74 HELSINKI, FINLAND

If you only have a day or two to spend in Helsinki, then the best public saunas to visit are probably Allas Sea Pool [pictured above] right near the main port (not such a secret!) or Löyly Helsinki [bottom right], a short walk from the design district. Both (summer cottage) in the Finnish countryside or forest, which will be almost certain to have its own private, wood-fuelled sauna. You can steam to your heart’s content and then plunge in the lake, my set-up below, bathers optional.