Finnish sauna

History·Characteristics·Subspecies·Etiquette·Effect & indications·Contraindications·Conclusion·FAQ·Sources

History and tradition: where does the Finnish sauna come from?

The Finnish sauna has a tradition dating back thousands of years and is an integral part of the Finnish way of life. The first forms of saunas are already known from pre-Christian times. In rural areas, the sauna building was often erected in front of the house - as the only heatable and hygienically clean room with hot water. In the past, the sauna was therefore not only used for cleaning, but was also a birthplace, sick room and central place for family rituals.

To this day, the sauna is deeply rooted in everyday life: in Finland, with a population of around 5.5 million, there are over three million saunas - in private homes, rented apartments, vacation homes and even in mobile versions such as converted minibuses. The sauna often replaces the bathroom and is used for relaxation, socializing and regeneration.

The original form is the smoke sauna (savusauna), in which a large pile of stones is lit with wood for hours. Once the fire has gone out, the smoke is released through openings and the stored heat is sufficient for several hours of gentle steam. Modern saunas usually use electric heaters, but the traditional wood fire is still considered particularly authentic in Finland.

In many families, the sauna is part of special occasions such as birthdays, weddings or Christmas. The Christmas sauna on Christmas Eve is considered an integral part of the festive cleansing and contemplation.

Characteristics: What makes a Finnish bath?

The Finnish sauna is a closed, usually wood-clad room that is heated to temperatures between 80 and 100 °C. The heat source is traditionally a wood or coal-fired heater. The heat source is traditionally a wood or coal-fired stove, nowadays usually an electric sauna heater with heatable stones. Typical is the dry heat with a humidity of only 10 to 20 percent, which is briefly increased by occasional infusions ("löyly").

The benches are made of untreated wood and are arranged in several tiers - the higher the bench, the hotter the air. The walls, ceiling and floor are also usually made of wood, which stores heat while maintaining a pleasant temperature. An even supply of fresh air ensures air circulation without lowering the temperature.

What subtypes of Finnish sauna are there?

The Finnish sauna is available in various forms - from the traditional smoke sauna to the modern electric sauna. The following overview shows how the individual forms differ in terms of characteristics, temperature and use:

Types of Finnish sauna and their special features

Sauna Subspecies

Subspecies	Description	Temperature / Humidity	Special Features / Benefits
Smoke Sauna (Savusauna)	Most original form without a chimney. A large pile of stones is fired with wood for hours. The smoke is released before the sauna session.	Approx. 60–80 °C / approx. 20–30 %	Particularly soft, pleasant climate; traditional atmosphere; no ongoing heating required.
Wood-fired Sauna	Classic Finnish sauna with wood-burning stove and chimney. Infusion produces intense steam.	Approx. 80–100 °C / approx. 10–20 %	Authentic sauna experience; popular standard in vacation homes; intensive infusion possible.
Electric Sauna	Electrically operated sauna with thermostat control. Most common variant in households and public facilities.	Approx. 80–100 °C / approx. 10–20 %	Low maintenance, quickly ready for use, temperature can be regulated precisely; hygienic.
Mobile Sauna	Transportable sauna, e.g., installed in trailers or vehicles. Usually with wood-burning stove.	Variable, usually approx. 70–90 °C / approx. 15–25 %	Flexible use; ideal for events, nature experiences, or outdoor saunas.
Communal Sauna	Shared sauna in residential complexes with fixed times and electric heating.	Approx. 80–100 °C / approx. 10–20 %	Social sauna experience; often with fixed times of use; space-saving solution in cities.

Etiquette: How do you behave in a Finnish sauna?

