Saunas with the wow factor

The sauna (pronounced “sow-ner”) is to the Finns as the croissant is to the French. Imperative and irresistible, and part of Finnish daily life.

Considering that there are almost 2 million saunas in Finland and only 5 million people, it’s a very important part of the culture. There are no smutty jokes and no awkward looks as Finns have been brought up to enjoy the sauna experience from an early age.

Take a look at where you might find saunas in Finland (in addition to at home):

The Sauna Truck
This is the experience on wheels – half trailer half mounted lorry – great for parties, special occasions or just when you need the sauna to move with your group (often seen at outdoor concerts and events where people want to relax then revive), Saunarekka.fi/en/paa.html.

The Sauna Ship
The experience at sea or on lakes – hired by the hour and takes up to 8 passengers, Saunaship.com.

The Forest Experience
Now this is a three in one experience in the Seita Forest Spa where there are three different types of sauna: a herbal one, a smoke sauna and a traditional sauna. There is the option of a bathing attendant to help you (how charming) and various natural remedies and spa treatments on offer. Rukapalvelu.fi/en.

The Smoke Experience
A smoke sauna offers a completely different experience from the traditional one. Some say the heat feels gentler and even a touch spiritual. There are many smoke saunas across Finland with the largest being at the Igloo Village, Hotel Kakslauttanen in Finnish Lapland, Kakslauttanen.fi.

The Sauna Island
Finland has over 180,000 thousand islands and, not surprisingly many have saunas for rent – great escapism, Saunasaari.fi.

There are many more so whether you’re in a 5 star hotel in Helsinki or in a small cabin by a lake in central Finland, you won’t be far from a sauna.

New Opening In Spring 2008 – The Cable Car Sauna
Currently under construction is a new gondola sauna – a sauna that will be inside a cable car in the resort of Yllas in Finnish Lapland. Seriously!

For more Sauna information, visit Sauna.fi.

For more information about Finland, visit the Finnish Tourist Board’s website at Visitfinland.com/uk.