Finnish Saunas: A Guide to Types, Etiquette, and More

Finnish saunas are a staple of Finnish culture, and for good reason - they're a great way to relax and unwind.

In Finland, there are several types of saunas, including electric, wood-fired, and steam saunas.

The traditional Finnish sauna is a wood-fired sauna, which is often heated to extremely high temperatures, typically between 150°F and 200°F.

Sauna etiquette is also an important aspect of the Finnish sauna experience. It's customary to undress completely and sit on the sauna bench with your feet on the floor, not on the bench.

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In Finland, you'll find a variety of saunas to try out. The traditional temperature for Finnish saunas is not less than 65.5 degrees C (150 degrees F) with a maximum temperature of 90 degrees C (194 degrees F), and most run around 80 C (176 F).

The Finnish Sauna Society recognises three main types of sauna: wood, smoke, and electric. Each type of sauna gives you a slightly different experience.

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Wood-heated saunas are the Finnish classic and a popular choice with Finns at their summer cottages. They can be ready in as little as 30 minutes with a practised hand.

Smoke saunas, or "savusauna", are the oldest and rarest variety of Finnish sauna. They're undergoing a revival, but require around 2 hours to prepare, as they need to be heated and aired thoroughly.

Electric stove saunas are a convenient option, especially in a town or city setting, as they're easier to fuel. You might find them in hotels or other urban areas.

Here's a brief rundown of the three main types of sauna:

Before you start your Finnish sauna experience, it's a good idea to shower beforehand. This is a common practice in Finland, where saunas are an integral part of the culture.

In Finland, it's customary to go to the sauna with a towel, either naked or in a swimsuit, depending on the sauna's recommendations. This is a nod to the country's relaxed attitude towards nudity.

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To find a comfortable spot in the sauna, look for the higher benches, which tend to be warmer. You can also ladle or throw water onto the hot stones as you see fit, to control the temperature.

Here are the basic steps to follow in a Finnish sauna:

Remember to keep the volume low and respect your fellow sauna-goers' silence, especially if they seem to be meditating or enjoying some quiet time.

Finns are very firm about the asexual nature of the sauna. Saunas are meant to be a space for cleansing, both mental and physical, which Finns take very seriously.

You'll notice that families will often sauna in the nude together, and it's customary for there to be gender-separated areas in public saunas. This is a sign of the sauna's focus on cleanliness and purity.

If you make a sexual joke about saunas, you can expect some dirty looks from the locals. It's best to keep the conversation light and respectful.

It's also worth noting that saunas aren't just about cleanliness, but also have some health benefits. The heat can help circulation, reduce stress, and even ease asthma and breathing difficulties.

To get the most out of your sauna experience, try to find the hottest part of the sauna by choosing the highest place to sit. This will give you the full benefits of the heat.

Don't be afraid to ask for help if you're new to saunas. Finns are generally welcoming and happy to show visitors the ropes.

For your interest: Why Are Infrared Saunas Good for You

In a Finnish sauna, it's customary to shower before entering. Showering beforehand helps you relax and get ready for the sauna experience.

If you're new to sauna-going, don't worry – Finns are known to be friendly and welcoming. To get started, head to the sauna with your towel, either naked or in a swimsuit (depending on the sauna's recommendations).

When choosing a spot to sit, remember that higher benches will be warmer. You can pick a spot that suits your comfort level.

If you need to, you can ladle or throw water onto the hot stones as you wish. This helps to regulate the temperature and add some humidity to the air.

A good starting point for your sauna session is to stay in for 5 to 10 minutes. This allows you to get a feel for the heat and relax.

To stay hydrated, be sure to drink plenty of water before, during, and after your sauna session.

Explore further: How Long to Sit in a Dry Sauna

Talking in a sauna can be a unique experience, especially in a country like Finland where it's a common practice. Finns are known to have extended conversations in the sauna, and it's not uncommon to see them conducting business meetings or playing games while sitting in the sauna.

If you're planning to strike up a conversation with your neighbor, it's essential to read the room first. Each sauna has its own vibe, and you don't want to disrupt the atmosphere if others are there for a quiet moment.

