Quick FactsOverview
About Allas Pool
Allas Pool, Finland is a paid year-round marine spa on the Katajanokka waterfront in central Helsinki, directly adjacent to the Market Square. The complex opened in September 2016 on the site of a former harbour terminal and sits on a floating basin on top of the sea, combining Finnish sauna culture with outdoor urban swimming in one of the most central locations in the capital. It is open every day of the year and draws both residents and visitors.
The pool level includes a heated freshwater pool maintained at around 27 degrees Celsius, a seawater pool fed and filtered from the Baltic Sea at ambient sea temperature, and a children's pool open during summer. Five saunas are spread across the pool level and the main building, including a mixed panorama sauna with harbour views, single-sex saunas, and floating saunas. The contrast between the hot sauna and the cold seawater pool is central to the traditional Finnish bathing experience the site is designed around.
The main building houses changing rooms, showers, and the Allas Shop. Above the pool level sit Allas Cafe, the Seagrill restaurant, and the Allas Sky Bar rooftop terrace. Regular events including live music, yoga classes, and wellness programmes run throughout the year. Swimwear is required in all pools and in the mixed saunas; single-sex saunas operate swimwear-optional.
Location & Access
Getting to Allas Pool
Allas Pool is located at Katajanokanlaituri 2 A in the Katajanokka district of central Helsinki, next to the Market Square and approximately 1.3 kilometres from Helsinki Central Railway Station. The address places it on the southern waterfront of the city, accessible on foot from most central accommodation in around 15 to 20 minutes.
Trams are the most convenient public transport option. Lines 2, 4, and 5 stop near the Market Square, a short walk from the entrance. City bikes from Helsinki's public bike-share system can be collected from two stations at the Market Square. There is no customer parking at Allas, so visitors arriving by car should use the nearest City of Helsinki parking facilities and proceed on foot.
The central location means Allas pairs naturally with other waterfront attractions, including the Old Market Hall, the Market Square itself, and the ferry terminals to Suomenlinna. For visitors looking for thermal pools in Finland accessible without a car, Allas is the most centrally located outdoor bathing and sauna complex in Helsinki. Tickets can be purchased on the day at the Allas Shop or in advance via the online store, with advance booking strongly recommended on weekends and during busy periods, when single-day tickets can sell out.
Suitability & Accessibility
Who Can Visit Allas Pool
Allas Pool suits a wide range of visitors including solo travellers, couples, families with older children, and groups, as the facilities are purpose-built for public use in an urban setting and no swimming experience beyond basic confidence is needed for the heated pool. The heated pool at 27 degrees Celsius is comfortable and accessible for most adults and children, while the unheated seawater pool, which mirrors the Baltic Sea temperature, is cold enough to be challenging and is best approached after time in one of the saunas.
The site is partially wheelchair accessible. The changing rooms, washrooms, and saunas in the main building are wheelchair accessible, and during summer the pool level can be reached via a ramp. However, pools are entered via ladder or stairs only, and there is no wheelchair ramp or lift to the pool water itself. Visitors with mobility requirements who can manage the building but not pool entry steps can still access the saunas and the waterfront terrace. Personal assistants enter free of charge on presentation of an EU disability card.
Children are welcome and a dedicated children's pool operates in summer. The experience is also well suited to visitors unfamiliar with Finnish sauna culture who want an accessible introduction, as the facilities are clearly signed in English and staff are accustomed to guiding first-time visitors. For those seeking thermal pools in Finland in a city-centre setting, Allas is the most practical option in Helsinki, requiring no travel outside the city and no specialist equipment beyond a swimsuit and towel.
Safety & Etiquette
Allas Pool Safety Tips
Allas Pool is generally safe for visitors of all ages, with year-round staff on site and well-maintained facilities. The seawater pool is the most important consideration for new visitors: it is unheated and reflects Baltic Sea temperature, which can be very cold in winter and brisk even in summer. Entering the seawater pool directly without first warming up in a sauna is not advised, and visitors should be aware that cold water immersion can be a physical shock, particularly in colder months. Entering slowly and not spending extended time in the coldest water is sensible practice.
Pool edges and the walkways between pools can be slippery when wet. The pool level is an outdoor floating structure with open sides near the water, so children should be supervised closely near the pool perimeter and the edges of the deck. Phones and cameras are not permitted in the saunas, both for privacy reasons and to respect other visitors; this rule is actively enforced. Sauna temperatures vary across the five options, from 70 degrees Celsius in the floating saunas to 90 degrees Celsius in the corner sauna, so choosing the right sauna for your tolerance level before entering is worthwhile.
Towel rental is available at the Allas Shop but can sell out later in the day; bringing your own towel and a bench cover for the sauna is recommended. No alcohol is permitted in the pools or saunas. Visitors should shower before entering any pool, and this is a firm house rule. Tickets sell out on popular evenings and weekends, so booking in advance via the Allas Pool website is advised to avoid arriving and being turned away. The facility is closed to new entries one hour before closing, and swimming time ends 20 minutes before closing.
