This summer, Helsinki Airport made global headlines by opening the world’s first-ever sauna on an active runway – a bold statement showcasing what Finnish hospitality is all about: relaxation and wellbeing from the moment you land.
Instead of a typical transit lounge, travelers were invited to experience authentic Finnish culture on the tarmac in June 2025. “Most airports have rest areas, and some even have saunas. But only Helsinki Airport offers a direct transition into Finnish happiness,” says Anna Tuomi, Head of Marketing at Finavia. “It’s where your Finnish story begins.” With over 3.2 million saunas across the country, sauna culture is deeply embedded in daily life. The runway sauna was open for just one day, but it made a lasting impression.
Whether you’re recovering from a long flight or stepping into your holiday mindset, the sauna is a natural part of the Finnish experience. It relieves stress, soothes tired muscles, and encourages mindfulness. Helsinki Airport offers three saunas right in the terminal, with more available in nearby hotels and the surrounding area.
Voted Europe’s best airport seven times in the last eight years, Helsinki Airport is known not only for its efficiency but for its warm and welcoming atmosphere. Here, your vacation doesn’t begin at the hotel – it starts the moment you arrive.
“Sauna” is one of the few Finnish words that has spread across the globe unchanged – a testament to its cultural significance. Thanks to quick connections (just three hours from London or two from Berlin), reaching a genuine sauna experience has never been easier. For those passing through Helsinki, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy saunas directly at the airport or nearby – with many more awaiting throughout the metropolitan area.
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