Nothing represents Finland like a Finnish sauna. The nation's favorite pastime is about cleansing the body and mind. Here's a guide to where and how to sauna like a local.
Sauna, Finland's national pastime —
Nothing represents Finland like a Finnish sauna. The nation's favorite pastime is about cleansing the body and mind. Here's a guide to where and how to sauna like a local.
courtesy Kuvio
A traditional Finnish sauna is made of pinewood and is dimly lit. Sauna-goers should sit on their towels; naked skin shouldn't touch the wood.
Sit on a towel —
A traditional Finnish sauna is made of pinewood and is dimly lit. Sauna-goers should sit on their towels; naked skin shouldn't touch the wood.
Kari Ylitalo
Finns believe that thrashing themselves with a bunch of birch twigs can improve circulation and enhance the overall sauna experience.
Beat yourself —
Finns believe that thrashing themselves with a bunch of birch twigs can improve circulation and enhance the overall sauna experience.
Harri Tarvainen/Ruka Sauna Tour
Finnish saunas are hot -- up to 100 C. Anyone using them should drink lots of water and take breaks to cool down.
Keep hydrated —
Finnish saunas are hot -- up to 100 C. Anyone using them should drink lots of water and take breaks to cool down.
courtesy Kuvio
Showering in between saunas or taking a dip in ice-cold water is all part of the experience.
Plunge into ice-cold water —
Showering in between saunas or taking a dip in ice-cold water is all part of the experience.
Eetu Ahanen/Visit Helsinki
Men, women, children and even babies go to the sauna -- although those with serious health conditions should seek medical advice beforehand.
Sauna is for everyone —
Men, women, children and even babies go to the sauna -- although those with serious health conditions should seek medical advice beforehand.
SAM KINGSLEY/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Like your sauna to be warmer? It's OK to take charge and throw some water on the stove.
Take charge of the stove —
Like your sauna to be warmer? It's OK to take charge and throw some water on the stove.
Eetu Ahanen/Visit Helsinki
While most Finns don't hesitate when it comes to stripping down to sauna, wearing a swimsuit or towel is also acceptable.
Swimsuits are acceptable —
While most Finns don't hesitate when it comes to stripping down to sauna, wearing a swimsuit or towel is also acceptable.
Eero Ahanen/Visit Helsinki
There are more than 3.5 million saunas across Finland -- a country with a population of just under 5.5 million. There's even one in the stands at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki.
It's everywhere —
There are more than 3.5 million saunas across Finland -- a country with a population of just under 5.5 million. There's even one in the stands at the Hartwall Arena in Helsinki.
OLIVIER MORIN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Sauna is about bonding and socializing. But it's a space for spiritual cleansing and reflection too.
Social place —
Sauna is about bonding and socializing. But it's a space for spiritual cleansing and reflection too.
Harri Tarvainen/Ruka Sauna Tour
Sitting in the heart of Helsinki, Allas Sea Pool boasts several saunas and three pools on a floating deck facing the sea. It's one of the newest saunas in town.
Where to sauna in Helsinki: Allas Sea Pool —
Sitting in the heart of Helsinki, Allas Sea Pool boasts several saunas and three pools on a floating deck facing the sea. It's one of the newest saunas in town.
Eero Ahanen/Visit Helsinki
<a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.loylyhelsinki.fi%2Fen%2Ffront-page%2F" target="_blank" target="_blank">Löyly</a> (a Finnish term that refers to the steam from the rocks in a sauna) also sits on the waterfront in Helsinki. In addition to saunas, the contemporary wooden complex -- designed by Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio -- has a restaurant and bar.
Where to sauna in Helsinki: Loyly —
Löyly (a Finnish term that refers to the steam from the rocks in a sauna) also sits on the waterfront in Helsinki. In addition to saunas, the contemporary wooden complex -- designed by Joanna Laajisto Creative Studio -- has a restaurant and bar.
courtesy Kuvio
Recently renovated, Sauna Hermanni, founded in the 1950s, now has a cool retro feel. The public sauna makes a great traditional herring sandwich.
Where to sauna in Helsinki: Hermanni —
Recently renovated, Sauna Hermanni, founded in the 1950s, now has a cool retro feel. The public sauna makes a great traditional herring sandwich.
Sampsa Parnanen Photography/Sauna Hermanni
Built in 1928, <a href="index.php?page=&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.kotiharjunsauna.fi" target="_blank" target="_blank">Kotiharjun</a> is the oldest public sauna in the Finnish capital. It's retained much of its original style and architecture even after a renovation in the late 1990s.
Where to sauna in Helsinki: Kotiharjun —
Built in 1928, Kotiharjun is the oldest public sauna in the Finnish capital. It's retained much of its original style and architecture even after a renovation in the late 1990s.
Visit Finland