If you plan a trip to Finland, you must experience the Finnish sauna. In Finland, saunas are a cultural experience passed down from generation to generation since ancient times. But beyond the cultural significance, the Finnish sauna experience is a wellness practice that helps you relax, revive, and de-stress. In this blog post, we’ll explore what makes Finnish saunas unique and everything you need to know before you try it.
What is a Finnish Sauna?
At its core, a Finnish sauna is a heated room made of wood that allows you to experience a dry and hot environment that helps you relax, sweat, and detoxify. The temperature can range from 70°C to 100°C, and the humidity is typically low, at around 10-15%. In Finland, it’s a common practice to go naked in the sauna, as it facilitates the release of toxins in your skin.
The Finnish Sauna experience
The Finnish sauna experience in Finland is about more than just sweating in a heated room. It’s a cultural experience involving rituals, customs, and traditions unique to Finland. For example, taking a shower before entering the sauna is customary to rinse off any dirt or sweat. When inside, sitting or lying on wooden benches and using a bundle of birch twigs to beat yourself gently is common. This practice helps to improve circulation and exfoliate the skin.
The Benefits of a Finnish Sauna
As mentioned earlier, Finnish saunas have several wellness benefits, both physical and mental:
- It helps to detoxify your body through sweating.
- It can help reduce stress and anxiety, forcing you to focus on your breathing and relax.
- Dry heat can help improve your respiratory system, particularly if you have a cold or respiratory ailment.
Where to experience Finnish Sauna in Finland
You can experience the Finnish sauna in several places across Finland, depending on your preferences. To enjoy an authentic Finnish sauna in its most accurate form, you can visit the saunas in Helsinki, such as Kotiharju and Loyly. Alternatively, you can try private saunas that have sprung up across the country, such as the Arctic Sauna World in Lapland.
Tips for a Finnish Sauna experience
Before you embark on your Finnish sauna experience, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
- Always carry a towel with you to sit on in the sauna.
- Take plenty of breaks and hydrate yourself with water to avoid dehydration.
- Take time after your sauna session to cool off in the fresh air or a cool shower to regulate your body temperature.
Beyond the detoxification and relaxation benefits, it’s a way to immerse yourself in Finnish culture and traditions. Make a note to add a visit to the Finnish sauna to your Finland travel itinerary, and you’ll return feeling rejuvenated, refreshed and relaxed. Happy sauna-ing!
