Sauna

Sauna

The Sauna is invented by the Finns a long time ago. It is really important in their lives. Finns use to go to the Sauna minimum twice a week. In almost every house you will also find a Sauna, even in a holiday cottage or a rental house. Here are a few facts about the Finnish Saunas:

1. Sauna is good for everybody. Only newborn and persons with serious illnesses as open wounds or heart problems shouldn't go to a Sauna.

2. The Sauna is a place for cleaning your body and your soul. Take time for yourself and just enjoy the Sauna.

3. An invite to a Sauna is an honor. Through a common visit to a Sauna you will get a special connection.

4. Colorful lights, aromatic scents and relaxing music has nothing to do with a Finnish Sauna. Real Finnish Sauna don't have a lot of lights nor music. Finns don't use aromatic scents, they just use fresh birch wood for a good smell.

5. There are two different types of public Saunas. There is one mixed Sauna in which you also have to wear your bikinis and another one in which you are naked. In this one the genders are separated from each other. So, before you go to a particular Sauna inform yourself about their rules first.

 6. "Vasta" is a bundle of fresh birch twigs which you can use to gently beat yourself. This sounds strange, but it's very good for your skin. Your skin will becomes smooth and soft.

7. You will sweat a lot in the Finnish Saunas, especially in the public Saunas. Finns will put water on the stove like every third second. Because of it the temperature is really high. If you don't like it that hot you should place yourself on a lower bench or far away from the stove.

8. After the Sauna terms you should drink plenty. Water is probably the best, but Finns prefer to drink beer and cider. I experience that Finns also love to eat frying sausages in aluminium foil directly on the stove or over an open fire while using the Sauna.