In Finnish Christmas traditions, going to the sauna — joulusauna a.k.a. the Christmas sauna — has long been one of the most important rituals. Old folk beliefs were filled with elves and spirits, and various charms were performed to ensure a good harvest in the coming summer. Most modern Finns no longer have flax fields […]
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 […]
Experience an authentic Finnish Dry Sauna at the gateway to Nuuksio National Park, just a short 35 min journey from Helsinki. In Saivo’s private sauna at the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia, you can unwind, enjoy traditional sauna rituals, and immerse yourself in the tranquillity of Finland’s beloved natural landscapes. Is there anything I should take […]
Looking for an easy way to immerse yourself in Finland’s forests and lakes without travelling far from Helsinki? Choose Nuuksio National Park and, at its heart, the Finnish Nature Centre Haltia. Haltia is the ideal gateway to the park: you can arrive by public transport, get personalised advice at the information desk, rent outdoor gear, […]
At Helsinki Airport, many travelers have probably noticed the banner that reads: “Nobody in their right mind would come to Helsinki in November. Except you, you badass. Welcome.” But is visiting Finland in November really such a bad idea? We’d say absolutely not—especially if you’re someone who loves peace and quiet. Finland’s November has every […]
Why Does Sauna Bathing Feel So Good? How Does the Sauna Relax Us? Great questions! We’ve gathered here a few interesting ways in which being in a hot Finnish sauna affects your body. Where exactly the feeling of wellbeing comes from, however, we still do not know for sure. This article is based on the […]
Written by Laura Hokka, photos: Tupaswilla I attended a women’s peat sauna evening at Tupaswilla, a traditional heritage estate located in Laukaa, Central Finland, near the city of Jyväskylä. This wasn’t a regular sauna visit – while we relaxed in the heat of the sauna, the dark peat applied to our skin worked to draw […]
Heading to a Finnish sauna for the first time? Read what to pack and how to prepare for an authentic and relaxing sauna experience.
Curious about what awaits inside a real sauna? This beginner‑friendly guide shows you what you’ll find in an authentic Finnish sauna.
It’s natural to be naked in the sauna – learn why this Finnish tradition matters and how it shapes authentic sauna culture.
Tupaswilla
