The Ultimate Finnish Sauna Experience

Come snow or shine, the Finns know the best way to relax is by stripping down and sweating it out in a little pine-clad room heated to 80°C (176°F), before taking a joyous leap into an icy lake just for the thrill of it. Finland invented the sauna, and honestly, nobody does it better.

Finland’s Sauna Scene Goes Strong Year-Round

There’s no right or wrong time of year for enjoying the sauna in Finland. Even during the bleakest midwinter, the Finns maintain their sauna tradition, finding solace in the warmth as temperatures drop below freezing. While sitting in a roasting-hot sauna, the only sounds are the crackle of burning wood and the hiss of water tossed onto the stones, releasing waves of fragrant vapor, or löyly. It’s never too cold for a refreshing dip in a frozen lake, which invigorates the nervous system.

In summer, many Finns escape to holiday cottages in remote areas—wooden retreats surrounded by forests, swarming with wildlife and mosquitoes, and complete with their own sauna. This cherished ritual of sweating together with friends and family includes walking, wild swimming, sipping cold beverages, and a vigorous beating with a birch-branch whisk, known as vasta or vihta, which is believed to improve circulation and soften the skin.

Saunas Have Been Part of Finnish Culture for Centuries

Though the origins of the Finnish sauna cannot be precisely dated, some historians suggest it dates back to the Neolithic period around 7000 BCE, when early settlers dug into the ground and filled pits with hot stones.

While many consider saunas a luxury, in Finland, they are an everyday necessity and a vital component of the culture. In this sparsely populated nation of 5.4 million, there are approximately three million saunas available.

Dubbed “the poor man’s pharmacy,” the sauna is believed to provide numerous health benefits, such as promoting weight loss, reducing stress, improving circulation, and strengthening the immune system. Almost every significant life event involves a sauna, as it serves as a space for socializing and conducting business while also being a place of preparation for births, deaths, and marriages.

Be on Your Best Behavior in a Finnish Sauna

When visiting a Finnish sauna, it’s essential to understand and respect traditional etiquette. The sauna is treated with reverence, and it is said that those who misbehave may face the consequences from the resident saunatonttu, or sauna elf.

Seven Golden Rules of Finnish Sauna Etiquette:

• Be nude or wear a towel.
• Wash before entering the sauna.
• Enter quietly and respect the tranquil atmosphere.
• Limit conversations to soft tones.
• Maintain personal space; avoid overcrowding.
• Leave the sauna clean for the next users.
• Take care of your health and listen to your body.

Where to Find Finland’s Best Traditional Saunas

For sauna purists, nothing beats the traditional Finnish sauna, fired by the natural warmth of wood. Among the top destinations is Herrankukkaro at Finland’s southwestern tip—home to the world’s largest underground smoke sauna, accommodating 124 guests. It overlooks the beautiful Baltic Sea, inviting brave souls to swim.

A couple of hours north lies Rajaportin in Tampere, the oldest working sauna since 1906. Featuring a cozy wood stove, it offers a casual atmosphere with a cafe and relaxing massages available.

In Kuopio, located in Northern Savonia’s lake district, Jätkänkämppä stands out with its massive smoke sauna, inviting guests to enjoy the steam while marveling at views of the lake, perfect for swimming during both summer and winter.

Helsinki’s Hottest Saunas Are Cutting-Edge Cool

For those seeking more modern sauna experiences, Helsinki showcases numerous innovative options. The Zen-style seafront Kulttuurisauna is designed by architects Nene Tsuboi and Tuomas Toivonen. It is eco-friendly, heated by wooden pellets and draws inspiration from both Japanese and Roman bathing cultures. With expansive bay views, visitors can enjoy a dip in the Baltic after steam bathing.

In Helsinki, you can also find the visually striking Löyly, which runs entirely on renewable energy sources. Its unique design made from 4000 custom-cut planks makes it a must-visit destination, especially when the sea freezes, providing a perfect opportunity for an invigorating ice dip.

To truly understand the nuances of Finnish sauna culture, exploring educational tours with local sauna experts can offer great insights into the traditions and journey behind these warm and welcoming retreats.

Finland’s Most Unique Saunas: Sky High and Cold as Ice

North of the Arctic Circle, amidst snowy landscapes lies Rukan Salonki, which features a visually stunning igloo sauna sculpted from blocks of ice. Defying all logic, this igloo heats up to a comfortable 60°C (140°F). For an adrenaline rush, brave visitors can jump into an ice hole for a cooling experience.

For an unforgettable and unique sauna experience, venture to the sauna gondola in Ylläs, Finland’s highest skiable fell. Here, visitors can unwind in a Jacuzzi while enjoying a scenic view before taking a sauna ride in the world’s only cable-car sauna—a truly breathtaking adventure amidst a winter wonderland.

This article was first published on November 22, 2017, and updated on April 17, 2022.