Sauna Culture in Finland — The Heartbeat of Finnish Life
Uncovering the Traditions, Benefits, and My Own Experience with Finnish Saunas
Have you ever wondered why saunas are so popular in Finland? In this blog post, I want to introduce you to Finnish sauna. Finland is a country where the sauna is not just a place to sweat but a cherished cultural institution. Let’s dive into the wonderful world of Finnish saunas, discover the health benefits of saunas, and learn a bit about sauna etiquette. By the end, you’ll understand why we Finns love our saunas so much and maybe even want to try one yourself!
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The Essence of Finnish Saunas
In Finland, saunas are everywhere and Finnish people use saunas almost every day. Finland has over three million saunas, in a country of 5.5 million people, it’s clear that they play a vital role in everyday life. Saunas can be found in homes, apartments, offices, and even Parliament! For example, I have a sauna in my apartment. I don’t think it’s a luxury because saunas play a huge role in our everyday lives. Saunas are considered places of relaxation, socialization, and even spiritual reflection.
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Different Types of Saunas
1. Traditional Finnish Sauna: These saunas are usually heated to a temperature between 80 to 100 degrees Celsius (176–212 degrees Fahrenheit). The heat comes from a stove covered with rocks, and water is thrown on the rocks to create steam, known as “löyly”.
2. Smoke Sauna (Savusauna): This is the oldest type of sauna. It doesn’t have a chimney, so smoke fills the room while the fire is burning. Once the fire is out, the room is ventilated, leaving behind a soft heat and a distinctive smoky aroma. It’s a more time-consuming process but offers a unique experience.
3. Electric Sauna: Common in modern homes and public facilities, these saunas are easier to manage and heat up quickly with the flip of a switch. This is the type of sauna I have.
Sauna Etiquette
Sauna etiquette is easy to understand but important to follow:
1. What to Wear in a Sauna: In Finland, it’s typical to be nude in the sauna. However, in public saunas, you can sit on a small towel for hygiene and comfort. Swimsuits are generally avoided because the chlorine can vaporize and cause breathing issues.
2. How Long to Stay in a Sauna: It’s not a contest. Stay in the sauna as long as you feel comfortable, typically 10–20 minutes. You can repeat the process of heating up and cooling down several times during your sauna session.
3. Sauna Etiquette: Remember to take a shower before going in, sit on a small towel, and enjoy the quiet. Saunas are for relaxing and thinking, not for talking loudly.
Found these tips helpful? Share it with a friend planning a Finland trip!
Health Benefits of Sauna
The benefits of sauna are well-documented:
1. Relaxation and Stress Relief: The heat relaxes muscles and relieves tension, promoting a sense of calm.
2. Improved Circulation: The high temperatures improve blood flow and can help lower blood pressure over time.
3. Detoxification: Sweating helps to flush out toxins from the body.
4. Skin Benefits: Saunas open pores and cleanse the skin, leaving it refreshed and rejuvenated.
5. Better Sleep: A sauna session can promote deeper, more restful sleep by relaxing the body and mind.
Personally, I’ve found a sauna to improve my well-being all over. After a long day, stepping into my home sauna feels like entering a peaceful spa or sanctuary. The heat relaxes me, melting away stress and tension. Since the sauna is a regular part of my routine it helps my sleep quality. When I’m waking up, I feel well-rested and ready to start the day.
Finnish Sauna Culture
Saunas in Finland are more than just a place to get warm and sweaty; they’re a cultural experience. It’s common for friends and family to gather in the sauna, sharing stories and laughter. Fun fact about Finnish saunas: many important (even political or business) discussions and decisions in Finland have been made in saunas. The Finns believe that in the sauna, everyone is equal, stripped of their social status and titles.
A Sauna Adventure
If you ever find yourself in Finland, visiting a traditional Finnish sauna is a must. The easiest way to try Finnish sauna is at your hotel since almost every hotel has a sauna department.
In Helsinki, you can find a really cool place called Löyly, where you can experience a traditional Finnish sauna and see a beautiful view of the Baltic Sea. During the winter, you can try ice swimming, and get back inside the sauna to warm up. It’s a great way to learn about Finnish sauna culture!
If you have a chance to visit the smoke sauna, I recommend doing it. I have been in a smoke sauna several times and it’s a unique and once-in-a-lifetime sauna experience. You can also find traditional smoke saunas near Helsinki.
Final Thoughts
Finnish saunas offer a unique blend of tradition, health benefits, and relaxation. Whether you’re looking to de-stress, improve your health, or simply enjoy a piece of Finnish culture, the sauna is the place to be.
Just a friendly reminder: When you’re in a public sauna or using a sauna at home, just relax, follow the etiquette, and enjoy the relaxing benefits.
So, give a try to Finnish sauna when you are in Finland. Your body and mind will thank you!
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Source: ThisisFINLAND
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Suomi Unveiled
Explore Finland's hidden gems and vibrant culture with Päivi in Helsinki. Get travel tips, personal stories, and unique insights. Uncover Finland’s magic and join the adventure at my Linktree!
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