Tykkimäen sauna

The bus dropped me off near Kuumakuja in Kouvola on a crisp autumn morning. Leaves crunched underfoot as I walked toward the lake. Käyrälampi stretched out calm and quiet, surrounded by trees that turned gold and red. I had heard about Tykkimäen Sauna from a friend who swore by its open water swims, even in winter. Open every day of the year, it seemed like the perfect spot to shake off the chill.

Inside, the air carried a faint wood smoke scent. I changed quickly and headed to the sauna. The place felt welcoming, with its public setup drawing locals and visitors alike. A group was already chatting by the lake access, towels draped over shoulders.

It was one of those sauna raft days, so I joined the floating session. The raft bobbed softly on the water, offering a panoramic view of the forested shores. Inside, the wood-fired stove heated 2500 kilos of stones, building a steady warmth that seeped into my bones.

I tossed water on the stones, and the steam rose with a hiss. The heat wrapped around me like a blanket. Sweat beaded on my skin as I sat there, listening to the lake lap against the sides. Others came and went, sharing quiet stories about their swims.

After a while, I stepped out to the edge. The lake waited below, cool and inviting. That first plunge hit like a shock, but it cleared my head right away.

Back on shore, I tried the 25-meter avanto, the ice hole kept open for year-round dips. Even in autumn, the water felt brisk, a proper cold plunge that woke every nerve. I swam a few strokes, feeling the pull of the current under the surface. Nature surrounded everything here, from the lake to the wooded paths.

Drying off, I grabbed a coffee at the cafe. It doubled as a restaurant, serving simple bites with views over the water. A few people lingered, planning group activities or checking event boards. There was talk of sauna yoga coming up, and results from the Avanto Cup hung on the wall.

As I left, the sun climbed higher, casting long shadows across the lake. The visit lingered with me, that mix of heat and cold still fresh in my mind.