Finnish Sauna by the River
Slow down after the road. Step into the warmth of a wood-heated sauna, cool down by the river, and experience a simple Finnish ritual on a peaceful island in Pyhäjoki.
A quiet ritual between fire and water
At Kielo Camp, sauna is not something to rush through.
It begins with wood, warmth and the sound of the river. You sit in the gentle heat, breathe slowly, step outside into the evening air, and walk down to your own pier for a refreshing swim.
No spa lights. No hurry. No performance. Just a wood-heated Finnish sauna, flowing water and a peaceful island stop along Highway 8.
Old Traditional Wood-Heated Sauna
For those who want the most authentic Finnish sauna feeling.
A simple, atmospheric wood-heated sauna by the river. Washing is done the traditional way ; with warm water, a bucket and a bowl.
Includes:
- Private pier
- Swimming opportunity
- Traditional washing with bucket and bowl
- No shower
- No changing room
- Authentic old sauna atmosphere
Modern Wood-Heated Sauna
For those who want a authentic Finnish sauna experience with a little more comfort.
A simple, atmospheric wood-heated sauna by the river. Washing is done the traditional way ; with warm water, a bucket and a bowl.
Includes:
- Private pier
- Swimming opportunity
- WC
- Changing room
- Traditional washing with bucket and bowl
- No shower
- Cozy riverside atmosphere
How to enjoy a Finnish sauna
You don’t need to know everything before your first Finnish sauna.
The most important thing is to take your time.
Sit down, breathe and let the heat do its work. Sauna is not about endurance; it is about feeling good.
Pour a little water on the hot stones to create löyly. The warm steam is that makes the sauna feel alive.
When you feel warm enough, step outside and enjoy the fresh air by the river.
Both saunas have their own private pier and swimming opportunity. A dip in the river is a refreshing part of the experience.
Go back in when you feel ready. There is no correct number of rounds; follow your own rhythm.
There are no showers in the sauna buildings. Wash with warm water, a bucket and a bowl; simple, Finnish and part of the experience.
Perfect after a long day on the road
Kielo Camp is located on a peaceful island in Pyhäjoki, only about 1 km from Highway 8.
After hours of driving, a sauna changes the whole feeling of your stopover. Park your motorhome, book a sauna, take a swim, and let the evening slow down.
Whether you are heading north, south, to Kalajoki, Oulu or Lapland, this is a place to pause properly. Not just to sleep, but to breathe.
What makes this sauna special?
A simple Finnish experience shaped by fire, water and nature.
Real fire, gentle heat and the quiet scent of wood. A traditional Finnish sauna experience, just as it should be.
Both saunas have their own pier, so you can cool down by the river and swim in peace.
No shower, no rush. Washing is done the old Finnish way, with warm water, a bucket and a bowl.
The river, the trees, the old wooden bridge and the evening light create an atmosphere you will remember after the journey continues.
Location:
Vanhatie 75, 86100 Pyhäjoki, Finland
Booking:
Book your sauna via WhatsApp, or ask at the summer restaurant during opening hours. Overnight stays can also be booked through Matkaparkki or Park4Night.
Swimming:
Both saunas have their own private pier and swimming opportunity.
No showers:
There are no showers in the sauna buildings.
Washing is done the traditional Finnish way, with warm water, a bucket and a bowl.
Please bring: Please bring a towel, swimsuit, drinking water, sandals or easy outdoor shoes, and your own shampoo or washing products.
Respect & Care:
Please take care of the sauna, the river and the island so everyone can enjoy this peaceful place.
Ready for a Finnish
sauna by the river?
Book your sauna, slow down after the road, and enjoy a peaceful moment on the island.
Kielo Camp sauna page FAQ section
Do I need to stay overnight to book a sauna?
No. The saunas can be booked separately, depending on availability. You are welcome to enjoy a sauna even if you are not staying overnight at KieloCamp.
How do I book a sauna?
During the summer restaurant’s opening hours, you can book or ask about available sauna times directly at the restaurant.
You can also book a sauna via WhatsApp, and we will confirm the available sauna times and send you all the information you need
Which sauna should I choose?
Choose the old traditional sauna if you want the most authentic and simple Finnish sauna feeling. Choose the modern sauna if you prefer a little more comfort, including a WC and changing room.
Are there showers in the sauna buildings?
No. There are no showers inside the sauna buildings. Washing in the sauna is done the traditional Finnish way, with warm water, a bucket and a bowl — a simple and authentic part of the Finnish sauna experience.
If you prefer to take a shower, showers and toilets are available in the service building near the entrance to the island.
Can I swim during the sauna?
Yes. Both saunas have their own private pier and swimming opportunity.
In Finland, people often warm up in the sauna, cool down with a swim or fresh air by the river, and then return to the sauna again. You can repeat this rhythm as you like and wash at the end in the warmth of the sauna.
For swimming and cooling down by the river, please wear a swimsuit. Between sauna rounds, you can wrap yourself in a towel.
What should I bring with me?
Please bring a towel, drinking water, sandals or easy outdoor shoes, and your own shampoo or washing products.
For swimming and cooling down by the river, please wear a swimsuit. Between sauna rounds, you can wrap yourself in a towel and enjoy the fresh air by the water.
Is Finnish sauna suitable for beginners?
Yes. Take your time, sit on a lower bench if the heat feels strong, step outside whenever you like, and enjoy the sauna at your own pace.
Can children use the sauna?
Yes, children are welcome to enjoy the sauna with adults.
For safety, children must be supervised at all times — inside the sauna, near the hot sauna stove and hot water boiler, and outside by the river and pier.
Please do not leave children alone in the sauna or near the water.
Are sauna bookings included in the overnight stay?
No. Sauna bookings are separate from overnight stays. If you are staying overnight at KieloCamp, you can book a sauna as an extra experience.