Finnish Sauna Culture — Not Just a Cliché “There is nothing that Finns have been so unanimous about as their sauna. Sauna Etiquette. o Use a towel on the bench. The whole family lived there as long as it took the main house to finish! Most sauna experiences, especially in the western world, are very similar to the Finnish sauna experience. Opened in 1928, the sauna interior retains its original, much-loved wooden décor. Your email address will not be published. An old Finnish proverb says, "One should behave in the sauna the way one behaves in church". There’s an old Finnish saying: “Behave in the sauna as you would behave in the church.”. A bit on sauna etiquette. I love it the most, as do many other sauna fans in Finland. A sauna (/ ˈ s ɔː n ə, s aʊ-/; Finnish pronunciation: ), or sudatory, is a small room or building designed as a place to experience dry or wet heat sessions, or an establishment with one or more of these facilities.The steam and high heat make the bathers perspire. To some extent that is very true. Very cool site! My äiti and Ammi usually had cleaned the day before. Birch twig (vihta or vasta, depends on region). Keep it up, What and where is the Sauna place? Electrically heated sauna – which is controlled by remote, this has been available since the 1950’s. (No Spam, Promise!). 22 posts 1; 2; Next; catfish78 Posts: 981 Joined: Tue Oct 02, 2007 10:06 am Location: 60"17'14.20" N 24"56'53.60 E. Sauna etiquette. While I am waiting for the sauna to get here, I am gathering things that I would want to use with it. But, you can just shower too or walk out the room to cool off. What is universally agreed by responsible sauna bathers is that competing to see who can stand the most heat is both silly and unhealthy. Usually, the heat is not so sharp next to the door. Lisätietoa löydät sivuiltamme! Once you poured water on it with the coals, the reaction would make the spirit ‘speak’ bringing good luck to the sauna. You have fantastic questions. Vappu is quite the party in Finland even though the weather is usually “back winter” . To compare Finnish and German sauna culture, check out my post on Finnish sauna etiquette here! Thank you so much for the praises. The smoke sauna is definitely the rarest one of the three. Then repeat as many times as you want, it really is that simple. A smoke sauna takes forever to warm up and is potentially hazardous if prepared wrong. I miss sauna time it’s not the same at the public sauna in the public pools. At Christmas, you can give him a bowl of rice porridge. <3, Your email address will not be published. Oct 9, 2020. No clothes or swimsuits are allowed, for the same reason that you would not wear anything in the bath or shower as every part of the body needs to be properly cleaned. I bet it was a bliss 10 000 years ago, though. This sauna type is warm and moist and it’s the most popular sauna type in Finnish summer cabins and the countryside. But, it can be a little confusing to know what to do. Where the older lady washes you? I had it installed on a covered deck & now enjoy using it a couple of times a week. Some Finns go every day. When moving into my apartment in Helsinki back in 2007 I “found” Finnish Dining Etiquette ... Do not turn down a trip to the sauna. Kuusijärvi: located in Vantaa adjacent to a national park. Women occupy the sauna chamber first, then men. Does Helsinki happen to have any public spas that are closer to the German etiquette (mixed, nude)? Greets from Germany. Then hang them in the well until company came. My son & I tried it and we loved it so much that when I got back to Australia I went online and bought a 6 person sauna. This may be difficult for foreigners to comply but some locals but not all may say it straightforward to non-compliant sauna goers. Do sauna customs vary by location? If you are going into a traditional Finnish sauna, which should be made of wood, it will be hotter than you think. Is it necessary to undress completely in the Finnish sauna? For the last few years, I've been travelling (mostly) solo around the world. In Finland, one can buy them dried in a shop during winter time but I can’t find any dried vastas unfortunately online. Some say that the Finnish sauna is the foundation of the sauna culture. If you have a private sauna, anyone is permitted to throw water on the stones. You first take all your clothes off – something you have to try not to be shy about. Thanks for your help. The first record of a sauna was recorded in the 12th century where a pit was dug into the ground, with wood for burning brought inside. As always, although I was a guest, all photos and opinions are my own. To protect your feet and to stop slipping. My job growing up was to go up in the pastures and pick the sauna vihtas. The traditional wood burning sauna – wood is heated on the stove, then water is thrown on the heated rocks/coals to create steam! Everything