Allas Sea Pool
Allas Sea Pool is a unique urban oasis where the raw, bracing chill of the Baltic Sea meets the refined comfort of Finnish sauna culture, all set against the dramatic backdrop of Helsinki’s historic harbor.
What to expect
The facility is a multi-level wooden deck structure floating directly on the water of the Market Square (Kauppatori). It features three distinct pools: a large, heated fresh-water pool kept at 27°C (80°F) for year-round swimming, a children’s pool, and the pièce de résistance—the seawater pool. The latter is unheated, meaning its temperature fluctuates with the Baltic; in winter, it is used for "avanto" (ice swimming) through a hole cut in the floating platform. Visitors loop between the pools and the two saunas, which offer tiered benches and windows looking out over the Uspenski Cathedral and the bustling harbor ferry traffic. The atmosphere is social but meditative, with the sound of lapping water punctuating the quiet warmth of the steam.
History & significance
Opened in 2016, Allas represents the modern evolution of Helsinki’s long-standing public bathing tradition. Built on a designated maritime site that once served as a cargo port, the structure was designed to reclaim the harbor for citizens. It serves as a vital bridge between Helsinki’s industrial maritime history and its current status as a design-forward, wellness-obsessed capital. Its architectural design emphasizes "openness," utilizing local spruce and minimalist lines to ensure the facility complements, rather than obscures, the skyline of the Kruununhaka district.
Practical tips
- Hours: Generally open daily from 06:30 until 21:00 or 22:00. Check the website during public holidays, as hours can shift.
- Tickets: Walk-in tickets are available, but online booking saves time. A standard ticket grants access to all pools and saunas.
- Gear: You must bring swimwear and a towel; rentals are available at the reception, but they add to the cost.
- Best Time: Go early on a weekday morning (around 07:00) to beat the crowds and swim while the harbor is shrouded in early morning mist. Avoid Saturday afternoons if you dislike groups and tight spaces.
- Etiquette: Shower thoroughly before entering any pool, and use a towel on the sauna benches.
Getting there
Allas is located at Katajanokanlaituri 2a in the Katajanokka neighborhood, just steps from the South Harbor. It is easily reached on foot from the Helsinki Central Railway Station (a 15-minute walk) or by taking tram lines 4 or 5 to the "Tove Janssonin puisto" stop.
Nearby
- Old Market Hall (Vanha Kauppahalli): Walk 3 minutes across the street to explore this 1889 indoor market. It is the best place in the city for lohikeitto (creamy salmon soup) at the counter stalls.
- Uspenski Cathedral: A 5-minute walk uphill brings you to the largest Orthodox church in Western Europe. Its red-brick facade and golden cupolas provide a stunning contrast to the modern wooden deck of Allas.
- SkyWheel Helsinki: Directly adjacent to Allas, this observation wheel offers one of the best aerial perspectives of the harbor and the archipelago.