Sauna in Finland
Happy as a Finn – go to sauna! It’s a must-have experience when visiting Lapland.
There are over 3 million saunas in Finland – that’s more than passenger cars! It’s safe to say we love our saunas. For a truly authentic Rovaniemi experience, a visit to the sauna is an absolute must.
Wellbeing from Sauna
Wellbeing from Sauna
For us Finns, the sauna is a place to relax, unwind and spend time together. It’s our sanctuary and an important source of wellbeing. We go to the sauna to clear our minds and leave the stresses of everyday life behind.
A sauna session is often followed by a swim in natural waters or a relaxing soak in a hot tub – an invigorating experience, whether it’s summer or winter.
Benefits of Sauna
Benefits of Sauna
Sauna helps relax both the mind and body, offering a wide range of wellbeing benefits.
- Sauna helps relieve stress
- Sauna can promote deeper sleep
- Sauna supports recovery after exercise
- Combined with ice swimming or a cold shower, sauna can boost mood, improve stress tolerance and help relieve pain
Rovaniemi Saunas Welcome You
Rovaniemi Saunas Welcome You
Entering a small, hot and steamy room wearing only a swimsuit or towel may feel a little intimidating at first. We understand – but there’s no need to worry! Sauna is for everyone, and we warmly welcome visitors and newcomers to experience this Finnish tradition.
In Rovaniemi, you can choose from a variety of unique sauna experiences, including a snow sauna – a sauna built from ice and snow – traditional wooden saunas, a sauna boat, and a riverside restaurant offering a sauna experience among others.
Which Sauna is Right for Me?
Which Sauna is Right for Me?
For a casual and easy-access sauna experience, try one of the public saunas in and around Rovaniemi. Saunas can also be found at many resorts and hotels, with both public and private sessions available. If you’d like to experience sauna by the water, many saunas in Rovaniemi are located by rivers and lakes, offering the perfect opportunity for a refreshing swim in summer or an invigorating dip in icy waters during winter.
There are both electrically heated and wood-burning saunas to choose from. You can even have a sauna brought right to your doorstep or book a complete sauna experience including spa treatments and dinner!
Frequently Asked Questions About Saunas
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.
Book Sauna Activities!
Private Traditional Lakeside Sauna with Midnight Sun & Bbq
For your authentic Finnish experience, sit back in the lakeside private traditional Finnish sauna with the mild steam warming you up.
Taste of Lapland
One of the best summer activities in Lapland shows you awesome hidden places of untouched wild nature.
Barrel sauna and ice dipping in Kemijoki river Rovaniemi
Barrel sauna and ice dipping in Kemijoki river
Traditional Lappish Evening in the Wilderness with Dinner
Experience the traditional Lappish firewood sauna next to a cozy cottage and take a dip in the private Arctic lake! Blow off some steam and enjoy a peaceful night in the authentic Finnish sauna. End the night with a tasty dinner cooked over an open fire.
Lakeside Sauna & Arctic Bath
Relax in the cozy warmth of our Lakeside Sauna and experience true Finnish calm. Whatever the season, a refreshing dip in Lake Olkka adds an exhilarating touch to your relaxation.
Private Traditional Finnish Sauna, Hot Tub and Bbq Snacks, Rovaniemi, Lapland, Finland
Private Traditional Finnish Sauna, Hot Tub and BBQ Snacks
Sauna and Swimming with Horses
Experience an unforgettable moment swimming with horses. In addition, you get to experience the warmth of a genuine Finnish wood-burning sauna and the beautiful Lapland nature during the summer.
Löyly & Legends
Known the world over, the Finnish sauna offers a multitude of healing and relaxing benefits, but how is a truly Finnish sauna prepared? Roll up your sleeves to see first-hand how it’s done and enjoy a genuine Finnish sauna experience.
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Ruka Safaris
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Nordic Adventures
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Lapland Royal Adventures
Lapland Royal Adventures takes its customers to the heart of Lapland, offering authentic experiences that create unforgettable memories in the wilderness of Rovaniemi, Santa Claus’ hometown.
