanjärvi sauna: the sauna has its own outhouse. Its key is on the same key ring as the sauna key.
Oravankolo and Tikankolo: outhouses in the cabin yards.
Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin: flush toilet inside the cabin.

What should I bring to the sauna?

Bring a towel, personal toiletries, a water bottle and perhaps a small snack. Towels are not included in the sauna booking, but in Vuosaari you can rent a towel on site from Cafe Harbö or the rental.

Please also bring toilet paper if you are using the sauna at Oravankolo, Tikankolo, Myllyjärvi or Matildanjärvi. Toilet paper is provided in the changing rooms, washrooms and toilets of Vuosaari Paddling Center.

Can children come to the sauna?

Yes! Children are welcome in the sauna under the supervision and responsibility of an adult.

Can I bring my pet?

Pets are welcome at Oravankolo, Tikankolo and Myllyjärvi Lakeshore Cabin for a separate fee, and they can enjoy the outdoors with you. To keep the saunas pleasant for everyone, including guests with allergies, we kindly ask you to keep pets out of the sauna, changing room and sauna lounge.

Can I bring my own drinks?

Yes. You can enjoy your own drinks, including alcoholic beverages, at your own responsibility at Haukanpesä and Matildanjärvi saunas, Oravankolo, Tikankolo and Myllyjärvi. This is currently also possible at Solid Sauna in Vuosaari, but alcoholic beverages must not be taken into the licensed area, which includes the café premises and terraces of Vuosaari Paddling Center and the seaside meeting space Vaja.

What if I'm late for my sauna slot?

Being late shortens your sauna time, as the slot ends at the booked time. If there is a free slot right after yours in the booking calendar, you may be able to book extra time.

How should I leave the sauna?

Clean the sauna after use and switch it off. Take your own waste, empty bottles, cans and rubbish with you.

Can I cancel or change my sauna booking?

Sauna bookings can be cancelled or changed in accordance with our booking and payment terms. You can find the terms in your sauna booking details and at the bottom of the Natura Viva website.

Didn't find an answer? Send us an email: info@naturaviva.fi.