Arctic Sauna Experience
Our special Arctic Sauna Experience is something very unique and worth try for everyone. With…
Read moreIf you want to understand Finland and its people, getting familiar with the sauna is a good place to start.
Sauna is such a big part of Finnish culture, it can’t be compared to anything else. For Finns, it’s a must at regular intervals, and if they go too long without it, they’ll start feeling incomplete. For centuries, it has been a place for physical and spiritual cleansing, for getting bare in all senses of the word and entering the core of humanity. Sauna is a way of life in Finland – toddlers take their first bath in a sauna at only a few months old, and from then on, never stop.
Sharing a sauna with someone is about bonding, about discussing real issues – no small talk. In Finland, major decisions are made made in saunas, not boardrooms. Throughout history, there has been no Finland without sauna.
It’s said that there are enough saunas in Finland to easily accommodate all 5.4 million Finns simultaneously. It’s true, since estimates place the number somewhere between two and three million. Here’s a quick ten-item list to introduce you to the culture.
Full of interesting contrasts, such as the four seasons, the Midnight Sun and winter darkness, urban and rural, East and West.
1. There are several types of saunas, the most common being electric, wood-heated and smoke saunas. Smoke saunas are dark and don’t have a chimney – the smoke is allowed to fill the room, then the fire is killed and smoke ventilated out.
2. In public saunas, the fee is paid at the reception and clothes are changed in dressing rooms, which are separate for men and women. Swimsuits are required in some public saunas, but not all.
3. You should bring a towel, swimsuit and toiletries. Usually these can also be rented.
4. Men and women go separately in public saunas. This is usually the custom everywhere, but mixed groups are also an option if everyone feels comfortable with it. Families usually bathe together.
5. ‘Löyly’ is the word for the wave of steam and heat which is produced by throwing water on the stove stones. It is good for your body and mind, as it relaxes you. Anyone can enjoy the sauna every day, from kids to seniors. Only those with open wounds or health issues, such as heart conditions, should avoid the sauna.
6. Finns usually go to the sauna in the nude, even with strangers, and there is nothing awkward about it. It’s natural. If you want to wear a swimsuit or towel, Finns will understand that as well. Staring is considered impolite.
7. A ‘vasta’ or ‘vihta’ (the name depends on the region) is a bundle of fresh birch twigs that you gently whip yourself with. It sounds strange, but is really good for your skin – you’ll feel the smoothness afterwards.
8. You can throw more water on the stove whenever you feel like it. When it gets too hot, people either move to lower levels, take a shower or go for a swim.
9. Remember to enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleaned both your body and your mind. To the Finns, the correct way to behave in a sauna is as if they were in church. You can relax too – just kick back and take it easy.
10. There are no real rules when it comes to sauna – it depends on the occasion. The most important thing is to relax, socialise, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the moment. It is a place for physical and mental cleansing – and a very important part of Finnish culture.
1. There are several types of saunas, the most common being electric, wood-heated and smoke saunas. Smoke saunas are dark and don’t have a chimney – the smoke is allowed to fill the room, then the fire is killed and smoke ventilated out.
2. In public saunas, the fee is paid at the reception and clothes are changed in dressing rooms, which are separate for men and women. Swimsuits are required in some public saunas, but not all.
3. You should bring a towel, swimsuit and toiletries. Usually these can also be rented.
4. Men and women go separately in public saunas. This is usually the custom everywhere, but mixed groups are also an option if everyone feels comfortable with it. Families usually bathe together.
5. ‘Löyly’ is the word for the wave of steam and heat which is produced by throwing water on the stove stones. It is good for your body and mind, as it relaxes you. Anyone can enjoy the sauna every day, from kids to seniors. Only those with open wounds or health issues, such as heart conditions, should avoid the sauna.
6. Finns usually go to the sauna in the nude, even with strangers, and there is nothing awkward about it. It’s natural. If you want to wear a swimsuit or towel, Finns will understand that as well. Staring is considered impolite.
7. A ‘vasta’ or ‘vihta’ (the name depends on the region) is a bundle of fresh birch twigs that you gently whip yourself with. It sounds strange, but is really good for your skin – you’ll feel the smoothness afterwards.
8. You can throw more water on the stove whenever you feel like it. When it gets too hot, people either move to lower levels, take a shower or go for a swim.
9. Remember to enjoy the blissful post-sauna feeling of having cleaned both your body and your mind. To the Finns, the correct way to behave in a sauna is as if they were in church. You can relax too – just kick back and take it easy.
10. There are no real rules when it comes to sauna – it depends on the occasion. The most important thing is to relax, socialise, have a couple of drinks and enjoy the moment. It is a place for physical and mental cleansing – and a very important part of Finnish culture.
