The 5 Most Common Finnish Sauna Sayings Explained – What Do They Really Mean?

Finnish sauna culture is full of colourful expressions that may sound mysterious—or even a little startling—to someone from abroad. Many of these sayings reflect the long-standing Finnish relationship with heat, steam, and the sense of wellbeing that the sauna provides. This article breaks down the meanings and background of common phrases, helping readers from outside Finland understand the deeper essence of this tradition.

“Terveisiä saunasta”

“Greetings from the sauna.”

This expression literally means “greetings from the sauna.” It is typically used as a light-hearted, humorous greeting when someone returns from the sauna, having just finished bathing. The person saying it is often wrapped in a towel, their skin still flushed from the heat, radiating a cheerful and relaxed mood. It is not a formal phrase, but an easygoing and friendly one, commonly used among family members. It can also be a casual way of letting others know that the sauna is now free for the next person.

“Saunan takana on vielä tilaa”

“There’s still room behind the sauna”

Depending on the situation and the speaker’s tone, this expression can sound humorous or even a bit threatening. It is usually said when someone does something wrong. The phrase hints that the person could be “taken behind the sauna” — a place where animals were historically slaughtered, which is where the saying originates.

Among friends it is often used jokingly. Although it may sound harsh to someone unfamiliar with Finnish humour, it is generally meant as an exaggerated, playful remark rather than a real threat.

“Löylyt karkaa”

“The steam is escaping”

This expression means that the hot steam in the sauna — called löyly — escapes if the door is left open for too long. For this reason, people should not linger in the doorway but step through quickly and close the door behind them. Löyly is created by throwing water onto the hot stones of the sauna stove, filling the room with hot steam. When the door opens, the hot air flows out and the sauna cools down rapidly.

“Sauna on köyhän apteekki”

“The sauna is the poor man’s pharmacy”

This old saying highlights the sauna’s role in providing comfort and relief for many ailments. In the past, Finns not only washed and relaxed in the sauna, but also gave birth and treated certain illnesses there. Heat, steam, and a calm atmosphere can soothe sore muscles, ease tension, and promote overall wellbeing. Throughout history, not everyone in Finland had easy access to a pharmacy, but the sauna was a simple way to look after one’s health.

The saying is still used when people want to emphasise the sauna’s health-giving qualities or the mental peace it offers. It does not mean that the sauna could replace medicine, but rather that it provides a natural and accessible way to feel better — its warmth calms both body and mind.

Nowadays, the health benefits of the Finnish sauna could also include the simple fact that in a hot and humid space you are without your phone or tablet — a brief detox from screens.

“Jos ei viina, terva ja sauna auta, niin tauti on kuolemaksi”

“If liqueur, tar, and the sauna won’t help, then the illness is fatal”

This saying conveys the same idea as the earlier one about the sauna’s healing powers. Throughout history, Finns have believed strongly in the health benefits of sauna. Today people rarely use tar as an actual medical remedy, but in the past it was considered useful as a preservative, a healing substance, and a protective salve. Modern Finns still enjoy its flavour and scent: people throw tar-scented aroma water on sauna stones, suck on tar pastilles, and occasionally take a shot of tar-flavoured liqueur.

Read next

What to Bring to a Finnish Sauna – A First-Timer’s Guide

What You’ll Find in a Finnish Sauna: A Simple Introduction

No Phones, No Books: Why the Finnish Sauna Is the Perfect Spiritual Detox

In Finnish Saunas, Nudity Isn’t a Taboo – Here’s Why That Matters

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