Löyly

Founded in 2016 by actor Jasper Pääkkönen and politician Antero Vartia, Löyly was conceived as a revolutionary urban sauna complex on Helsinki's waterfront. It aimed to modernize the traditional Finnish sauna experience while maintaining a deep connection to nature. The project was part of a broader initiative to revitalize the Hernesaari industrial area into a vibrant residential and recreational district. The architectural design by Avanto Architects is a masterpiece of sustainable construction. Wrapped in a cloak of over 4,000 custom-cut heat-treated pine planks, the building resembles a faceted rock emerging from the shoreline. This unique wooden shell serves both as a visual landmark and a functional element, providing privacy for bathers while allowing views of the Baltic Sea and acting as an oversized set of stairs for visitors to climb. Since its opening, Löyly has become an international symbol of contemporary Finnish culture and environmental responsibility. It was one of the first buildings in Finland to use FSC-certified wood and runs entirely on wind and water power. More than just a sauna, it serves as a living room for the city, where locals and tourists alike gather for wellness, high-end dining, and the brave tradition of ice swimming in the winter.