Sauna: sauna

Detailed explanation

Most Finnish apartment buildings (kerrostalo) include a shared sauna in the basement or ground floor that residents can book for personal use, typically for 1-2 hour time slots. Many buildings also have a weekly communal sauna time, with separate sessions for men and women. Some newer and more upscale apartments include a private sauna within the unit.

The Finnish sauna experience centers on the löyly — the steam created by throwing water on the hot stones of the sauna stove (kiuas). Temperatures typically range from 60-100°C, with most Finns preferring 80-90°C. Sauna sessions alternate between heating in the sauna and cooling off, whether through a cold shower, rolling in snow, or swimming in a lake.

Sauna culture varies by context. In residential building saunas, people typically sauna alone or with their family. In public saunas and swimming halls, there are separate sections for men and women. Corporate or social saunas may be mixed-gender, in which case swimsuits are worn. Traditional Finnish sauna etiquette calls for nudity, but this varies based on the setting and the comfort levels of participants.

How it affects expats

• •Building sauna access: Your apartment building likely has a sauna; check booking procedures and schedules when you move in

• •Nudity norms: In same-gender settings, nudity is expected and normal; swimsuits are worn in mixed-gender situations

• •Not optional socially: While no one will force you, participating in sauna invitations (including work-related ones) is an important social bonding activity

• •Health benefits: Regular sauna use is associated with cardiovascular health benefits; however, drink water before and after to stay hydrated

• •Building cost: The sauna is maintained through your monthly vastike; there may be an additional small booking fee

Sauna etiquette basics

• Shower before entering the sauna — cleanliness is essential

• Sit on a towel or bench cover — never directly on the wood

• Ask before throwing water (löyly) if sharing with others

• Respect others' space and silence — sauna can be meditative

• Do not stare — nakedness is normal and not sexual in Finnish sauna culture

• Cool off between sessions — step outside, shower, or swim

• Hydrate — drink water, not alcohol, during sauna

Types of saunas in Finland

• •Taloyhtiön sauna: Building sauna, bookable by residents

• •Yleinen sauna: Public sauna, like Löyly or Allas Sea Pool in Helsinki

• •Sähkösauna: Electric sauna, most common in apartments

• •Puusauna: Wood-fired sauna, traditional and found in summer cottages

• •Savusauna: Smoke sauna, the oldest type, considered the finest experience

Related terms

• •Kerrostalo (Apartment Building) — The most common housing type in Finnish cities, a multi-story residential building with shared facilities

• •Taloyhtiö (Housing Company) — Informal Finnish term for housing cooperative or housing company that manages apartment buildings and common areas

• •Vastike (Housing Company Fee) — Monthly fee paid by apartment owners to cover building maintenance, repairs, and shared expenses in Finnish housing companies

• •Pesuhuone (Laundry Room) — The shared laundry facilities in Finnish apartment buildings, with booking systems and etiquette rules