In Finland, saunas are a great place to engage with local people, as long as you keep the volume low and don't act disruptively.

While in a Finnish sauna, it's essential to follow some simple norms to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for yourself and others.

Shower before going into the sauna to get clean and refreshed.

You'll find saunas almost everywhere in Finland, including homes, countryside cabins, hotels, gyms, and even in offices, so you're likely to have plenty of options to choose from.

To get started, head to the sauna with your towel, either naked or in a swimsuit, depending on the sauna's recommendations.

Finns relish the sauna tradition all year round, and you can enjoy this cycle – sauna, cool off, repeat – a few times as part of your sauna ritual.

Higher benches in the sauna will be warmer, so keep that in mind when choosing a spot to sit.

Here are some basic steps to follow when visiting a Finnish sauna:

It's worth noting that Finns often enjoy their sauna experience in the countryside, where lake shores are dotted with charming log cabins complete with private saunas.

After the sauna session, it's customary to take a dip in the nearby cold water pool, known as the "cold plunge". This is a traditional practice in many Scandinavian countries.

The cold water helps to lower your body temperature, which is said to have various health benefits, including reducing inflammation and improving circulation.

Taking a cold shower or bath is also a common practice after a sauna session, and it's believed to help improve mental clarity and alertness.

In some cultures, it's considered polite to wait for a few minutes after the sauna session before taking a shower or bath, to allow your body to cool down slowly.

The traditional Finnish sauna etiquette recommends waiting at least 10-15 minutes after the sauna session before taking a shower or bath.

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A Finnish sauna is a wooden room or a separate building with wooden benches inside placed on different levels. Proper insulation is key to keeping the heat inside effectively and excess water from staying on the floor.

Good ventilation is essential, allowing the air to circulate so you can breathe fresh air easily even when the sauna is heated. The temperature of a Finnish sauna is moderately high, ranging from 70 to 100 Celsius degrees (158 – 212°F).

Finnish saunas can be built to suit various purposes, such as relaxing in a spa, recovering after a gym session, or spending time with friends and family.

A different take: Dry Finnish Sauna

A Finnish sauna is a wooden room or a separate building with wooden benches inside placed on different levels.

Proper insulation is key to a high-quality sauna, as it keeps the heat inside effectively and excess water doesn't stay on the floor.

Good ventilation is also crucial, as the air inside the sauna should circulate so you can breathe fresh air easily, even when heated.

A Finnish sauna's temperature is moderately high, ranging from 70 to 100 Celsius degrees (158 – 212°F), which is perfect for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Consider reading: High Blood Pressure and Infrared Saunas

The room is typically heated with an electric or a wood-burning stove with rocks piled on top, which allows for the creation of steam and temporary soft heat.

Finnish saunas can be of all sizes and shapes, as long as they include the essential elements, such as proper insulation and good ventilation.

They can be built to city surroundings, countryside, or even on top of water, making them a versatile and unique addition to any space.

Löyly is one of the most iconic and well-known public saunas in Finland. The sauna's sculptural wooden building was designed by Avanto Architects’ Ville Hara and Anu Puustinen.

The sauna features three wood-heated saunas and an outdoor swimming pool. A welcoming restaurant serves Finnish classics like meatballs and creamy salmon soup.

On a summer day, there's nothing better than soaking up the sun on the large outdoor terrace while enjoying a refreshing drink and stunning views of the Baltic Sea. The sauna is located in a former industrial area on the Helsinki waterfront.

Explore further: Outdoor Home Saunas

Kuurakaltio sauna in Kiilopää is surrounded by a mesmerizing Lappish landscape. It's situated next to a crystal-clear stream, perfect for a cooling dip after a stint in the sauna.

This sauna offers a unique experience with its smoke sauna design. Smoke fills the sauna during the warm-up phase, and once it's properly ventilated, guests experience an incredibly smooth löyly (hot steam).

Kuurakaltio basks in the midnight sun during the summer season. Winter nights might provide a glimpse of the Northern Lights, making this sauna a popular destination for visitors from around the world.

The sauna's location offers a serene atmosphere, with the stream and the surrounding landscape creating a peaceful ambiance.