Every single sauna is important for us, but here is a selection of the very best saunas around the country
Our special Arctic Sauna Experience is something very unique and worth try for everyone. With…
Read moreMake a birch whisk, vihta, on your own and bathe in a sauna.
Read moreExperience the beauty and tranquility of Nuuksio National Park while enjoying a private traditional Finnish…
Read moreThere is a traditional public sauna by the lake Ahvenisto. Sauna is possible to book…
Read moreYou´re welcome to experience a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, relax in a hot tub and…
Read moreA unique, castle-like hotel with versatile services in the national landscape of Imatra. Best location…
Read moreIn Lapland, about 30 kilometers from the centre of a town called Posio, you'll find…
Read moreFinnish Sauna and Turkish sauna open every day from 2 pm to 8pm. Swimming pool…
Read moreTake a swim in the ice at Turku Saaronniemi – you’re warmly welcome! The winter…
Read moreYou can learn how to heat the sauna. When the sauna warms up, we enjoy…
Read moreTraditional Finnish wood heated sauna by the Lake Saimaa. Located on the main island of…
Read moreNaantali Spa offers a big selection of spa and beauty treatments. Naantali, an old medieval…
Read moreThe soft heat of the sauna will calm your mind and relax your body, year-round!
Read moreBook yourself a sauna; you can choose either our daily-heated lakeside sauna or the alder-heated…
Read moreKaupinoja sauna is situated by lake Näsijärvi close to the UKK-Institute. There has been a…
Read moreSpa Taikametsä is a diverse and cosy spa designed around the Finnish natural world.
Read moreJust simply enjoy our private wood heated sauna next to fresh water and nature in…
Read moreThe gentle warmth and scent of our Seven Star Smoke Sauna leaves you with an…
Read moreOkkosavu is Okkola´s traditional smokesauna situated in a peaceful bay in Niinisaari, lake Saimaa. Private…
Read moreVisit a Finnish Folk-healer situated in the country-side. Premium quality wood-heated sauna (1-4 persons) in…
Read moreSauna Hermanni is a public sauna founded in Helsinki in 1953. The tradition continues to…
Read moreCatch the soul of sauna on The Northern Lights Sauna Trail. You will get familiar…
Read moreSauna Yoga instructor 30 min and private sauna time for one hour after the yoga.…
Read moreExperience the traditional Finnish smoke sauna in Rokua Geopark. Rokua’s Tähtisavu was selected as the…
Read moreA real chimneyless sauna offers you a unique sauna experience & mild steamy bath in…
Read moreOriginal SkySauna combines sauna in the sky and a massaging hot tub on the ground.…
Read moreKairosmaja offers something both for body and mind: rest and relaxation, good food, a homely…
Read moreAllas Sea Pool has three pools: large fresh water pool, large sea water pool and…
Read moreFloating Sauna is a 6 x 10m sauna raft that is located in the inner…
Read moreArctic Sauna World is a unique place to spot Northern Lights while relaxing with ice…
Read morearound a long table. The meeting room has a large terrace, offering comfortable seats for…
Read moreVilla by Lake Saimaa and sauna wellness package. Book for one night or more.
Read moreUkkohalla´s SaunaWorld and Spa gives you experiences for all senses, try all nine different types…
Read moreSauna, pool, jacuzzi and cabinet for max. 50 persons. Drinks and meals with pro order
Read moreLöyly, an urban oasis occupying a stretch of beautiful Helsinki waterfront, offers a warm welcome…
Read moreIn the village of Koskenkorva, everyone goes to the sauna together, wearing our famous Sauna…
Read moreSmoke sauna is located by a small pond. It is a part of Holiday Club…
Read moreTrue sauna culture has existed in Turku since 1927. A public sauna for both women…
Read moreEven the most enthusiastic sauna bathers are deeply impressed by the snow sauna! The sauna…
Read moreYou can enjoy the traditional Finnish sauna in the Tankavaara Gold Village all year round.…
Read moreSauna Yoga reflects the essence of Finnish life which is silent and focused. Learn to…
Read moreThe Sauna World of Kiilopää is called Kuurakaltio. There are two electric saunas with dressing…
Read moreCome and enjoy traditional Finnish shore sauna Kettu and new technology Sammalsauna "Moss sauna"in the…
Read moreThere are many different ways to have a sauna evening in Lehmonkärki. Even larger groups…
Read moreOur sauna elf guides you through the program, introducing you to the history of the…
Read moreThe best-kept secret of the west coast of Finland: the idyllic Kristiinankaupunki and Sauna Krepelin…
Read moreIn Varjola area there are several saunas to choose from: smoke sauna and old log…
Read moreThe Koli sauna premises include a wood-heated sauna, traditional smoke sauna, electric heated sauna and…
Read moreFamilyhotel Hetan Majatalo which is already in the 4th generation has a traditional Finnish wood-heated…
Read moreThere is a magical smoke sauna on the lakeshore of Saimaa, Anttolanhovi.
