Saunas in Finland: Showers, Traditional Practices, and Modern Innovations

In Finland, the traditional sauna experience does not usually include showers inside the sauna itself. Instead, a separate washing area or shower is commonly found outside the sauna room. This article explores the traditional Finnish sauna practices, the inclusion of showers in modern saunas, and the variations in sauna setups in different settings.

Traditional Saunas and the Lack of Showers

Traditional saunas in Finland, whether built with wood or electricity, do not typically have showers inside the sauna. Before entering the sauna, visitors usually shower to clean off and prepare their skin for the heat. After the sauna session, people may rinse off to cool down or wash away sweat (source: [1]). The traditional practice places emphasis on maintaining separate washing facilities to preserve the sauna's sanctity and to ensure a thorough cleansing before and after use.

Showers in Modern Saunas and Special Cases

Some modern saunas, located in spas or gyms, incorporate showers for convenience. However, the traditional practice of separate washing facilities remains prevalent. The exception to this rule includes some old wood-burning saunas built in or adjacent to old summer cottages or rural homes. These saunas often lack running water, and visitors might bring in buckets of water to use (source: [2]). For instance, the author’s grandparents had such a wood-burning sauna, but after their grandfather renovated it in the late 1980s, they gained two separate saunas, complete with showers and even water closets (source: [3]).

There might also be some more modern wood-burning saunas without showers located near summer cottages. However, modern people generally prefer the convenience of a shower, which is why contemporary saunas in urban settings, such as apartments in apartment blocks, gyms, and public swimming halls, almost always have showers (source: [4]).

The Ideal Sauna Experience: From Preparation to Relaxation

The traditional Finnish sauna experience follows a specific sequence: having a wash usually in the form of a shower, sitting in the sauna room, which is typically warmed to 80–110 °C (176–230 °F), and then throwing water on hot stones to create steam and relax the body. This process is integral to the Finnish sauna experience and has a long-standing tradition (source: [5]).

Variations in Sauna Setups and Convenient Alternatives

Despite the traditional practice, there are variations in sauna setups, particularly in rural or more traditional settings, where saunas are often located near lakes or seas. Rather than taking a shower, visitors may simply bathe in the lake or sea (source: [6]). Additionally, large water buckets with both cold and hot water are available, allowing individuals to cool off or relax the muscles at their convenience (source: [7]).

When visiting Finnish saunas, it’s important to consider the specific location and whether showers are available. Whether you’re in a traditional cottage in the countryside or an urban sauna in an apartment building, the experience of Finnish saunas remains a unique and rejuvenating activity.

References

[1]

A traditional Finnish sauna experience emphasizes a separate washing area or shower to prepare and cool down.

[2]

Older wood-burning saunas in summer cottages or rural homes might lack running water, necessitating the use of buckets.

[3]

A grandfather’s renovation in the late 1980s added showers and water closets to the saunas in the house.

[4]

Modern saunas in urban settings, such as gyms and swimming halls, almost always have showers.

[5]

The traditional sequence of a Finnish sauna includes having a wash, sitting in the sauna, and throwing water on stones.

[6]

In some saunas near lakes or seas, visitors may bathe directly in the water, eliminating the need for showers.

[7]

Water buckets with both cold and hot water are available for personal cooling and relaxation.