One of the wonderfully indulgent things about a holiday in Scandinavia is that saunas are everywhere. Add Iceland into the mix and hot tubs become the norm too. Considered something of an indulgence in the UK, in the Nordics, these places of calm and relaxation are simply part of everyday life.
In Finland, especially, the sauna has been a place for physical and spiritual cleansing for centuries. There are enough of them to accommodate all 5.6 million Finns simultaneously. Some offices and factories have them and even the Parliament in Helsinki has one. Sauna pronounced sow-na in Finland is the only Finnish word to have made it into everyday English. You should also make note of saunanjälkeinen – the dreamy, otherworldly time ‘post-sauna’ when the world feels a little softer and easier…
The home of sauna in Finland
The tradition of taking a sauna is ingrained in Finnish culture. Steeped in history, the sauna was not only a place for relaxation, cleansing and reflection, but also the holiest and most spiritual part of the home. Women commonly gave birth in the sauna and the sick came to heal.
Types of sauna
Saunas can be electrically heated but are more commonly wood burning saunas or the traditional smoke sauna. Throwing water over hot stones maintains humidity, keeping the air moist and increasing the temperature.
An authentic sauna is quiet, low lit and only permeated by natural wood smells. With temperatures typically around 70-90 degrees Celsius, how long you ‘chill’ in the sauna varies person to person. The locals are used the daily saunas so may remain in a long time, but if you’re only an occasional user, 5-10 minutes is probably enough. Of course, in the Nordics, there’s usually plenty of opportunity to cool off between sessions. Plunging into the snow in winter or dipping into cool lakes in summer.
Sauna experiences
Not surprisingly, many of the properties and resorts we feature in Scandinavia have saunas, but our Travel Specialists, in their selfless pursuit of finding the best holiday experiences for you, have also tried and tested (and in some cases, tested again) several rather special hotspots. They’ve discovered, for example, that Iso-Syöte in Finnish Lapland not only has cabins with private saunas, but the wilderness resort’s Arctic Spa also has saunas, Jacuzzis and a swimming pool with stunning views. They’ve tested the riverside sauna at Muotka Wilderness Hotel, a key feature of all the resort sister properties too.
In Swedish Lapland, the Icehotel offers a sauna ritual with an optional ice plunge in the river, while the Treehotel near Luleå has a romantic outdoor, wood-fired bathtub for two.
But saunas as not just for winter. The laid-back properties dotted around Finnish Lakeland in the south of the country feature sauna experiences almost as readily as breakfast! At Lehmonkärki Resort on the shores of Lake Päijänne, five unique saunas offer a sensory journey in the art of relaxation.
In Norway, Fjord Sauna aims to take top plaudits for scenic views extending out into majestic Aurlandsfjord. Feel the heat as you take in the stunning landscapes, perhaps taking a refreshing dip in the deep fjord in between steams.
Why sauna?
Quite simply, saunas make you feel good. They are a place of calm and wellbeing. A sauna at the end of a day’s winter activities is the best way to get some heat into cold bones.
It’s not unusual for Finns to aid the process of detoxing their skin by gently flailing themselves with a bundle of fresh birch twigs. This stimulates the lymph glands and pores and leaves the skin feeling smoother. Check local etiquette before trying this in communal saunas as flinging bundles of leaves does create a certain amount of debris.
How to sauna like a local in the Lapland
From unwinding in the heat of a cosy sauna, to being gently ‘whipped’ with young birch branches and plunging into ice-cold waters – find out how to make the most of the sauna experience in the Nordics with our handy how-to tips.
1. Shower first! As a courtesy to fellow guests, be sure to arrive squeaky clean.
2. Bare all (or not) It’s natural to sauna in the nude, particularly as men and women often sauna separately, but locals will understand if you prefer to wear a swimsuit. This is accepted as the done thing in mixed saunas.
3. Relax and unwind Enter the sauna and place your towel on a lower bench while you acclimatise, as the higher you sit, the hotter it gets.
4. Steam or ‘löyly’ as the Finns say! Throw more water on the stove whenever you feel like a burst of humidity but check first with your fellow sauna goers before you engulf them in steam.
5. Get your blood pumping When you’re ready, take a short break outside for a breath of cold, crisp air.
6 Birch ritual Back inside, grab a handful of birch sprigs and lightly whip your back, arms and legs to release essential oils.
7. Cold plunge Increase blood circulation by (safely) immersing yourself in cold water or taking a quick roll in the snow.
8. Warm up Loosen your muscles in a soothing hot tub before taking your final sauna. Perhaps choose a higher, hotter bench this time.
9. Enjoy the bliss You’re refreshed, invigorated and wonderfully calm. Saunanjälkeinen descends!
Iceland’s geothermal pools
Just as the sauna is part of Scandinavian culture, the geothermal pool has become a constant, bubbling presence in the lives of Icelanders. The famous Blue Lagoon is the country’s most famous attraction – a striking open-air, naturally heated lagoon steaming amongst lava fields near the main airport. From geothermal streams trickling through the Highlands to oceanside hot springs at Hvammsvik and hotel hot tubs, where you can gently poach yourself whilst gazing at the sky, there an abundance of therapeutic, soul-feeding hotspots.
Ready to feel the heat?
If you like the idea of escaping to a winter wilderness retreat in Lapland or a summer self-drive through Finnish Lakeland, we offer a wide choice of holiday options where saunas feature. Get in touch with our team to chat through your options.
