Finland
The art of Finnish sauna: a guide to heat, steam and ‘löyly’
The complete guide to Finnish sauna culture
What is the Finnish sauna and the culture that comes with it? As we embark on this exploration of the Finnish sauna, we’ll delve into a tradition that is as old as Finland itself, a rite that has seeped into the very marrow of Finnish culture. Saunas, in the Finnish context, are not merely amenities or luxuries; they are entwined with the national identity, a quintessential component of the Finnish way of life.
Top photography courtesy of Kuvio and Avanto Architects Ltd
What do Finnish saunas’ evolution reveal about Finnish culture?
The roots of the Finnish sauna extend deep into the past, reaching back into the Bronze Age. The earliest saunas were probably simple pits dug into a slope, kitted out with a fireplace where stones were heated to a high temperature. Water was thrown over the hot stones to generate steam, which provided warmth and a relaxing atmosphere.
Over the centuries, the sauna has evolved, reflecting the changing times and technologies. From these early pit saunas, the tradition morphed into the smoke saunas – windowless log cabins with a hearth but no chimney, where the smoke from the burning wood would fill the room before escaping through a small hole in the wall or roof.
As the centuries rolled on, the sooty interior of the smoke sauna gave way to the cleaner wood-heated sauna, equipped with a stove and a chimney. This transition marked a significant shift in sauna architecture and operation, but the fundamental spirit of the sauna remained unchanged.
In the late 20th century, the advent of electricity brought yet another twist to the tale of the Finnish sauna. The electric sauna, with its ease of use and control, became a common sight in urban apartments and homes.
Why is the sauna more than just a place to bathe in Finnish culture?
The sauna in Finland is more than a place for bathing and relaxation. It is a venue for social interaction, an anchor for community bonding and a stage for life’s significant events.
Historically, the sauna was a sacred space, a sanctum where cleanliness and purity were paramount. This sanctity is derived not just from its role as a bathhouse but also from its use as a place for healing and even for birthing. Finnish folklore is replete with references to the sauna’s spiritual importance, with many tales attributing the sauna to a spirit or guardian.
In the modern context, while the sauna’s spiritual role may have diminished, its social and cultural significance has not. Saunas are an integral part of celebrations, an arena for conducting business and a space for political discourse. They are places where people congregate, engage and communicate, where the barriers of hierarchy melt away in the heat of the “löyly”.
How did the sauna become an emblem of national identity?
In the landscape of Finnish life, the sauna stands as an emblem of national identity, etched deeply into the rhythm of daily routines and social customs. Its significance is reflected in the staggering numbers that underscore its prevalence and popularity.
Finland is home to over two million saunas. This translates to an impressive ratio of one sauna for every 2.5 people, a statistic unmatched by any other nation in the world. The presence of saunas is ubiquitous across the country, found in city apartments, rural cottages, corporate offices and even the Finnish Parliament House.
In terms of frequency, an estimated 99% of Finns visit the sauna at least once a week, with many enjoying the sauna experience daily. This illustrates the role of the sauna as an integral part of the regular routine, as familiar and essential as having a meal or taking a walk.
Interestingly, the love for saunas starts early in life in Finland. It’s not uncommon for Finnish children to have their first sauna experience before they can even walk, often introduced by their parents as a family bonding activity. This early exposure fosters a lifelong affinity for saunas, passing the tradition down through generations.
Furthermore, saunas also hold a prominent place in Finnish social and professional life. It’s estimated that over 50 per cent of business meetings in Finland occur in the comfortable environs of a sauna. This unique practice underscores the sauna’s role as a leveller, a space where hierarchies blur and candid conversation flows.
What makes the Finnish sauna experience so unique and captivating?
Entering a Finnish sauna is like stepping into another world, a realm where the hustle and bustle of daily life fade away, replaced by the gentle embrace of warmth and the soothing crackle of burning wood.
The heat in a Finnish sauna typically ranges between 70 to 100 degrees Celsius (158 to 212 degrees Fahrenheit), a warmth that seeps into the skin, relaxing muscles and easing tension. Water is gently ladled onto a pile of heated stones, transforming into “löyly”, a soft steam that fills the room, increasing the humidity and intensifying the heat. After warming up, a traditional Finnish sauna experience often involves cooling down through a dip in a nearby lake or by rolling in the snow.
In Finland, there are a variety of saunas, each offering a distinctive experience. Public saunas, once the backbone of Finnish communities, are witnessing a revival, providing communal spaces for social interaction. Private saunas, found in most Finnish homes and summer cottages, offer a more personal, intimate sauna experience.
One of the defining features of the Finnish sauna is its simplicity. Unlike many modern spa-like saunas found in other countries, Finnish saunas typically shun opulence and excess. The design is simple and functional, often featuring wooden interiors and a stove topped with stones. This simplicity reflects the Finnish value of practicality and the belief in the sauna as a place for mental, physical and social cleanse, not luxury.
The concept of “löyly” is another element that sets the Finnish sauna apart. Löyly, a Finnish word with no direct translation in English, refers to the steam that’s generated when water is thrown onto the hot sauna stones. This steam is the life force of the Finnish sauna, altering the room’s humidity and heat, and creating the characteristic sauna sensation.
The Finnish sauna experience also involves a unique tradition of using “vihta” or “vasta”, a whisk made from fresh birch branches. Gently slapping the skin with the “vihta” in the warm sauna stimulates circulation and releases a fresh, earthy aroma that heightens the sauna experience.
Photography courtesy of Visit Finland
What are the physical, mental and emotional health benefits of Finnish saunas?
The Finnish sauna tradition isn’t just a cultural practice, but a health and wellness ritual deeply ingrained in Finnish life. The heat of the sauna opens up the pores, promoting the expulsion of impurities and helping to maintain skin health. Regular sauna bathing is also believed to improve cardiovascular health by boosting circulation and lowering blood pressure.
The heat also works wonders on the muscles, helping to ease tension and reduce aches and pains. Many Finns seek the solace of the sauna to soothe their bodies after a long day of work or intense physical activity.
Beyond the physical, Finnish saunas also offer significant mental and emotional benefits. The warm, quiet space of the sauna encourages relaxation and can help reduce stress and anxiety levels. Many Finns regard their time in the sauna as a form of meditation, a precious period of introspection and calm amidst the rush of modern life.
What makes the sauna so appealing to people around the world?
The allure of the Finnish sauna has crossed borders and seas, captivating minds and hearts worldwide. From the United States to Japan, the concept of the sauna has been embraced and adapted, often blending with local traditions to create unique interpretations.
The international adoption of the sauna speaks to its universal appeal and underscores the global recognition of its wellness benefits. Even as these global variants of the sauna continue to proliferate, they all trace their roots back to the original Finnish tradition.
Photography courtesy of Lonna Sauna
Photography courtesy of Sataman Viilu
What does the future of Finnish sauna culture look like?
The Finnish sauna tradition, while deeply rooted in history, is not confined to the past. It continues to evolve, adapt, and innovate, fuelled by a blend of respect for tradition and a drive for modernization.
New trends and innovations are emerging within the Finnish sauna sphere. For instance, designer saunas are cropping up, combining the soothing experience of a traditional sauna with the aesthetics of modern design. Sauna marathons and sauna yoga are also gaining popularity, offering novel ways to enjoy the sauna experience. Read the full article on Finland’s most unique and transformative sauna experiences and Helsinki’s best public saunas.
However, even as the Finnish sauna culture evolves, it continues to hold onto its core – the values of relaxation, cleanliness, health and community. As we look to the future, it’s clear that the Finnish sauna will continue to hold a special place in the heart of Finland and beyond.
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