In Finland, traditional Finnish Saunas have been a popular and important part of Finnish culture for as long as anyone can remember. Usually, the more traditional saunas have been the most popular however as trends and traditions change, a new wave of unusual and quirky steam baths have become increasingly popular across Finland.
Across Finland, it is thought there are approximately three million saunas and the sauna is a place to relax, refresh and cleanse both body and mind. In Finnish culture, sauna has always been thought of as a place that keeps people healthy. There is even a proverb that says;
“If liquor, tar and sauna won’t help, the illness is fatal.”
The oldest public sauna in Finland
Remaining the same since built it’s like stepping into a time capsule and visiting the past – whilst at the same time experiencing a fantastic sauna. Built in 1906 there are separate sections for men and women which is the only change in facilities made in 1930’s by erecting a wall to separate mens’ washroom from womens’. This sauna, still heated by wood in traditional manner, by a massive masonry stove which makes the heart of the sauna. Meter-long logs are needed to make the stones, in all weighing over a ton, to glow and sparkle in red. After the fire is out, water is thrown over the stones to remove remains of carbon monoxide, then the lids of the funnel are shut, and the heat is getting smooth and steady, the stove calms down.
In each dressing room there is space for 15-20 persons at a time, and approximately 12 in the sauna room itself. We do not want any haste in the sauna and therefore appreciate that mobile phones will be shut when entering the sauna zone. Sauna bath with other sauna fellows, whether new acquaintances or old friends of yours, is an essential part of a visit to a public sauna and may make your sauna visit all the more pleasant and interesting experience.
How about a ski lift sauna?
In Ylläs, one of the popular Ski Resorts in Finland, you can experience the world´s only Sauna Gondola with it’s spectacular view and sauna experience. You can end a day of skiing with a sauna bath taken while suspended between heaven and earth, overlooking the fantastic Lapland landscape. You can only book the sauna gondola together with the sauna at Café Gondol 718, which is at the top of the fell. Guests get three tours with the gondola. Each tour lasts about 20 minutes. The gondola can take four people at a time, and the sauna at Café Gondol 718 can be booked for up to 12 people.
The sauna at Café Gondol 718 has a room with a fireplace, showers, and a heated outdoor whirlpool bath. It also has an amazing view and lucky guests might even get to see the Northern Lights! The exclusive sauna experience begins and ends with a snowcat ride to and from the summit. Guests who wish to make the experience even more special are recommended to cap the evening off with a luxurious meal of local delicacies in the Ylläskammi restaurant (by reservation only). Renting the sauna gondola and the sauna at the top costs €1350 (includes 24% VAT).
