But what exactly is a sauna?
With three million saunas for a population of 5.5 million, the sauna is an integral part of the Finnish way of life.
Saunas are wooden "cabins" that are heated. The temperature is generally between 70 and 100°, with a very low humidity level of between 3 and 20% for dry heat (unlike the hammam).
Moreover, given the prevailing conditions, not all types of wood can be used. It must be able to withstand significant temperature variations. In most cases, spruce is used. In addition to its ability to withstand heat, it offers good durability.
The room is then heated by a stove(kiuas), which in turn heats stones often located in the middle of the sauna. These help keep the temperature up for longer. But, as with wood, not all stones are created equal. Ideally, they should be of volcanic origin. Then, by pouring water over the stones, dry steam(löyly) is created.
And since December 2020, the sauna has been on UNESCO's list of intangible heritage!
A once sacred place
For a long time, women gave birth in an unheated sauna, as this was often the most hygienic place. Women also washed the dead there. The sauna was truly at the center of life, from birth to death.
We also recommend the 2010 documentary Miesten Vuoro - Steam of Life by Joonas Berghäll and Mika Hotakainen. Here, we meet men in the middle of a sauna session, and see how they take advantage of the place and the well-being of the heat, to free themselves. If sauna is said to heal the body and mind, this film helps us to understand it better.
The benefits
The sauna is said to have many virtues, such as stimulating blood circulation (avoid without medical advice if you have circulation problems). And a jet of cold water just after, can cause a vasoconstriction that will give a boost to the circulation! And repeat the operation several times. The plus: a toned skin! It boosts the immune system: many studies show that people who practice it regularly suffer less from colds. It is an anti-stress and muscle relaxant, especially after a sports session. Ideal to relieve cramps and aches. It is also an aid to sleep. For insomniacs, a sauna session just before going to bed can be a solution! It helps with skin problems such as acne, psoriasis, eczema..
Some tips for a good session
Most saunas are single-sex and nudity is the rule. However, you can often keep a towel around you, or your swimsuit if you prefer. For mixed-gender saunas, on the other hand, a swimsuit is essential. The Finns have no problem with nudity and for them, "it's a state of mind: the sauna is a place where no matter who you are, everyone is on an equal footing".
In the event of lung or heart disease, it's best to ask your doctor's advice. Finnish women continue to go to the sauna during pregnancy most of the time, but ideally the session should not exceed 70° and 20 minutes maximum.
Of course, to best enjoy the session, it's advisable to avoid alcohol beforehand, and not to come in the midst of digestion after a heavy meal.
One of the most important rules: relax! And if it's too hot, go outside for a few moments before coming back in. Typically, after staying warm, you jump into the cold water or roll around in the snow. It's an experience we recommend you try out, but one that requires a little courage in the middle of winter!
Dry birch branches are sometimes found in the sauna. Use them to whip yourself lightly, to stimulate the blood circulation.
Don't forget to keep well hydrated all day after the session.
Saunas in Helsinki
Now that you know (almost) everything there is to know about the sauna, it's time to get to the fun part: where can you go to try it out?
The most unlikely: Skywheel Helsinki! One of the cabins is actually a mini-sauna for 1 to 4 people. On the other hand, the combination of sauna and great view of the city comes at a price: from €240/hour..
The most authentic: the Kotiharju sauna with its illuminated red SAUNA letters at the entrance... This is a public sauna, dating from 1928. Men and women are segregated. It's not unusual to see a line of naked men sitting in front of the entrance, wrapped in their towels, cooling off. Helsinki's most traditional sauna!
The hippest: Sauna Löyly. The wooden building is sublime, you can jump straight into the Baltic just afterwards, and the lounge area is ultra-relaxing with its wooden fireplace and view over the water. It's even more soothing when night falls.
The most complete: Seapool Allas. In this complex, you'll find a mixed sauna, separate men's and women's saunas, Baltic water pools, heated pools... And a space for classes such as yoga or Wine & Stretching. The place overlooks Helsinki harbor, and the view is superb. A real favorite, especially in winter, when the cold arrives and causes a light mist over the pool. At night, it's superb, with the view of the city lit up.
The most "beautiful": the Yrjönkatu pool. Here, there are days for women and days for men. First you swim in the naturist pool, then enjoy the sauna. The premises are sublime, with a Roman baths feel.
Some figures
101 nationalities: the record for the highest number of nationalities in a sauna was broken in November 2019.
3 minutes 46: this is the record held by Timo Kaukonenen in 2009 at the World Sauna Championships. The sauna is heated to 110° for the occasion. Begun in 1999, the competition took place every year until 2010. In 2010, there was one fatality and two serious injuries. Following these events, the championship was interrupted and came to a definitive halt.
