What do we mean by an "authentic Finnish Sauna experience"?

Did you know that "SAUNA" is one of the only Finnish words that made it into English and other languages around the world? In 2020, the tradition of Finnish sauna culture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. This recognition highlights the importance of the sauna as a living cultural practice in Finland, deeply embedded in daily life, customs, and well-being.

Sauna culture in Finland is characterized by its inclusiveness; it is practiced by all social classes, genders, and ages. Saunas are found everywhere, from private homes to public spaces. They serve as a place for relaxation, socializing, and physical and mental rejuvenation. The UNESCO listing acknowledges the sauna’s role in fostering community, promoting well-being, and preserving a tradition that has been passed down through generations.

Although there are many other cultures that "sweat bathe" for various reasons around the world, what makes a Sauna authentically Finnish?

It's about design!

An authentic Finnish sauna is typically a small, wooden structure designed to retain heat. The interior is made of untreated softwood which absorbs moisture and releases a pleasant, natural aroma. Benches are arranged in tiers along the walls (above the stove so your feet don't get cold!), allowing bathers to choose their preferred heat level. A central wood-burning stove, or "kiuas," heats the room and is topped with stones that are splashed with water to produce steam, or "löyly." Löyly is really crucial; those gym saunas that say "don't put water on the rocks" aren't really saunas at all - they can provide some of the same benefits, but are really just "dry hot rooms" instead. Ventilation is also crucial, with fresh air flowing in and out to maintain oxygen levels. The sauna often provides an indoor or outdoor cooling space, and can be located near a natural water source for cooling off between sessions.

​Want to learn more about how to design a Finnish sauna? Reach out to us!

It's about tradition!

From an anthropological and historical perspective, the Finnish sauna tradition dates back over 2,000 years, serving as a sacred space for physical and spiritual cleansing. Historically, saunas were used for childbirth, healing, and community gatherings, reflecting their role in daily life and ritual. Saunas have been found in archeological sites, showing their ancient significance in Finnish society. The tradition embodies deep connections to nature, health, and communal values, emphasizing a balance between body and mind. The sauna ritual integrates elements of folklore, with beliefs around "löyly" (the sauna spirit) signifying life force, underscoring its cultural and spiritual importance in Finnish heritage.

It's about culture!

Finnish sauna culture is a deeply ingrained practice that goes beyond mere bathing; it is a way of life that promotes well-being, relaxation, and connection with nature and community. As noted above, in Finland, saunas are found everywhere—from private homes to public facilities, lakeside cottages, and workplaces—demonstrating their importance in daily life. There are over 3 million saunas in Finland, for a population of only 5 million people (Norros, M., 2024). 

The sauna is seen as a sacred space for mental and physical cleansing, and it is used by all ages and genders. The experience typically involves heating the body in a wood-fired or electric sauna, creating steam by throwing water on hot stones, and then cooling off in a lake, snow, or cold shower. Silence or quiet conversation is often observed, creating a meditative atmosphere. Saunas are also spaces for social bonding, family connection, personal reflection, and even decision-making (Read about "Diplomacy in the Sauna" by the NY Times here!). 

It's about understanding!

Having grown up in Finland is that an authentic Finnish Sauna experience really cares about:

• Connection - with Self, others and/or nature
• Löyly - more about löyly here and above
• Fire and heat tending - Saunas can be electrical or wood-fired. Respecting heat is important and tending to fire is especially an important part of the experience which we teach.
• Sauna cycles and listening to your body - We teach this also! The full Sauna experience consists of cycles or rounds of which length, temperature, and number of rounds vary per person. If you are new to the Sauna practice, three rounds might be a good number to start with but this varies from person to person.

We teach a little about etiquette too, but don't like to prescribe too many rules. Although nudity is common and comfortable in the Finnish Sauna, for Community Saunas, we ask that folks participate wearing bathing suits. We like to create an environment where sauna is inclusive and available to everyone! If you'd like to learn more about sauna etiquette, there's a great post here on MyHelsinki.fi by the Finnish Sauna Society and Visit Finland.

Want to learn more about what makes an authentic Finnish Sauna experience?! Rent our mobile sauna or join one of our upcoming sauna experiences and Juho will be happy to share all that he knows. There is also an excellent article here by Sauna from Finland for more great info.

See you in the Sauna, soon!