In a private sauna, anyone can throw water on the stones as much as they want, but the goal is to keep the sauna moist, never dry.

Pouring water over the stove produces steam and raises the temperature further. You'll even see people circulating the hot air by whipping a towel around in the air like a propeller.

If you're in a public sauna, the person seated in the hottest part of the sauna decides when to increase the temperature by adding more water. They're usually the one who decides when to heat up the sauna.

In public saunas, there's a rule of thumb that's jokingly referred to by Finns: you can't heat and run. If you throw water onto the stove, you should stay in the sauna for at least a few minutes to enjoy the heat you just created.

Check this out: How Long Do Saunas Take to Heat up

Finland is known for its love of saunas, and for good reason - they're incredibly hot! Wood burning and electric saunas are normally warmed to 80-110°C (176-230°F).

The temperature of a Finnish sauna can vary depending on the type. Smoke saunas, for example, may only reach 60°C (140°F) despite feeling just as warm as their wood burning counterparts.

The difference in temperature between these two types of saunas is largely due to humidity. Smoke saunas have higher humidity, which makes them feel hotter than they actually are.

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Regular sauna visits are thought to improve your blood circulation and wellbeing, although the science is lacking slightly. The Finns call this feeling of relaxation after a sauna "saunanjälkeinen".

This deep sense of relaxation is so important to Finns that it's considered respectful not to disturb someone's "saunanjälkeinen" after a sauna. You'll likely feel revitalised after your sauna experience.

The Finns have a name for this feeling of post-sauna glow, which is a sign that you're experiencing the benefits of a sauna. The benefits may not be backed up by robust evidence, but you'll likely feel the effects.

If you're looking to experience the Finnish sauna culture, consider visiting Finland and learning about the local Sámi culture in Lapland. You could also visit Scandinavia and discover that Finland isn't the only Northern European country with a thriving sauna tradition.

Discover more: Benefits of a Dry Sauna after Workout

Finland has over 3 million saunas, making it the perfect destination for sauna enthusiasts. There are public saunas and Finnish sauna culture to explore.

You can find unique saunas across various regions, each with its own quirks and charm. Discover the top must-visit saunas in Helsinki for an unforgettable experience.

Hotels in Finland often come with a Finnish sauna, and some even have them in the rooms for a private experience. A rental cottage is almost always equipped with a private sauna, no matter where you are in the country.

You can even find a Finnish sauna on a ferry, like Viking Line and Tallink-Silja, or in a ski gondola, like the one in Ylläs. Sauna is an integral part of Finnish culture and has been recognized by UNESCO as an Intangible Cultural Heritage.

Before arriving at the sauna, make sure to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration and lightheadedness, especially if you're new to sauna experiences.

You'll also want to pack lightly, as locker rooms are often small, and avoid wearing jewelry that can heat up and potentially burn you.

Typically, you'll be given a small locker to store your things while in the sauna, and it's a good idea to store your jewelry and glasses there as well, as the heat can fog them up and damage the glass.

Consider reading: Small Saunas Indoor

Arrival at the sauna can be a bit overwhelming, but with some preparation, you'll be all set. Pack lightly because the locker rooms are often small, and you'll be given a small locker to store your things.

It's best to avoid wearing jewelry, as the metal can heat up and even burn you. I wish I had worn contacts that day, it would have saved me from fogging up my glasses.

You'll need to shower before entering the sauna, and the showers are typically located in the locker rooms on the way into the main sauna area. This will help wash off any dirt, lotions, or creams on your skin.

Make sure to drink lots of water before arriving at the sauna, especially if you're not used to the heat. Dehydration and lightheadedness are common side effects that newbies can experience.

Going to a Finnish sauna is a unique experience that requires some preparation and knowledge of local customs. You'll want to arrive at the sauna feeling relaxed and open to new experiences.

To prepare, make sure to drink plenty of fresh water before and after your sauna session. This will help your body replenish lost fluids and stay hydrated.

Finnish sauna bathing is all about listening to your body and responding to its needs. This means paying attention to your physical sensations and acting accordingly.

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