Sauna in Stockholm
Publish date: 29 June 2026
From wood-fired saunas by the water to urban spas and guided rituals, Stockholm offers countless ways to warm up, take a dip, and chill! Here’s your guide to the best sauna, and swimming spots in the city year-round.
Etiquette in the Sauna
- Do I have to be naked?
You can be naked, but it's okay not to be – just wear a swimsuit or wrap yourself in a towel. (And if you’re naked, always sit on a towel – never directly on the bench.) - Be clean
Shower and wash off before entering to keep the sauna clean for everyone. - Stay hydrated
Drink water! Other drinks are sometimes allowed, but beware: Alcohol works faster when you are exerted from heating! - Don't overdo it
Take breaks for a cold shower or swim, or sit on a lower rung if you're feeling too hot. - Respect the stillness
Only talk in a low voice, or not at all.
Outdoor Saunas in the City
Hornstullsbastun (pictured above)
Stockholm’s newly opened public sauna at Bergsund Strand. Book a 90-minute session, with designated times for men’s, women’s, and mixed saunas. Perfect for those who want a central sauna-and-swimming experience.
Book a private, wood-fired sauna with crackling flames and panoramic views over Riddarfjärden on Södermalm. Close to nature and water, with cold-plunge options right from the dock.
Tanto bastu
A non-profit sauna association on the shores of Årstaviken, with select public hours. Ideal for combining a Södermalm stroll with a cold dip and sauna. Check the schedule for men’s, women’s, and mixed sessions.
Stockholm 1897
A restaurant and bakery with a sauna by Djurgårdsbron bridge. Here, the sauna is part of a larger food and waterfront experience, a stone's throw from some of Stockholm's top attractions.
Spa in Stockholm
Saunas outside the city center
Styled after 1950s-1960s American beach clubs, this wellness destination in the Lidingö borough offers playful wellness. There are pools, padel courts, restaurants and – obviously – several different saunas.
The Sacred Sauna
A guided sauna experience with heat, cold plunges, breathing exercises, and aufguss sauna sessions with fragrant essential oils. Ideal for those who want something more than "just a sauna" and prefer a guided experience.
A classic for nature lovers in the Nacka Nature Reserve. Combine sauna with swimming, running, hiking, or simply a moment by the lake. Just 20 minutes from Slussen, it’s one of the easiest ways to enjoy the outdoors near the city.
Yasuragi (pictured above)
A Japanese-inspired spa in Nacka with multiple saunas, including steam salt saunas and even a sleep sauna (!), plus hot and cold baths. A great choice for turning your sauna visit into a full-day excursion – or an overnight stay.
Swimming in Stockholm
Sauna excurions around Stockholm
Djurönäset
An archipelago spa on Värmdö with various saunas, including classic, steam, and sanarium (a lower-temperature sauna). Perfect for a full day of spa, seaside scenery, and a slower pace.
Nynäs havsbad (pictured above)
A classic seaside spa in Nynäshamn, with cliffs, sea views, and archipelago vibes year-round. Combine sauna and hot baths with cold dips, dinner, and overnight stays.
Smådalarö Gård
A wood-fired sauna by Hemviken on Dalarö, with its own dock and direct access to the water. Great for small groups wanting a private archipelago sauna experience.
Vaxholms Bastubåt
A floating sauna in Vaxholm, about 30 minutes from Stockholm. The sauna itself becomes an archipelago adventure, with swimming directly from the boat and waterfront views. Note: You’ll need a boat to reach the sauna raft.
Sauna culture in Sweden
In Sweden, the sauna (Swedish: bastu) is a cultural cornerstone. With roots stretching back over a thousand years, the sauna was originally a place for both physical cleansing and social gathering. Today, Sweden boasts nearly 4,000 public and over 300, 0000 private saunas, reflecting a deep-seated love for heat and relaxation.
Youtube Link above: KAJ performing the sauna anthem "Bara bada bastu" in the 2025 Eurovision Song Contest