The Finnish Sauna

A nation of five million people with 1.5 million saunas, the ritual is as important in summer as in winter. There is little as relaxing as a sauna followed by a swim in a lake and a cold beer. Many saunas in the countryside are wood-fired and this gives a more gentle heat and, some say, an even more relaxing experience. Certainly the combination of a sauna and looking at the stunning Finnish landscape on a light summer night is very special. Log cabins with sauna are an integral part of the Finnish holiday experience.

In Finland , both men and women bathe in the sauna, but never together except within the family. There are no mixed public saunas in Finland . The main reason for this is that a sauna is always taken naked - if Finns find out you have been in wearing a swimming costume you will be deported!!!

No Finn would ever say to another that he is 'doing it wrong'. For the visitor, listen to your own body and follow your own rhythm in moving between the sauna, the washing room, the open air, and the water; don't be pushed into staying the sauna for too long or jumping into ice-cold water.

'Sauna' is also a social ritual and not just a bathing experience. When the bathing is over the evening continues with conversation, drinks and maybe food.

If you would like more information about Sauna we'll be happy to talk it through with you. If you are looking for a sauna holiday let us know - we will recommend something special. We also recommend the following links for general information:

http://cankar.org/sauna/

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sauna

.and for the best sauna experience of all visit our friends at 'IKI' Helsinki ; these are the world's best sauna heaters:

http://www.ikikiuas.com/