Sauna in Finland

No special preparation is needed. Take a shower, wash yourself, and enter the sauna ready to relax. In most saunas, you can wear a towel or swimsuit if that feels more comfortable for you.

If you are joining a sauna tour or booking a sauna experience, it is a good idea to check what is included. Bringing a bottle of water or another refreshing sauna drink with you is also recommended.

After the sauna, wash yourself and drink plenty of water. During winter, it is also a good idea to wear warm clothes afterwards to keep enjoying the outdoors comfortably.

Finns believe there is nothing to be ashamed of in the human body, which is why people traditionally go naked in many Finnish public saunas, such as those in swimming halls. These public saunas are usually divided into separate men’s and women’s sections.

In mixed-gender saunas, people often wear a towel or swimsuit. We completely understand that wearing a swimsuit or wrapping yourself in a towel may feel more comfortable, especially if it is your first sauna experience.

If you have booked a sauna experience, or are planning a visit to a sauna, it is a good idea to check the instructions in advance. Different saunas may have their own practices regarding swimsuits, towels and sauna etiquette.

Just relax and enjoy – take time to breathe, unwind and clear your mind. Sit on a sauna bench with a towel or seat cover underneath you. If there are several benches, choose a higher bench for more heat or a lower one for a milder experience.

Anyone in the sauna can throw water onto the hot sauna stones to create more steam and heat. This creates a characteristic hissing sound and quickly adds a wave of warmth.

Stay in the sauna for as long as feels comfortable – there is no set rule. It can be just a few minutes or much longer. If you are new to sauna, listen to your body, step outside for fresh air whenever needed, and return when you feel ready.

It is a good idea to have water or another refreshing drink nearby. If the sauna includes a swimming opportunity, cool off with a dip in the water before returning to the warmth. This is how many Finns enjoy sauna throughout the year!

This depends on the sauna and personal preferences. Some people like to alternate between the heat of the sauna and a dip in a pool, natural waters or a hot tub. Others enjoy stepping onto a terrace afterwards to relax with a drink.

In winter, a break from the sauna might include a dip in an ice-swimming spot or even rolling in the snow. The ultimate sauna experience leaves you feeling refreshed, relaxed and connected with both your body and mind.

Another traditional part of the sauna experience is using a vihta (also called vasta), a bundle of birch branches gently used to whisk the skin. The tradition is believed to stimulate circulation and fill the sauna with the refreshing scent of birch. Some sauna experiences offer this traditional ritual, especially during the summer when fresh birch branches are available.

The temperature depends on the sauna and the experience, but it is generally between 70 and 100 degrees Celsius. Different sauna types–such as a traditional wood-burning sauna or an electric sauna–can also feel different even at the same temperature.

For beginners, around 70 degrees Celsius is often a comfortable starting point.