Helsinki’s Sompasauna sees calmer atmosphere after relocation to Mustikkamaa

The popular public sauna Sompasauna has experienced a more peaceful environment since moving to Helsinki’s Mustikkamaa district last summer, according to members of the sauna association.

The shift follows years of controversy at previous locations, including reports of sexual harassment and public nudity concerns. Association representatives attribute the change to the new site’s more remote setting and efforts to curb disruptive behavior.

“It’s definitely a positive change,” said Iida Korpela, vice chair of the Sompasauna association, in an interview with Yle’s Radio Suomi lähelläsi program. “We’ve worked hard to reduce incidents.”

Korpela suggested the quieter atmosphere may also stem from the location’s distance from the city center, which has altered the visitor profile. Regular visitor April Lehtonen praised the area’s natural beauty and communal spirit, though noted weaker public transport links compared to past sites.

“Honestly, I come here for the sea and the community,” Lehtonen said. “The sauna itself is the least important part for me.”

Nudity at the sauna has drawn attention, including police calls last summer. Korpela confirmed discussions with the city about installing visual barriers along the beach path, though the sauna’s rules permit clothing-optional use. “The police have also supported this view,” added board member Wilhelm Björkqvist.

Founded as a free, open-access sauna, Sompasauna has relocated multiple times—from its original Sompasaari site to Verkkosaari before arriving in Mustikkamaa. Despite transport challenges, visitors continue to flock to the site, especially in sunny weather.

“When the sun shines, you can be sure Sompasauna will be busy,” Korpela observed.

Björkqvist described the sauna as idyllic year-round: “Even in bad weather, when it’s windy and raining, jumping into the sea is a great experience.”

Originally published by Yle.