sauna etiquette

The Finnish sauna is not just a place for relaxation, but also an important part of the culture. By following these guidelines, you’ll ensure a pleasant and respectful sauna experience for yourself and others. Remember, each sauna has its own nuances, so it’s always okay to ask if you’re unsure about the norms.

General Guidelines

Cleanliness: Always shower before entering the sauna. This is hygienic and part of the ritual. Also, shower after the sauna session.
Nudity: In Finnish private saunas, people are usually naked. A swimsuit is required in public mixed-gender saunas.
Silence: The sauna is often a quiet place. Light conversation is OK, but respect others’ peace.
Unhurried atmosphere: Enjoy the sauna at a leisurely pace. Don’t rush or disturb others’ experience.
Drinking: Remember to drink water during sauna sessions to avoid dehydration. Consuming alcohol in the sauna is not recommended. Usually, sauna beer is enjoyed after the sauna or during cooling-off periods.
Equality: There are no titles in the sauna, and everyone is equal. Respect this principle regardless of your or others’ status outside the sauna.
Privacy: Respect others’ privacy: don’t stare at or comment on others’ bodies.

Practical Tips

Adding steam (löyly): Always ask other bathers for permission before adding water to the stove. Not everyone enjoys intense heat. This also gives those who prefer hotter steam a chance to enjoy it.
Regulating heat: If the steam feels too hot, move to a lower bench. Don’t force yourself to endure excessive heat. This also allows others who enjoy hotter temperatures to enjoy their experience.
Bench towel: You can use a small towel or seat cover on the benches. This protects the benches, though the wood and hot air themselves ensure the benches are sterile.
Duration: The length of a sauna session is individual. Leave the sauna when you feel like it. Usually, 10-20 minutes at a time is appropriate.
Cooling off: It’s customary to cool off between sauna sessions. You can cool down in the dressing room, outside, by swimming, or by taking a shower.
Door use: Don’t keep the sauna door open for long. Enter or exit quickly, don’t linger in the doorway.
Water bucket: If the water bucket empties during your use or you notice it’s empty, refill it. Don’t leave an empty bucket in the sauna. When leaving, pass the bucket and ladle to the person sitting closest to the stove if you’ve been using it.

Special Situations

Public saunas: Public saunas may have separate turns or sections for men and women. Always check the rules of the place.
Vihta/vasta (birch whisk): If you use a vihta, be careful not to disturb other bathers.
Sauna elf and respecting the sauna: Old Finnish beliefs tell of sauna elves, protectors of the sauna. Respect the sauna and its spirit:
- Avoid noise and disruptive behavior
- Don’t make a mess in the sauna
- Behave respectfully and calmly
Mixed-gender saunas: In mixed-gender saunas, both nudity and swimsuits are usually accepted. However, specific saunas may have their own rules, so always check the practices of the particular sauna.

Remember

If you’re unsure about anything, don’t hesitate to ask. Finns are usually happy to share about their sauna culture.
Enjoy the experience! Sauna is a relaxing and healthy tradition that should be fully enjoyed.