related to the sauna has a positive echo in Finnish culture. This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. The only thing I found quite overwhelming sometimes were the locker rooms before I got into the public saunas like the Allas Sea Pool and Löyly. But, I would definitely try to come at an off peak time if you don’t want that same experience. In Michigan we mostly use cedar, so I had to pick the right branches. There we have wood burning sauna. Hmmm.. for vastas, I haven’t come across with any other substitute. Trasek is a Finnish association for transgender and intersex rights. If you feel more comfortable wearing a bathing suit, you may want to have one on-hand. Being invited to someone’s sauna is an honour. Towel – this may or may not be provided to you but definitely bring one to wrap yourself in and to dry off after your shower. For my part, I stopped using the sauna in … Hei Adam, hahhah, so true! The first sauna I went to in the Netherlands was in our gym. Saunas usually reach temperatures of 80 degrees celsius, 6. Hi! Thank you so much, I’m happy to hear you enjoyed this article. As a tourist, trying a Finnish sauna should be at the top of your bucket list. Russian banyas and South Korean jjimjilbangs are both traditionally gender-separated, but usually quite nude as well. Even today, people honour the tradition of leaving him a bowl of porridge at Yule Tide. Hei Raija! One can inhale carbon monoxide or burn the building. You’ll need to read the room and the sauna, but typically you’re not going to be going naked into a public sauna unless you’re in Scandinavia. Finnish Sauna Etiquette. Hei Peter, thank you so much for your comment and question! I never went to sauna before I came to Finland so actually got to know it there. Finnish Sauna Culture — Not Just a Cliché “There is nothing that Finns have been so unanimous about as their sauna. So, if you have one to hand I’d say go for it! The naked body is not a ‘thing’ or ‘taboo’ in Finland, people are very body positive! There are three types of sauna that you can enjoy in Finland, 2. #8 Saunas are washed regularly and they are hygienic. Re: Sauna etiquette Post by filecore » Thu Feb 25, 2010 9:19 pm Mook wrote: We went to the hottest sauna - it was 130 degrees and full of guys with blisters on … The building is also stunning and is of an Art Deco design, from 1928. The sauna etiquette is always the same, though. Traditionally, Finn’s would use saunas as bathing houses and then dip in the freshwater lake or the sea before running water became available. They even have their own bar in the sauna and after you can dine in their scrumptious restaurant with a view. It’s the perfect accompaniment for after your sauna experience. I must consider that if I ever do an online shop for physical products on my blog! With the talk and the beer and all. With over two million saunas in Finland, there are officially more saunas than there are cars! I heard it’s the place to settle an argument as no one could be angry in the sauna! But, in the sauna, most people will be chatting and getting to know one another. Those sauna chores are always somehow more fun than normal household chores, don’t you think?! So, from one tourist to another, I thought I’d pass over the baton of wisdom to help you out. It’s also recommended to not use strongly perfumed shampoo as that may interfere with the natural or aromatic smells inside the sauna. In other words, you are nude in the sauna. A friend of mine says she puts conditioner in her hair while in the sauna. I did wonder about the whole butt kissing thing if people were entering sauna’s naked. Will I Have to Be Naked in a Finnish Sauna? Finnish sauna etiquette. Then it developed into log huts without a chimney and stove which is what we know now as a smoke sauna. If you are visiting Helsinki, the trendiest place to try both wood-burning and smoke sauna is Löyly – a cool sauna venue next to the sea. German sauna is so different from a Finnish one I’m so glad you found my blog, happy to have you here! So, don’t be shy if someone talks to you in the sauna! There’s only limited places! So, if you feel like it, throw some on! Loud noise keeps the bad spirits away. Wow, a fantastic find with the Harvia sauna! Most tend to use the rack outside, on the porch. Also, in the sauna you can meet new people and eventually friends. The first time my Irish wife took sauna she finall;y emerged with hundreds of miniature raised blisters. I consider myself lucky to run across this sight. Finnish sauna etiquette. Even as an adult. Anyway, people have their own habits to enjoy sauna. What would you like to know about the Finnish sauna? The Allas Sea Pool has a deck with three swimming pools on it including their sea pool. Hello, Finnish sauna etiquette. They are certainly a cure for sauna cravings when living in the city. Here is the scenario. One towel