A Beginner's Guide to the Finnish Sauna

For Finns, sauna isn’t just a place to sweat — it’s a way of life. With over 3 million saunas in a country of 5.5 million people, the sauna is woven into the fabric of Finnish culture. But if you're new to it, the experience can feel a little mysterious (or intimidating). Don’t worry — this guide has you covered.

Let’s demystify the Finnish sauna.

Sauna Is a Social Experience, Not a Spa

One of the biggest misconceptions? That a Finnish sauna is a silent, spa-like meditation zone. While it can be calm and quiet, most of the time — especially among friends or family — it’s a social event. People laugh, talk, throw water on the rocks (called löyly), and enjoy each other's company. It’s more campfire than chapel.

Expect relaxed conversation, occasional silence, and sometimes even singing. Just don’t expect silence or spa rules.

Sauna Basics: How It Works

1. Heat Source: Traditional saunas use wood-burning stoves or electric heaters.

2. Throwing Löyly: Water is thrown on hot stones to create steam and raise the temperature.

3. Rounds: Most people go in for 10–20 minutes, come out to cool off (maybe jump in a lake or snow), and repeat.

4. Cooling Down: This is key — it balances your body and makes the experience refreshing.

5. Hydrate: Drink water, or if you're with friends, a cold beverage is common too.

Dos and Don’ts in the Finnish Sauna

Do:

• Shower before entering the sauna

• Sit on a small towel (for hygiene)

• Respect others’ space and pace

• Embrace the silence or conversation, depending on the vibe

• Ask if you can throw water ("Saanko heittää löylyä?")

Don’t:

• Treat it like a spa lounge (no lying down across benches like it’s a resort)

• Wear swimwear in private saunas (naked is normal and natural, especially in single-gender settings)

• Be loud or disruptive in a calm setting

• Bring your phone

Public Saunas vs. Lakeside Cottages

Public Saunas: Great way to experience Finnish sauna culture if you're visiting. These are often more structured and may have separate hours for men and women.

• Examples: Löyly (Helsinki), Allas Sea Pool (Helsinki), Rajaportin sauna (Tampere)

Lakeside Cottage Saunas: The heart of the Finnish experience. Private, peaceful, and often paired with a lake or sea. Expect a more intimate and traditional vibe.

• This is where friends and families gather, often with grilling, drinks, and laughter included.

Types of Saunas You Might Encounter

• Savusauna (Smoke Sauna): No chimney, filled with smoke before airing out. Deep, gentle heat. Very traditional.

• Electric Sauna: Most common in homes and city apartments.

• Wood-burning Sauna: Classic countryside style, with earthy scent and strong heat.

• Public Sauna Complexes: Larger spaces with hot tubs, cold plunges, and multiple sauna rooms.

Final Thoughts

Don’t overthink it. The Finnish sauna is not about doing it "right," it’s about feeling good, relaxing, and connecting with others. Whether you're in a historic smoke sauna in the woods or a trendy Helsinki waterfront spot, just go with the flow.

And remember: if you're ever unsure, just watch the locals. They’ll teach you everything you need to know — often without saying a word.