Sauna etiquette – a guide to Finnish sauna culture

How to enjoy a traditional Finnish ritual on your visit to Levi.

Sauna is one of the cornerstones of Finnish culture and a memorable experience for many travellers. Learn the basics of sauna bathing and the most important etiquette instructions so that you can fully enjoy the unique experience on your visit.

The importance of the sauna in Finland

The sauna has become an integral part of Finnish identity and culture. For Finns, the sauna is much more than just a place to take a bath. It is a place to relax, cleanse and spend time together. In a country of 5.6 million people is estimated to have more than 2.4 million saunas – only slightly less than the number of households in permanent housing.

The historical roots of the sauna in Finland

The history of the sauna in Finland goes back thousands of years. The sauna has been an important part of Finnish life, both in everyday life and at festivities. The clean and warm space has served not only as a sauna, but also as a place for living, cooking, giving birth and medical treatment.

The popularity of the sauna in Finland is closely linked to the country's location. In Lapland, for example, people have traditionally used the warmth of a sauna as a protection against the cold and long winters of the north. Often, the first thing when people move into a new location that is build is a sauna.

The sauna has served as a shelter and a base on which our country has been inhabited in the past. In a very sparsely populated, heavily forested country, there has been no shortage of building materials. Nor is there a shortage of water in the land of a thousand lakes.

Sauna is a social ritual in Finland

In Finland, the sauna is a place where people gather and spend time together. The sauna is a place to stop. A place to reflect, to open up about the joys and sorrows of life. Known as the silent people, Finns let the sauna work its magic. The sauna serves as a gateway to shared understanding and acceptance of others. Sauna is Finnish small talk at its best.

By definition, a sauna is a space built for sauna and bathing, heated by a stove. The stove has simply been a fireplace with stones, traditionally heated by burning wood. By throwing water onto the stones of the stove, a steam or "löyly" is produced – the hot, moist steam that can be felt on your skin. Together, all this makes a fascinating whole that is more than the sum of its parts. For Finns, the sauna is almost a sacred place.

In Finland, a sauna is not just about being, but also about doing. Fetching water, chopping firewood and feeding the fire. Preparing and getting ready for the event itself. Waiting for the right moment and creating the right conditions. Thanking the host and hostess for a first-class löyly. The Finnish sauna is a shared ritual and a social event, which makes the saunas part of a shared story. The Finnish sauna is largely about hospitality and trust.

The health benefits of the sauna

There are many traditional proverbs and beliefs associated with saunas in Finland. "If sauna, tar and liquor don't help, dig a grave." "Sauna is the poor man's pharmacy." We have long relied on the sauna to heal wounds of both body and mind. But the essence of the sauna has remained completely unchanged over time – sweating to cleanse or heal.

There is a reason for this. Sauna bathing has been proven to be good for your health. Among other things, it reduces stress, improves circulation and strengthens the immune system. Helps you recover and improve your fitness. The warmth of the sauna soothes the muscles and relaxes the body. As stress is relieved, blood pressure is reduced. For asthmatics, sauna bathing makes breathing easier. Sweating cleanses and softens the skin. Sauna bathing also improves sleep quality.

In addition to the sauna, taking a cold and a dip in the ice-cold water is good for your health. The health benefits of sauna bathing extend beyond physical health. Stopping and calming down to talk about something you have in common, opening your heart and talking also improves your mental well-being.

Sauna etiquette in Finland – tips for visitors to Levi

Sauna is often one of the first things that foreigners associate with Finland. It is an integral part of the Finnish identity and a unique experience worth trying at least once in a lifetime. By following these simple tips, you can fully enjoy the Finnish sauna culture when you visit Levi.

Follow the sauna instructions – Avoid unnecessary thinking when you follow the instructions of the sauna you are visiting. Often a sauna will give you instructions on how to act or dress in that sauna. You can also observe what others are doing. If you are unsure, feel free to ask for tips on how to behave when visiting a sauna.

Take care of your hygiene – Before entering the sauna, wash yourself by showering or taking a dip. Bring a clean towel, soap & shampoo and, if necessary, your own swimsuit and toiletries. In some of Levi's saunas, these are already waiting for you.

Slip in gently – After washing up, it's time to head to the sauna. Speed is of the essence, as this way the heat from the sauna and any steam you've just thrown in won't escape out the door. Avoid keeping the door open for longer than necessary. Also, do not obstruct the passage of others by staying in the doorway.

There's room for everyone – When you head to the sauna benches or "lauteet", greet others if you wish and find a seat for yourself. Respect other sauna-goers and their personal space. In the public sauna, the custom and practice of the wilderness huts prevails, with newcomers being given space on the benches.

Take it easy with steam – Be considerate and respectful of others when throwing water. When you first enter the sauna, wait a moment before adding water to the stones. Those already in the sauna are more sensitive to the heat and the bite of the steam than those who have just arrived. A good way is to ask permission to throw water to the stones. Ideally, you should take it in turns, so that everyone can regulate the heat.

Respect others – Finnish saunas are usually peaceful and quiet. Everyone should be considerate of all other sauna users, everyone is equal there. When entering the sauna, literally and figuratively strip off all unnecessary baggage, leave titles and status outside the sauna. Religion, work, business and politics do not belong as topics of conversation in the public sauna.

Relax and immerse yourself in the atmosphere – Let the sauna's warm steam wash away all your everyday worries, relax for a moment. For Finns, the sauna is a place of both internal and external cleansing and relaxation, with an atmosphere comparable to a church or a library. Give others privacy. Do not make noise or offend others. The sauna is not only a physical place for everyone, but also a spiritual space.

Take a break when needed – After a sauna, it's customary to cool off, by jumping into the nearby water or just enjoying the freshness of the outdoors. There are also many places on Levi where you can sink into the embrace of a warm hot tub or jacuzzi while taking a sauna. It's also a good idea to take care of your fluid balance when taking a sauna. Enjoy your drinks and any snacks outside the steam room.

Did you know? Levi has over 2000 saunas, including cottage saunas!