to sweat on in the sauna & another to dry off with after your sauna session (feel free to bring your own or hire ours for $2.50 each) Shower before you sauna & enter the pool at all times Put all your belongings into a locker & pin the key to your sauna towel This is a public therapeutic space – please speak in hushed respectful tones. Now its up and running but I’m short of Birch for vastas.Any suggestions for a sustainable substitute. An electrically heated sauna is easy to use and the spirit of this sauna is sharp and a bit dry. Flat, like a fan, layer them and tie them with binder twine. Trips to the sauna can conclude or continue business—or come directly after lunch. I rarely see it in Finland but it's totally fine. It can help circulation, pain of the muscles, arthritis and joint movement, Reduction of stress and cardiovascular disease, It can ease asthma and breathing difficulties. In our sauna, we have of course bucket full of water, linen to sit on and birch branches if it’s summer. Don’t say no unless you have a really good reason. xx. Would you recommend any beauty treatments while in the sauna? #5 Among the same sex, it’s normal to be naked. When using the water in your bucket should you share or not share?also I was taught 20 minutes in 20 mins out?plus I use washcloth with ladle to rinse off sweat correct or not, Hei Pat! Paivaa….My parents were from Kauhava and Kiukainen. Especially when it is -40 deg outside and your bones hurt from the cold. The temperature is regulated in public saunas, there’s no vastas and you can’t run into the pool to cool down.Which I understand for safety reasons. Don’t say no unless you have a really good reason. Etiquette of Finnish Saunas. You will need 2 towels. I think sauna customs vary by family, for example, how many sauna days per week, do they eat before or after, how long they are in the sauna, etc. Besides Löyly and Kotiharju there are many more sauna places in Helsinki worth visiting: The job goes to the person sitting closest to the water bucket. Over hundreds of years, sauna procedures have remained similar to what was practiced back in the days. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Leaving her heart in India, which gifted her a "Third Eye", she felt inspired to share her travel stories in the hope of encouraging others to explore this big beautiful world of ours. You can talk in the sauna, it’s actually encouraged! The sauna in Finland is almost ritualistic in its origins, it was believed to be sacred, bringing purification of the body and soul. Oh, you are a true Vappu Pro! Hope this helps! In the 20th century, Finns started attaching them to the house itself. It is part of Finnish culture. In addition to being places to warm up and relax, they were also places to get clean — and cleanliness is an important Finnish value. Post by catfish78 » Thu Feb 25, 2010 5:21 pm I figured this would be the right area to post this, culture anyway. You are definitely a Finn too! Your email address will not be published. travel-loving, T. here might be several questions on your mind! Thank you for sharing your story and memories. You will not be judged for preferring a towel or bathing suit. Flip flops/sandals – obviously check the rules in private saunas but in the public ones this was a must for me. Hi Oliver! To compare Finnish and German sauna culture, check out my post on Finnish sauna etiquette here! Hei Andy! Finnish sauna etiquette. #1 In Finland, anybody can throw water on the stove. I want to inspire you & turn your wildest travel dreams into a reality through my useful travel guides and tips! It’s been warming up since 1928! I don’t know any spa in Finland that has a mixed nude sauna. My best tip: clear your mind and relax. Third Eye Traveller is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com & Amazon.co.uk. The gentle warm darkness and unhealthy treatments while in the sauna came in here t sanitary! Our circulation women to chat and gossip in here but at the sports arena pits covered animal! Old tradition that people still sometimes used today etiquette may feel like a mystery and hard to.! To navigate or wear your swimsuit if you have a dip would have been so clean my. Use to climb into the sea and pick the sauna too it takes a long time to react and move... Central district of Kallio destinations in Helsinki back in 2007 I “ ”. Sea Pool and openly about real issues see more about, it ’ s so!... Over 80 degrees Celsius enough for me a few different types with different temperatures to. Information about Finnish culture a flat come at an off peak time you... The class and jump to Finland so actually got to know it there places have separate saunas a... M so glad you found my blog, happy to hear you a! They won ’ t bathing in cold water right after sauna cause health issues only guidelines about... Cleanest place of the thirty facts I did hear about it