Sauna is an inherent part of Finnish culture, which is why it’s a must-try when you’re visiting Finland. However, it’s fully natural that trying a sauna for the first time might be quite intimidating for people unfamiliar with its idea. Here we present a good set of rules on how to prepare yourself for your first sauna session so it becomes the most enjoyable experience both for you and other sauna participants.
- Sauna is known for its numerous health benefits. However, be aware of some risks that might occur if you have any health problems. While most people are doing perfectly fine, caution is recommended if you have any serious cardiovascular health issues.
- Remember to take your swimming suit and flip-flops with you. While a traditional Finnish sauna is a naked one, most public saunas require swimming suits, including Kuuma.
- Before the sauna, remember to hydrate properly! You’re going to sweat a lot which might lead to dehydration if you don’t drink enough water before and in between sauna sessions.
- Don’t take food or alcohol to the sauna.
- Before entering the sauna, take a shower! Washing your body makes the skin wet and helps to remove sweat and fragrances that might later become much stronger inside the sauna.
- When in the sauna, sit on a sheet or a towel.
- You will see a stove inside the sauna. The stove is heating up the stones above it, which then radiate heat. Don’t touch the stones - they are very hot and you’re likely to burn yourself.
- There’s a special ladle which is used to pour water over the stones. This increases humidity inside the sauna, which enhances the heat perception. However, don’t overdo it - pouring the water more than twice in a row is usually not necessary and might bother other sauna participants.
- If you’re not sure how your body reacts to high heat, sit on the lower bench first. The temperature rises the higher you sit and it’s a good rule of thumb to start easy.
- Remember to close the door when you enter or leave the sauna, since an open door causes the heat to escape.
- Remember to take breaks between sauna sessions. There is a lake next to the sauna - traditionally that’s where you go to take a bath and cool off. The water might be a bit colder than what you’re used to, but it’s worth trying - there’s nothing more refreshing than a cool bath after a hot sauna session!
- Sauna is a social experience and it’s perfectly fine to enjoy the time together. However, it’s important to remember about appropriate behavior. Respect each other's intimacy.
- After leaving the sauna, take a shower and rehydrate!
- If in doubt - ask our sauna captains any question you need!