Guides · Scandinavian Saunas
Stockholm Saunas 2026 - Best Public Bathhouses & Spa Guide
Best saunas in Stockholm 2026: Hellasgården nature sauna, Sturebadet spa, Eriksdalsbadet, and archipelago saunas. Note: historic Centralbadet is closed for renovation, reopening late 2026.
Stockholm and the Bathhouse Tradition
Stockholm has a deep relationship with bathing and bathhouses. The city's "simhall" culture (public swimming halls) stretches back to the early 1900s, and historic bathhouses like Centralbadet (1904) - currently closed for renovation and reopening late 2026 - remain landmarks of this tradition. Archipelago life has always been part of Stockholmers' summer existence, with outdoor swimming and now, increasingly, micro-saunas on the islands.
The Swedish sauna tradition is more spa-oriented and interior compared to Oslo, but Stockholm's archipelago opens up rustic sauna experiences that are hard to find elsewhere. In recent years a more modern and Finnish-inspired sauna offering has grown in the city.
Best Saunas and Bathhouses in Stockholm
1.Hellasgården
Best nature experienceVaries; about 20 min from central Stockholm by bus
Nature sauna by lake Källtorpssjön in the Nacka reserve, with separate saunas for men and women, a bathing jetty and winter ice-swimming. Rustic and hugely popular with locals. Book ahead at hellasgarden.se.
Book here →2.Sturebadet
Premium experiencePremium pricing
Upmarket spa and pool inside the Sturegallerian shopping centre. Premium facilities and service. Popular with Stockholm's affluent residents and business travellers.
3.Eriksdalsbadet
Local favouriteMost affordable, popular with locals
Large public swimming complex in Södermalm with sauna. The most affordable option and very popular with Stockholmers. Authentic and free of tourist pricing.
4.Stockholm Archipelago Saunas
Most authenticVaries; 30–90 min from city centre by boat
Growing micro-sauna culture on the islands of Stockholm's archipelago, accessible via Waxholmsbolaget ferries. Rustic and authentic. Requires more planning but delivers a memorable experience.
5.Centralbadet
Closed during 2026Closed for renovation during 2026 (reopening late 2026); from ~300 SEK on reopening (verify)
CLOSED FOR RENOVATION ALL OF 2026 - full refurbishment from March 2026, reopening late 2026. Check centralbadet.se before visiting. The stunning 1904 Art Nouveau bathhouse in central Stockholm is a historic masterpiece, but is not accessible during 2026.
Book here →Stockholm vs Oslo: Sauna Culture Compared
Stockholm
- •More spa-oriented and interior
- •Historic bathhouse infrastructure (Centralbadet 1904)
- •Dry heat in traditional "simhall" saunas
- •Archipelago for rustic experiences
- •Rich public transport network
Oslo
- •Outdoor and fjord-based
- •Floating saunas (KOK, SALT)
- •Contrast bathing focused
- •More löyly and Finnish-inspired
- •Easily walkable or by bus
Practical Tips
For tourists
Eriksdalsbadet is an easy, central choice for tourists who want to experience Stockholm as locals do, while Hellasgården offers a rustic nature sauna a short bus ride from the centre. Note that the historic Centralbadet is closed for renovation during 2026 (reopening late 2026) - check centralbadet.se.
For an archipelago trip
Plan a day in the archipelago: take a Waxholmsbolaget ferry from Stadshusbron or Slussen. Check waxholmsbolaget.se for routes. Consider Finnhamn or Sandhamn for overnight stays with sauna.
From Oslo to Stockholm
By train (recommended)
5–6 hours with SJ or Vy. Very scenic through Østfold and Bohuslän. Direct train Oslo Central to Stockholm Central. Price from approximately 299–599 NOK/SEK depending on timing.
By flight
Direct flight Oslo–Stockholm (Arlanda or Bromma): approximately 1 hour. Note that Arlanda is 40 minutes from Stockholm centre by train. SAS, Norwegian and Flyr operate the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best sauna in Stockholm?
For a nature experience, Hellasgården by lake Källtorpssjön in Nacka is a local favourite with lake swimming. For the most local experience at an affordable price, Eriksdalsbadet in Södermalm is the best choice, and Sturebadet is the premium option. Note: the historic Centralbadet (1904) is closed for renovation during 2026, reopening late 2026.
Does Stockholm have floating saunas?
Stockholm's floating and archipelago saunas are a growing scene, but considerably less developed than Oslo's. The archipelago islands have rustic saunas accessible by Waxholmsbolaget ferries (30–90 min from the centre), but it is not yet comparable to Oslo's KOK or SALT.
Is there a public bathhouse in Stockholm?
Yes - Stockholm has several public bathhouses and swimming complexes with saunas. Eriksdalsbadet is the most popular and affordable, and Sturebadet is the most exclusive. The historically impressive Centralbadet (1904) is closed for renovation during 2026, reopening late 2026.
How do I get to the Stockholm archipelago?
Waxholmsbolaget runs regular ferries to the archipelago islands from Stadshusbron (near City Hall) and Slussen. Departures are frequent and affordable. Travel time to the nearest islands is 30–60 minutes. Check waxholmsbolaget.se for routes and timetables.
Is Swedish sauna culture different from Finnish?
Yes, and it is an important difference: traditional Swedish sauna-goers do NOT pour water on the stones in public saunas - unlike Finns. Many Swedish saunas have dry heat without löyly. This is changing in newer venues that are more Finnish-inspired, but in traditional "simhall" saunas dry heat is the norm.
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