The first thing to know about Finnish saunas is that theyre everywhere.
It connects Finns with nature, traditions, and each otherit can be a deeply spiritual experience.
It should feel deeply warming and pleasant, she said.
Photo: Svante Gullichsen / Courtesy of Helsinki Partners
Not harsh or overwhelming.
Thisvihtominen, another cherished Finnish sauna tradition, is said to stimulate blood circulation and cleanse the skin.
Time to cool off.
Photo: Julia Kivelä / Courtesy of Helsinki Partners
Outside, the icy wind cut through my skin like a million needles.
I spent the following days chasing that high.
The sauna at The Hotel Maria.
Photo: Getty Images
After heating up, I stepped outside into a skin-searing minus 20 degrees Celsius, and plunged in.
A surrender to nature, to tradition, and to the undeniable pull of something ethereal lingering far deeper.
The sauna at Octola.
The sauna at The Hotel Maria.
Before boarding my flight home, a final sauna felt like the only proper farewell.
Cool off between sauna sessions by stepping outside for a mood-boosting cold plunge or dip in the snow.
More than anything, dont treat the sauna as just a quick sweat session.
The sauna at Octola.
