Everything you need to know about

Sauna in Finland

Sauna culture in Finland

Finnish sauna isn’t just a way to warm up. It’s a way of life. It’s where Finns unwind, reconnect, and let go. From sleek urban saunas to lakeside log cabins, the Finnish sauna is both ancient and ever-evolving – deeply rooted in tradition, yet open to everyone. This page collects together all you need to know about Finnish sauna traditions, etiquette, and the best public saunas to visit. Welcome to the heat – you’re in for a treat!

Best saunas from Helsinki to Lapland

Finland is home to a wide variety of unique public saunas. Here’s a curated selection of articles featuring some of the best saunas to visit from north to south and east to west. You’ll discover everything from sleek, modern retreats like the iconic Löyly in Helsinki, to traditional smoke saunas – and plenty in between.

 

Five must-experience saunas in Finland

Relaxing in a sauna is practically mandatory in Fi...

Must-experience saunas in Lakeland

Relax and unwind at some of the most unique and sp...

Sauna tips for beginners

More sauna tips here

First time in a Finnish sauna? No worries! Here are a few tips on sauna etiquette – and how to make the most of your experience like a true local. 

For the full article, go to 10 sauna tips for beginners.

 

 

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What is it like in a Finnish sauna?

Finnish saunas are calm, quiet, and free of distractions – no music, fragrances or coloured lights, just the gentle scent of birch and the soothing heat of steam. The temperature typically ranges from 70–90°C, with the focus on löyly – the soft, enveloping steam that rises from the sauna stove.
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What do you wear?

Finns typically go to sauna in the nude. But it's perfectly ok to wear a swimsuit or a towel, locals will understand this. It's always your choice, whatever feels the most comfortable.
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Do men and women go together?

It depends. Men and women often sauna separately in groups, but families usually go together. In mixed groups, it’s perfectly fine to ask what suits everyone. Public saunas have signs indicating if they're for men, women, or mixed ("sekasauna" in Finnish).
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How long do you stay?

Stay for a few minutes or a few hours – just listen to your body, cool off when needed, and enjoy the relaxing ritual that leaves both body and mind refreshed.

New and unique saunas in Finland

Ready to take your sauna game to the next level? How about trying a sauna on a ferris wheel or an ice sauna? Perhaps a floating sauna or a luxurious steam room is more your cup of tea? Here's a selection of articles about the newest and most unique sauna experiences in Finland.

Sustainability
Must-visit quirky saunas in Finland

Discover the quirkiest saunas across various regio...

Best luxury spa experiences in Finland

Begin your relaxing spa journey with our handpicke...

Sustainable sauna experiences

Many saunas around Finland have the Sustainable Travel Finland label. Here's a collection of some them around the country. For more information about the label and traveling sustainably, please go to our Practical Tips section.

Relaxing sauna experience at Magical Pond
Sustainable Travel Finland
Rukatunturi
Private Sauna Experience at Magical Pond
1 hour