Finland
Vihti is a municipality in the West Uusimaa lake district, 40 kilometres northwest of Helsinki. Lake Hiidenvesi — one of the clearest lakes in southern Finland — anchors the outdoor sauna culture: lakeside public saunas, private cottage saunas on the shore, and a dense network of rental cabins throughout the municipality. Vihti's position between Helsinki and the Nuuksio-Hyvinkää lake zone makes it a popular weekend destination for the capital region. Finnish etiquette: cold lake essential, wood-fired preferred, unhurried sessions.
Vihti Golf Hotel spa is the main commercial sauna option. Cottage saunas on Enäjärvi and Hiidenvesi lakes — the largest lake in the Helsinki region — are the primary draw for weekend visitors.
Yes — 40 km northwest of Helsinki (45 min by car), at the edge of the commuter belt. One of the closest genuine lake-sauna options from the capital, popular for group cottage weekends.
Hiidenvesi is Helsinki's largest nearby lake, with clear water and forested shores. Water reaches 22°C in July. Public beach areas with sauna access are spread around the shoreline.
