Allas Sea Pool

Allas Sea Pool is a sprawling, tiered urban oasis located directly on the Baltic waterfront, offering a quintessentially Finnish experience of bathing in the open sea while overlooking Helsinki’s bustling maritime traffic.

What to expect

The facility is built on a massive wooden deck that extends into the South Harbour. It features three distinct pools: a large, heated pool maintained at 27°C (80°F) for fitness swimming, a smaller warm-water children’s pool, and the pièce de résistance—the unheated seawater pool. The seawater pool is filtered but remains at ambient Baltic temperatures, making it a favorite for those seeking the invigorating "shock" of a true Northern dip.

Surrounding the pools are multiple saunas, including gender-specific options and a universal sauna for quick access. As you swim, you are eye-level with the massive Silja Line and Viking Line ferries as they dock, as well as the historic architecture of the Market Square. The wooden sundeck serves as a social hub in the summer, filled with lounge chairs and the sound of harbor bells.

History & significance

Opened in 2016, Allas Sea Pool was designed as an architectural response to the city’s need to modernize its relationship with the harbor. It was built on the site of the former Enso-Gutzeit building’s wharf area. By integrating public bathing into the core of the city’s busiest tourist district, the facility serves as a year-round celebration of "everyman’s right" to access the water, transforming a formerly industrial stretch of maritime infrastructure into a sanctuary for both locals and travelers.

Practical tips

• Operating hours: Allas is open 365 days a year. Hours generally run from 6:30 AM to 9:00 PM on weekdays, with slightly shortened hours on weekends.
• Tickets: You can purchase single-entry tickets or wristbands online to avoid desk queues. Check the website for “sauna yoga” or special events.
• Best time: Aim for early morning (around 7:00 AM) to beat the cruise ship crowds and enjoy the harbor in peaceful, misty light. If you prefer the nightlife energy, visit Friday evenings when the deck bar is active.
• Gear: You must bring your own swimsuit, but towels and robes can be rented at the front desk.

Getting there

Allas is located at Katajanokanlaituri 2, situated at the very tip of the Katajanokka peninsula. It is a five-minute walk from the Helsinki Market Square (Kauppatori). If you are arriving by public transport, take tram 4 or 5 to the "Tove Janssonin puisto" stop. It is easily reachable on foot from the Helsinki Central Railway Station in about 15 minutes.

Nearby

• Kauppatori (Market Square): Located just across the street, this is the place to grab a paper cone of fried Baltic herring or fresh forest berries before heading to the pool.
• Uspenski Cathedral: A stunning red-brick Eastern Orthodox masterpiece with golden cupolas, located a three-minute steep walk up the hill behind the pool.
• Löyly: If you enjoy the seaside sauna experience, take a 10-minute taxi ride south to Löyly in Hernesaari for a more modern, architectural-focused sauna complex.