Stockholm in winter

Updated 16 October 2026 · All facts from each sauna’s own website

Stockholm in winter is dark, cold and quiet – and that is exactly when the sauna makes sense. Locals warm up in a sauna and then take a quick dip in a lake or the sea, even when there is ice. 23 saunas by the water are open all winter, 8 of them in the city itself.

Vår Gård kallbad & bastu: A winter swim from the ladder — Vår Gård kallbad & bastu – A winter swim from the ladder. Photo: Vår Gård

What is winter in Stockholm like?

The days are short. Around Christmas the sun is up for only about six hours, from a little before 9 to a little before 3. It is often below freezing, and the lakes can freeze. Plan walks and sightseeing for the middle of the day, and keep the evening for something warm.

The best warm thing to do: a sauna by the water

These public saunas are in the city and open all year. You buy a ticket for a time slot, warm up, and walk straight into the water. The ones by a lake or the sea come first.

Sauna	Area	From
Tanto Bastu	Södermalm, Stockholm	60 kr per person
STHLM Sauna Vinterviken	Hägersten, Stockholm	105 kr per person
Isbjörnarnas Bastuförening	Bromma, Stockholm	125 kr per person
Saunify Hässelby (Riddersvik)	Hässelby, Stockholm	149 kr per person
Hornstullsbastun	Södermalm, Stockholm	150 kr per person
Basto Stora Essingen	Kungsholmen, Stockholm	175 kr per person
Basto Hagaparken Albano	Norra Djurgården, Stockholm	219 kr per person
Djurgårdsbastun	Djurgården, Stockholm	325 kr per person
The Sacred Sauna Slakthuset (indoor cold pool)	Johanneshov, Stockholm	250 kr per person
The Sacred Sauna Mood (indoor cold pool)	Norrmalm, Stockholm	250 kr per person

Want to swim in a hole in the ice? Try Isbjörnarnas Bastuförening, Varma Bastu Vendelsömalm and Äventyrsbanans bastu vid Sandasjön.

Hellasgården Bastu: After the sauna on the jetty at Hellasgården, Källtorpssjön lake — Hellasgården Bastu – After the sauna on the jetty at Hellasgården, Källtorpssjön lake. Photo: Hellasgården

Hornstullsbastun: Hornstullsbastun seen from the water — Hornstullsbastun – Hornstullsbastun seen from the water. Photo: Robert Flinkenbro, Stockholms stad

On a very cold day: a day spa

If you want warm pools as well as saunas, spend a day at a spa. Price per person:

Vana Spa Saltsjöqvarn (Saltsjöqvarn, Nacka): from 395 kr
Saunaworld, Hotell Havsbaden Grisslehamn (Grisslehamn, Norrtälje): from 495 kr
Hagastrand Spa (Hagaparken, Solna): from 695 kr
Sturebadet (Östermalm, Stockholm): from 945 kr

The islands in winter

Many island saunas close in winter, but some stay open: Vaxholms Bastubåt, Vita Grindarnas bastu (Djurö), Gräddö Sjöliv Sjösaunan, Elfsala Gästgård skärgårdsbastu, Djurönäset vedbastu & skärgårdsspa and Allmänna bastun på Bullerön. Boats run less often in winter, so check the trip before you go.

Djurönäset vedbastu & skärgårdsspa: The sauna in winter — Djurönäset vedbastu & skärgårdsspa – The sauna in winter. Photo: Djurönäset

Before you go

First time? Read our short sauna etiquette in sweden.
Bring swimwear, a towel and something warm for your feet.
In cold water, a few seconds is enough. Never swim alone. More in Winter swimming and sauna in Stockholm.
Looking for a classic bath house? See cold bath houses in stockholm.

Questions and answers

Is Stockholm worth visiting in winter?

Yes, if you plan for short days. Do what people here do: go to a sauna and take a dip in the cold water. 23 saunas by a lake or the sea are open all winter, 8 of them in the city.

How short are the days?

Around Christmas the sun is up for only about six hours, from a little before 9 in the morning to a little before 3 in the afternoon. Plan outdoor things for the middle of the day.

Can I go to a sauna as a tourist?

Yes. Public saunas sell tickets per person, and you can book online. In the city, a visit costs from 60 kr.