Sauna In Finland In 10 Easy Steps

If you’re planning a trip to Finland, experiencing a sauna is an absolute must! In Finnish culture, saunas have a deep-rooted presence and offer the ideal means for relaxing and unwinding after a full day of exploration. My first sauna experience was with a Finnish local (and very good friend) who helped me navigate the heat and freezing temps like a local. I want to help you navigate your experience too. I’ll guide you on how to sauna in Finland in 10 easy steps. This way, you too can get the most out of your sauna experience.

Your sauna session will leave you feeling refreshed, energized, and ready for whatever Finland has in store for you. Pack your stuff and let’s get you in a traditional Finnish sauna acting like a local!

Plan Your Finland Visit

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How To Sauna In Finland In 10 Easy Steps 

1. Public saunas require swimsuits so save the nakedness for the showers.

2. Bring water for hydration and a bev in a can (Consider a Lonkero long drink, which is popular in Finland) for fun.

3. Wear water shoes that won’t fall off when going into the freezing lake. (You can borrow these at most saunas.)

4. Finnish rule is that you can only ladle water into the wood-burning store 2 times. Ladling of water, known as “löyly” constitutes a vital component of the sauna experience. My advice, is to leave this to the locals to handle.

5. Sit in the bottom rows and work your way up. The heat is no joke. 

6. Bundle up post sauna. (If this is your first visit, don’t be surprised if you catch a cold.)

7. People use wood paddles to sit in the sauna. Be sure to rinse after use.

8. BYOS (Bring your own sausages) and grill your post sauna snack directly onsite . 

9. Friday is the day most Finns visit the sauna to start their weekend. #itsafinnishtradition

10. Sauna is practised year round. Which means that anytime you visit, you will be able to experience this for yourself.

Where To Sauna In Finland

Wondering where to sauna now that you are ready to sauna in Finland using these 10 easy steps. See top locations of where to practice this unique tradition based on top tourist cities.

Tampere

Kaupinojan Sauna

If you’re looking for a place to unwind and enjoy nature’s beauty as the backdrop to your sauna experience, I suggest visiting . This sauna is located in a gorgeous shores of Lake Näsijärvi. Visitors can enjoy the cozy heat from by the wood-burning stove and take a dip in the freezing yet refreshing lake to cool off.

Rauhaniemi Folk Spa

Also, nestled along the shores of Lake Näsijärvi, this idyllic spot offers a delightful opportunity to join locals for an authentic sauna experience. With two saunas featuring different heat levels and two access points to the tranquil lake, you can tailor your sauna session to your preferences on any given day.

Helsinke

Löyly Sauna

Löyly Sauna is one of the most popular saunas in Helsinki, expect modern seaside sauna in Helsinki that features a stylish glass-walled restaurant and a large deck offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.

Kotiharjun Sauna

For an authentic sauna in Helsinki alongside locals, Kotiharjun Sauna is as authentic as it gets. This gender-segregated sauna provides a genuine, clothing-optional experience, thanks to its traditional wood-fired setup that evokes a nostalgic atmosphere. Feel free to bring your own beverages (BYOB) and immerse yourself in this classic Finnish sauna tradition.

Sompasauna

Sompasauna, Helsinki’s free sauna located just outside the city (which is not far considering the city’s size), provides a highly authentic and well-maintained experience, all without any charge.

Discover what else you can do in Finland

More Finland Related Travel Content

Want to experience more Finnish culture in the country? Check out additional articles related to Finland from my Latina adventures. See the cities to visit, what to eat and save time planning your own visit to this Nordic beauty.