Finland's sauna culture - the sauna etiquette

Jonna Martikainen
2 days ago
3 min read

Finland has over three million saunas. And we are only 5,6 million people. In 2020 Finnish sauna culture was even inscribed to the UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list. If you're about to visit Finland, make sure to visit a sauna – as I always tell to travelers: If you came to Finland, but didn't go to a sauna – does it even count?

If you're nervous to visit a sauna – don't worry. It's very easy-going, but there are a few things to keep in mind. Keep on reading if you want learn the correct sauna etiquette and do sauna like a Finn.

Do I have to be naked in a Finnish sauna?

Depends on sauna you'll visit. Some public saunas in Helsinki require everyone wearing a bathing suit especially on mixed-gender saunas. But, keep in mind that traditionally, sauna is done nude, and there are saunas that prohibit the use of swimming suit. Those saunas tend to have separate saunas for different genders though.

Saunas where you can (or have to) wear a bathing suit

There are saunas where wearing a bathing suit is mandatory to everyone. The most popular saunas among tourists are bathing suit saunas. If you do not want to go to sauna nude, check one of these options: Löyly, Allas Sea Pool or Kuusijärvi Smoke Sauna.

Saunas where you can or should be nude

As mentioned above, traditionally sauna has been done naked. And some public saunas in Helsinki enforce the tradition. If you want to visit the iconic Kotiharjun Sauna in Kallio, you're expected to go to the sauna naked. The saunas are separated by gender. The same goes with all public swimming pool saunas in Helsinki. In Lonna and Sompasauna the saunas are mixed gender, and everyone is welcome to go as they wish – wearing a swimming suit or going nude.

Sauna etiquette in Finland

When visiting a sauna, you don't want to stick out as a ignorant tourist, so read here what rules should one follow when going to a sauna in Finland.

Always shower before going to the saunas. The public saunas have showers in the dressing rooms, and everyone should wash themselves thoroughly before entering the sauna.
Don't be too loud or scandalous. You don't have to be quiet, and chatting is completely fine, as long as you're not being too loud and let others enjoy the sauna as well. In fact, saunas are great places for a little small talk among other sauna goers. Just read the room and respect others.
Ask before throwing "löyly". You'll notice there is a bucket full of water, and that water is thrown at the "kiuas" (sauna stove). The act of throwing the water is called "löyly" in Finnish. In general, it's a nice gesture to ask out loud before throwing more löyly. Also, keep in mind that when you throw more löyly, the temperature increases. Make sure that after you threw more löyly, you can actually tolerate the hotter temperature inside the sauna. It's not cool to throw löyly, and then run out.
Stay hydrated. The temperatures inside saunas are somewhere between 80–110 celsius. Drink water and stay hydrated. In some saunas alcohol is sold, and nothing tastes better than a "sauna beer" or "lonkero", but remember to drink water as well.
Don't rush. Take it easy. It's not a competition. Remember that Finns have been going to saunas basically since we were babies. We are used to it. Only stay inside as long as you feel comfortable.
Cold water swimming is great! Many public saunas are located by the coast or a lake, so you can have a refreshing swim after the sauna. Finns swim in the sea and lakes all year around! So if you're visiting in winter, you can try ice-swimming. It's the best!
That's it. If you want to visit a sauna while visiting Helsinki, but you'd like a local to show you how it's done, you can contact me for a Private Sauna Tour in Helsinki.