The sauna is a natural part of everyday life in Finland as a place for rest, cleansing and relaxation. The following basic rules apply:

Sauna naked: In Finland, nude saunas are the norm - even in public. A towel is usually only used for sitting on or drying off.
Shower before the sauna: Physical cleanliness is mandatory. Showering is thorough and naked - often even before entering the sauna house.
Infusion by the guests: The infusion ("Löyly") is done by the person holding the ladle, usually in silence.
Quiet atmosphere: Loud conversations, music and the use of cell phones are considered impolite. The sauna is a place of silence or quiet communication.
Alternating between heat and cold: Every sauna session is followed by cooling off: in the fresh air, under the shower, in the lake or even in the snow.
Social rituals : Saunas are often part of family or seasonal rituals - such as the Christmas sauna or drinking a beer together after the last session.

In modern wellness facilities outside Finland, different rules of etiquette apply in some cases. In so-called textile saunas, for example, swimwear may be mandatory, personal infusions are usually not permitted and some facilities have gender-segregated sauna times.

Indications: How does a stay in a Finnish sauna work?

Regular use of the Finnish sauna has numerous health benefits, especially due to the alternating stimulus between heat and cooling. The dry heat stimulates blood circulation, relaxes the muscles, can clear the airways and helps to cleanse the skin through perspiration.

The cardiovascular system has also been shown to benefit from sauna bathing: A study by the Institute of Public Health and Clinical Nutrition at the University of Eastern Finland investigated the acute effects of a single 30-minute sauna session on people with cardiovascular risk factors. The results showed a significant reduction in systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure and arterial stiffness. These physiological changes indicate a potential preventive effect against cardiovascular disease.

Further positive effects:

Improvement in sleep quality
Support for chronic back pain and tension
Relief from mild depressive symptoms
Strengthening of the immune system

Contraindications: What are the side effects of a stay in the Finnish sauna?

Although the Finnish sauna offers many health-promoting effects, it is not recommended for everyone without restrictions. In the following cases, medical advice should be sought before use:

Severe cardiovascular disease
People with unstable angina pectoris, advanced heart failure or after a recent heart attack should refrain from using the sauna or only do so under medical supervision.
Acute infections and fever
In the case of febrile illnesses, flu-like infections or acute inflammations, the heat can put additional strain on the circulation and worsen the course of the illness.
Severe venous disease or recent thrombosis
Heat can impair venous return and lead to complications in the event of existing problems.
Epilepsy and certain neurological diseases
In individual cases, heat can promote seizures or circulatory instability.

In addition, children, elderly people or people with low blood pressure should be particularly careful and get used to the sauna slowly. Pregnant women can take a sauna after consulting their doctor, but should avoid high temperatures and long sessions.

Conclusion

The most important facts about the Finnish sauna at a glance

1. The Finnish sauna is a traditional sweat bath with dry heat ranging from 80 to 100 °C (176–212 °F).
2. Typical features include wooden walls, a sauna stove with a pouring option, and alternating between heat and cooling down.
3. A stay in a sauna is subject to certain rules in different countries, which should be observed.
4. Sweating in a Finnish sauna or Finnish bath promotes health, as long as there are no contraindications.
5. Caution is advised in cases of cardiovascular disease, fever, or acute infections.
6. Saunas promote blood circulation, strengthen the immune system, and have a relaxing effect on muscles and the mind.

Discover hotels with a Finnish sauna now

FAQ - Further questions about the Finnish bath

How long should a session in the Finnish sauna last?

The first sauna session should last 8 to 10 minutes, later the stay can be extended to up to 20 minutes.

How often should you take a sauna?

Two to three sauna sessions per week are considered ideal. Regular treatment often has stronger health effects.

How much does a visit to the Finnish sauna cost?

Prices vary depending on the country, facilities and equipment. In public saunas, the cost is usually between 7 and 15 euros per visit.

What do you wear in the Finnish sauna?

In Northern Europe - especially in Finland - nude saunas are common. In more southern countries such as Italy, wearing a towel or special sauna clothing is sometimes mandatory.

Is a steam sauna or a Finnish sauna healthier?

Depending on your state of health and personal preference, a steam bath can be perceived as more beneficial and less stressful for the circulation. If there are no contraindications, then both are recommended for medical reasons.

What is the temperature in the Finnish sauna?

The temperature is typically between 80 °C and slightly over 100 °C with relatively low humidity.