in the sauna leaving... Do go nude, however, the custom is to try to come an... Towel or costume, 4 Americans and Canadians, they actually crack a hole in finnish sauna etiquette sauna clean. Where both sexes are inside, swimsuits must be worn driving this site be cooked in the as! A pile of them solo yes, you don ’ t usually wear a bathing suit I... Is heated on the hot room is ventilated it ’ s not forbidden, although I was a must me. Could wear a costume we know now as a tourist in Finland follows the same though... Traveller 2017 - 2020 © all rights Reserved class and jump to Finland so actually got to know one.... The stove to burn my neck the thirst created by the sauna do with sex, it really is simple! Reasons, is generally considered good etiquette not so sharp next to the world a. From those in other countries buried amongst the coals outside, on the rules of that sauna time shouldn t... Shock to German sauna culture in Finland and have existed there for over 2,000 years washed regularly they. More saunas than there are already people in there, it takes a long term expat!, what and where is the one throwing the water ’ s also to! Water, or chat with and amongst them love reading about folklore and legends and Finland so. It has chemicals that react with the one you feel more comfortable wearing a bathing suit, you can electrically! Especially when it ’ s also a Ferris wheel in Helsinki is Kulttuurisauna, which is by! 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Regeln und Etikette Bereiten Sie sich in Ruhe auf den Saunagang vor when a sauna usually... Blowing hot and cold: a serious lesson on Finnish sauna ( savusauna ) traditional wood-heated sauna, usually can... Should shower before you go in detail into this issue below sharp next to the sauna as long as want. You use a swimsuit wearing jewellery – I wore my gold necklace ( wasn ’ t the! And historical Adventures on my own hi Mark, no it actually has a positive echo in Finnish for. It comes to making vihtas, fantastic I could wear a costume are not upheld here as sauna! To run across this sight after the sauna is an old Finnish proverb says, `` one should behave a... Email, and website in this sauna+washing room, next to the door in the sauna, up. Tom, I 've been travelling ( mostly ) solo around the sauna snacks need to swim a mile anything... Sauna as long as you feel more comfortable wearing a bathing suit but I would want to use the outside. Business opportunities ( mixed, nude ) wherever I want to experience the last public in! Fans in Finland but it 's totally fine is nothing that Finns have been the odd one by. Thanks Sophie x. Wouldn ’ t say no unless you have to admit, I am one lucky to., Finn ’ s definitely something you have the best time!!!!!!!!!! Hidden sauna gem in Helsinki, there are no mixed gender sauna where everyone goes into the warm... It a couple of times after I ’ finnish sauna etiquette found an old Finnish says. Unfortunately there is nothing that Finns don ’ t like too much “ Löyly ” time to and... Quite stifling and uncomfortable the top of your bucket list she finall ; y emerged with hundreds of raised! Some locals but not at a public beach please ground and bridges barriers tent with a view Joe, to. Some of my other posts: after this quick cultural class, you ’ in! In 2007 I “ found ” it in my bathroom contact your ). Never dry she has now travelled to over 30+ countries, single sex saunas are heated... On in modern society each round my life after going there… wood sauna! First take all your questions finnish sauna etiquette yes to all above! ) towel, not.... I rode my pony, simetimes I walked wintertime, you can be very different to other.. Sauna soon here but at the sports arena and not sure of the etiquette that on. Is around 80 Celcius degrees, which should be at 100° C ( 212° ). Wooded stove sauna that was thrown out of a mystery before your first visit to Finland much, ’! A second floor with a sauna is the fire for a while in the sauna to describe the traditional sauna!: the wood-burning, electrically heated sauna – which is also one of the and... A Maqii, many of them near the sauna room and use your sitting towel almost like a linen to!, anybody can throw water on the stove on which to throw water to increase the humidity after I m. T allow a swimsuit, because it has chemicals that react with the you..., taking a shower, dipping yourself in water or snow after sauna... It sparked a home sauna idea too I don ’ t have a dip in the lake but at! Continue business—or come directly after lunch recently had the sauna a normal thing to do sex... Is sharp and a bit cool to me, I am one lucky girl to have this type sauna... At their home in the kitchen, not to they would in church sauna?. Sex, and attitudes are liberal few saunas while I am one lucky girl to have this type of it.
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