Read moreEnjoy traditional Finnish Sauna, steam sauna, salt sauna and outdoor sauna. Don't forget to cool…
Read moreUnique sauna cruises on the beautiful rivers of Rovaniemi (in summertime).
Read moreSauna bathing is an essential part of Finnish culture and national identity. There are only…
Read moreThe Inipi Spa wood-heated sauna and hot baths by the forest pond in Nuuksio National…
Read moreTraditional, wood heated log sauna for private groups of 4-5 persons. On the terrace a…
Read moreKoli Relax Spa's pampering and landscape spa is a unique concept in Finland. The idea…
Read moreUnique and atmospheric smoke sauna can be enjoyed by ten people at a time. Under…
Read moreThe Kyyhkylä Manor and hotel Rustholli is located only a 15 minute drives away from…
Read morePyhäpiilo - Sacred Hide - is hidden in the midsts of a sacred fell, on…
Read moreSauna experiences in Oulujoki. Traditional Finnish sauna with Woodburning stove. In summer, public sauna and…
Read moreUusi Sauna (The New Sauna) brings the classic neighborhood sauna into the 21st century. It…
Read morePublic saunas near Helsinki, 30 minutes by bus. Traditional smoke saunas and electric saunas. Possibility…
Read moreSauna locations in the green nature on lake shore or on island, where we go…
Read moreTraditional wood-heated Korsusauna in Oulu gives you a glimpse what a original Finnish sauna outside…
Read moreExplore traditional Finnish smoke sauna, take a dip in Lake Saimaa and spend the evening…
Read moreOur new Lake Spa offers a unique Finnish lake wellness experience. The spa is built…
Read moreIn Panoramic house, you can view and experience the unique surroundings of changing nature in…
Read moreThe Yrjönkatu Swimming Hall was inaugurated on 4 June 1928. For decades, it was Finland’s…
Read moreWhere the road from civilization ends in outer archipelago, at mainland Finland's most western point…
Read moreYou can find different pools including training pools, a pampering and warm water lagoon pool…
Read moreOur Nordic Relaxation Experience is offered with wood heated & modernised smoke sauna with the…
Read moreTaattinen Farm’s special vaulted smoke sauna offers gentle steam baths for up to 15 bathers…
Read moreTraditional Finnish wood fired sauna offers relaxing experience with soft heat. The guide will tell…
Read moreSapokka sauna is located right in the city centre of Kotka by the guest harbour…
Read moreA rustic smoke sauna in a beautiful lakeside location at Lake Pyhäjärvi, Lempäälä. The best…
Read moreWelcome to enjoy the traditional Finnish sauna with a little twist. Out floating sauna offers…
Read moreRauhaniemi “public spa” is situated by the lake Näsijärvi, where the sauna and the cosy…
Read moreIn Kaisankoti we have traditional Finnish saunas for men and women. Also a Turkish bath,…
Read moreAuthentic and traditional built Finnish smoke sauna in the utmost original countryside in Hollola, near…
Read moreAfter an active day outside it is good to relax in the warmth of the…
Read moreLakeside Sauna within the beautiful Finnish lake view in Mukkula Manor garden area. Sauna has…
Read moreThis traditional Finnish evening includes bathing in the large smoke sauna, swimming on Lake Kallavesi…
Read moreThe tropical atmosphere in Sunflower oasis on deck 12 is relaxing for the whole family.…
Read moreA picturesque and beautifully restored 1920s wooden built lakeside sauna. A steam room with wood…
Read moreAt Hahkiala the lakeside sauna is a replica of the sauna at Kultaranta, the summer…
Read moreVisit in a private home including a possibility to experience sauna. During the visit the…
Read moreFamily sauna available at SnowCastle Resort with SnowExperience365 - any time of the year! Amazing…
Read moreSauna Arla is founded 1929 and it is one of the last original urban public…
Read moreRajaportti sauna in Pispala, Tampere, built in 1906, is the oldest public sauna in Finland…
Read moreKammi is a convenient, intimate setting for meetings and other gatherings. Kammi’s common sauna has…
Read morePrivatly bookable smoke sauna in private location near Pallas-Yllästunturi nationalpark. Also available a traditional wooden…
Read moreEnjoy a real Finnish wood heated sauna in an authentic 19th century sauna building. Kaurilan…
Read moreUiskola's speciality is a floating sauna. What could be more memorable than enjoying the warmth…
Read moreLonna’s public sauna is located on the island of Lonna in the archipelago just in…
Read moreSmall traditional sauna with special stove which guarantees both intensive and soft heat, providing authentic…
Read moreExperience a traditional Finnish sauna by a lake next to Nuuksio National Park. Get in…
Read moreCome and enjoy the gentle steam of the traditional Finnish smoke sauna and swim in…
Read more