Stockholm is set to open its first publicly run sauna in June, a move aimed at addressing the city's notorious scarcity of accessible sauna facilities. Unlike its Nordic neighbours, finding a place to enjoy a traditional sauna in the Swedish capital has been notoriously difficult, with popular waterside venues often having years-long waiting lists numbering in the thousands.
Addressing the Sauna Scarcity
The new sauna, located in the Hornstull neighbourhood on the island of Södermalm, is a pilot project by the City of Stockholm. It aims to provide a membership-free, publicly accessible sauna experience, breaking away from the prevailing model dominated by private member associations and individuals. Pia Karlsson, project manager from the City of Stockholm's transport office, stated that the 5.5 million Swedish kronor (£436,573) project was born from a desire to move away from 'sauna for the few' and create a facility that is '100% accessible, so no membership. Accessible to the city's residents and our guests.'
Design and Location
The green-coloured building, inspired by the city's historic painted wooden water pavilions, was designed by architect Dinell Johansson and built by Marinbastun, the same company behind the Oslo Sauna Association saunas. The site, overhung by weeping willows, was previously home to Liljeholmsbadet, a 1930s floating public bathhouse that was removed last year. The city is also constructing a sauna jetty open to non-sauna-goers.
Comparison with Nordic Neighbours
The scarcity of public saunas in Stockholm is stark when compared to other Nordic capitals. In Oslo, despite a surge in popularity, same-day sauna spots are relatively easy to book at the seven Oslo Sauna Association floating saunas. In Helsinki, saunas are considered an essential part of daily life, with an abundance of public and community-run facilities. Stockholm's new sauna aims to bridge this gap.
Booking and Pricing
The sauna will cost 150 kronor (£12) for a 90-minute session, which is more expensive than guest sessions at many privately run saunas. Initially, everyone will pay the same rate, but Karlsson indicated they would consider different pricing structures for students and pensioners once demand is assessed. The city is also planning new guidelines requiring all sauna slots in the city centre to be fully publicly available to book, a move that has faced criticism from some sauna associations who argue it could undermine the cheaper membership model.
Reactions from the Sauna Community
Mathias Leveborn from Sthlm Sauna, which has a waiting list of 20,000 for membership across its saunas, welcomed the initiative, stating, 'It is great that Stockholm is finally starting to catch up with other Nordic countries. Basically, diversity is good.' Svante Spolander, operations manager at the Swedish Sauna Academy, added, 'Interest in sauna has increased markedly in Sweden in recent years and people have to wait a long time for access to a sauna bathhouse. So it is very positive that more places are being built so that more people can benefit.'
The sauna is part of a wider quayside strategy aimed at opening up Stockholm's waterfronts, including new swimming areas, walkways, and seating zones. The city hopes this pilot will be the first of many publicly run, membership-free saunas.
