Swimming in the Helsinki Harbor

One of the most unique afternoons of my trip to Scandinavia was definitely the afternoon swimming in the Helsinki harbor.  I had done a lot of research about Finnish saunas and even though it is a new establishment the Allas Sea Pool kept popping up. As you know I did not spend a great deal of time in the country so when I saw that it was located in the center of the city as opposed to many kilometers away I decided I’d pay it a visit. 

After a scenic walk from my hotel to the Harbor I purchased a day pass to the pool gaining me access to the changing rooms, a locker, the sauna, and all three pools via my nifty tech enabled wrist ban though the towel did come at a pretty penny extra.  My research had shown you sauna, then swim, and end with a sauna so that is exactly what I did.   I followed the ques of the locals completely disrobing, showering off, and grabbing a placemat size paper towel before heading into the sauna in the nude to sweat it out. Unlike any sauna I had ever been in this one seated at least 20 and had an amazing one way mirror where you could view the harbor and the boats passing by as you detoxed.

 Another shower and a quick change into my suit and I headed out to the pools wrapped in my towel where I had to choose which pool – the unheated sea water, the two foot deep chlorinated option, and the third heated pool with lane lines – can you guess which one I picked?  It was  easily one of the most unique pools I’ve ever done laps in, a floating 25 meter oasis in the heart of the Helsinki Harbor. It was only be 58 degrees outside but the heated water and amazing view made up for it! And I got a good workout in before deciding to sauna again. 

^ Proof that the Finns can’t get enough of saunas? Even the ferris wheel in the photo above has one, see the wooden cabin?

When I was done swimming and sauna-ing I decided to go explore the rest of the Allas Sea Pool complex where I ended up on the roof deck. Even though it was past 7pm with the Summer sun in Scandinavia it was a normal mid afternoon light. I ended up going for a glass of red wine, a bit odd for me, especially in the Summer but as the temperature was in the 50’s and it was quite windy on the roof if felt like the right decision to watch all of the ships come in!

Have you ever been to a place like the Allas Sea Pool?