Finnish Sauna

Records and other historical evidence indicate that the Finns built the first wooden saunas in the 5th or 8th century. Early saunas were dug into a hill or embankment. As tools and techniques advanced, they were later built above ground using wooden logs. Rocks were heated in a stone fireplace with a wood fire. The smoke from the fire filled the room as the air warmed.

Once the temperature reached desired levels, the smoke was allowed to clear and the bathers entered. The wood smoke aroma still lingered and was part of the cleansing ritual. This type of traditional smoke sauna was called a savusauna, which simply means ”smoke sauna” in Finnish. Many people find the smell of smoke and wood to be relaxing.

In Finland swimsuits, towels, or any other garments are rarely worn in the sauna. Families often go to the sauna together, which is not considered eccentric since family saunas are an old tradition. In these private saunas swimsuits or towels are never worn. In public saunas it is more common that men and women go to the sauna separately, although people of both sexes may sometimes bathe together, for example in student clubs. Still, saunas are not associated with sex and sexuality. Quite the contrary, historically saunas have been the most sacred places after the church, and most houses which could afford to build a sauna had one. In older times women also used to give birth in the sauna because it was a warm and sterile environment. Children were occasionally born in saunas still in the beginning of the 20th century.

The lighting in a sauna is shady, and some Finns prefer to sit in the sauna in silence, relaxing. The temperature is usually between 80 °C (176 °F) and 110 °C (230 °F). Sometimes people make a vasta (or vihta); they tie together small fresh birch branches (with leaves on) and swat themselves and their fellow sauna bathers with it. One can even buy vihtas from a shop and store them into the freezer for later (winter) use. Using a vasta improves blood circulation, and its birch odour is considered pleasing.

Some public saunas in Helsinki

Allas Pool: pools, saunas, restaurant, wellness services, events and cleantech by the sea in the heart of Helsinki. Kids’ pool closed for Winter. Katajanokanlaituri 2a, Helsinki tel +358 (0)44 357 7154 Open Mon-Fri 6–21 / Sat-Sun 9–21 How to get there: Tram 4 to Tove Janssonin Puisto stop

Löyly: Mixed saunas, wood burning traditional sauna and a smoke sauna. Hernesaarenranta 4, Helsinki tel +358 (0)9 6128 6550 Open Mon 15–22:30/ Tue-Thu 13–22:30/ Fri 13–23/ Sat 9–23 (break 11–13)/ Sun 12–21 How to get there: tram 6T to Eiranranta stop and 8 minutes walk.

Kulttuurisauna (The Culture Sauna): Public sauna heated with wood. A possibility to swim in the sea. No groups (More than two people is considered a group) Hakaniemenranta 17, Helsinki Open Morning Shift: Fri-Sun: 8–11:30 (Last entry 10:30), no pre-booking Evening Shift: Wed-Sun 16–20 (Last entry 18:45), pre-booking is mandatory. By metro to Hakaniemi stop and 14 minutes walk or bus 16 to Merihaka stop and 9 minutes walk.

Uusi Sauna (The New Sauna): Combination of a public sauna with a terrace for cooling off, and a bar and bistro that seats over 100 guests inside. Uusi Sauna has separate wood pellet heated saunas for male and female visitors. The steam rooms have space for approximately 20 guests at a time. The changing rooms are spacious with 54 lockers at the men’s department, and 40 at the women’s side. Välimerenkatu 10, Helsinki tel +358 (0)44 758 3228 open Tue-Sat 16–23:30/ Sun 15–21 Tram 7T and 9T to Huutokonttori stop.

Kuusijärvi saunas: Only place in Finland and the world where three public traditional smoke saunas are open for everyone every day of the year. Kuusijärventie 3, 01260 Vantaa open All electric saunas: Mon-Sun 9.00-20.30 Smoke Sauna: Mon-Sun 13.00-20.30 Bus 785K (to Nikkilä), get off: Byända – Change bus to 736 (to Tikkurila), get off: Kuusijärvi stop.

Hope You have a nice sauna experience here in Finland. Before that I recommend You to listen one song from band called Kaj. Bara bada bastu = Go to the sauna! (Before going, please check the opening hours)