Vana Spa Vasastan, Sweden

A city spa with real pool time, not just treatments

Vana Spa Vasastan sits inside Elite Palace Hotel in Stockholm’s Vasastan, so the whole visit is built around easy access. You’re here for a warm pool, sauna rounds, and a calm reset, without planning a day trip. It’s a modern, hotel-based setup with a gym on site, so you’ll share space with both hotel guests and locals.

Age limits are part of the planning

Most of the day runs as an adult spa. The published age limit is 18, with a younger exception when accompanied by a guardian, and there are specific children’s hours in the morning. If you’re traveling with kids, the visit works best when you treat those hours like a timed session rather than an open-ended hang.

What the vibe is like

This is an urban spa, not a wilderness soak. Expect clean lines, indoor warmth, and a predictable experience. If you want quiet, book a less popular time window and keep your plan simple: pool, sauna, shower, then out into the city feeling human again.

Where it is
Vana Spa Vasastan is at S:t Eriksgatan 115 (Elite Palace Hotel) in Vasastan, Stockholm. It’s a straightforward neighborhood to reach by metro and bus, and you can walk in from St Eriksplan in a few minutes.

Getting there
No hike, no special gear. Arrive a little early so you’re not rushing your check-in and changing time. If you’re coming from central Stockholm, public transit is usually easier than driving, especially at peak times.

Bookings and timing
Vana runs on time slots and capacity. Book ahead if you care about a specific window, and double-check the current children’s hours and any seasonal changes before you build your day around it.

What to bring
Swimsuit, and I’d add simple pool sandals for wet floors. Bring a hair tie if you have long hair, and leave valuables minimal. A reusable water bottle is handy if the spa allows it, otherwise plan to hydrate right after.

Seasonality
This is a year-round indoor option. Winter is when it feels most satisfying, because stepping out into cold air makes the warm pool feel earned.

This is best for travelers who want a reliable warm-water break inside the city, with zero navigation stress. It’s also a solid choice if you’re mixing sightseeing with recovery and you need something that fits into a normal Stockholm day.

Families
Family friendly in a limited, scheduled way. Kids are welcomed during specific morning hours, and the rest of the day is more adult-focused. If you have younger children, plan for one short session and keep expectations simple, warm water and then a snack, not a long spa marathon.

Couples and friends
Works well for couples who like a calm, contained plan. For friends, it’s a good “meet, soak, leave” spot, not a loud social pool.

Mobility realities
There’s no hike, but expect wet floors, thresholds, and the usual steps into pools and saunas. Without verified step-free entry routes and assisted water access, I’m not calling it wheelchair accessible. If step-free access is essential, ask the spa about current routes, lifts, and pool entry before you book.

Expectations vs reality
Think clean and controlled, not nature. If you want steam, sauna, and a pool in a tidy setting, you’ll be happy.

Heat pacing keeps the visit pleasant
Short rounds beat one long push. A good rhythm is 10 to 15 minutes of heat, then a break, then repeat. If you feel lightheaded or oddly tired, step out early, cool down, and drink water.

Wet floors are the real hazard
Most spa injuries happen on tiles, not in the water. Walk slowly, keep sandals on outside the pools, and avoid carrying too much at once. If you’re using your phone for a locker code or booking info, dry your hands first so you’re not fumbling.

Shared-space etiquette
It goes best when everyone shares space and keeps things moving. Leave room at sauna doors, keep conversation low, and don’t park yourself on steps or ladder areas. Photos are easiest when you keep other guests out of frame.

Hygiene, kindly
Shower before pools and after sauna rounds. Skip heavy lotions right before sauna time, it makes the heat feel harsher and it’s not great for shared benches.

Health cautions
If you’re pregnant, heat-sensitive, or managing cardiovascular concerns, keep sessions conservative and avoid strong hot-to-cold swings. When in doubt, shorter soaks usually feel better.

Do you need to book Vana Spa Vasastan in advance?

It’s smart to. Capacity is managed by time slots, and popular windows can fill up. Book ahead if you care about a specific time.

Can kids visit?

Yes, but only during specific morning children’s hours, and the general age limit is adult-focused outside those periods. Check the current schedule before you go.

Is it a natural hot spring?

No. This is a hotel spa with heated pools and saunas, not a geothermal spring.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit and sandals for wet floors. I’d also bring a hair tie and a simple change of clothes that’s easy to put on with damp hair.

Is it wheelchair accessible?

Don’t assume it. Even modern spas can have steps, narrow transitions, and fixed pool edges. If you need step-free routes and assisted water entry, ask the spa for specifics before booking.