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If there’s one thing we Finns do no matter the season, the weather, how many mosquitos are buzzing or how thick the snow is falling, it’s sauna.
The Finnish sauna isn’t just a habit – it’s something much deeper. It’s where we go to relax, to recover, to get in touch with our souls or to connect with others. It’s therapy, it’s tradition, and honestly… it’s a little magic.
But what makes it even more special?
The cold plunge. Yes, we really do dip into icy lakes. And yes, we also roll in snow when the lakes freeze. Every season has its own twist on the sauna and the cold plunge ritual, and each one is worth experiencing. Let me show you why!
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Sauna time when it’s summer in Finland
Do Finns enjoy the sauna even during a heatwave? Yes, we do! Even when it’s +30°C outside, the sauna is on.
In fact, summer might be the most loved sauna season in Finland. Families head to their summer cabins, and sauna becomes a part of the daily rhythm. Morning coffee. Morning sauna. Swim. Sauna. Swim again. BBQ. Sauna once more.
And always, into the lake or sea after the sauna. The cooler water (especially in June!) refreshes you like nothing else.
This is also the time for ‘vihta‘ – bundles of fresh birch branches tied together and gently used to tap the skin during sauna. It’s not painful at all, it’s incredibly invigorating! The fresh birch scent fills the sauna, and the light tapping helps your blood flow and opens the pores. Total bliss.
And did you know that back in the day, different trees were used for different things?
- Birch was like soap – cleansing and revitalizing.
- Willow helped ease pain.
- Rowan was used for love and romance (how cute is that?).
Today, birch is the most common, and honestly, it just smells like Finnish summer.
Autumn in Finland: hot tubs & golden peace
Autumn in Finland is pure poetry. The air turns crisp, the trees change into the red and gold foliage, and the lakes start to cool.
We still sauna, of course! But many people start swapping their lake dips for ‘palju’ evenings.
Palju is a wooden hot tub, often placed outside on a cottage deck or next to the sauna. There’s nothing better than sliding into a steaming palju as the cool air surrounds you. The water warms your body while the world around you gets quieter.
This season is slower, softer. The saunas feel cozier. And if the lake is still open, we might still do the cold plunge; but we also embrace just sitting, soaking, and watching the mist rise from the water.
Winter sauna traditions in Finland
Welcome to ‘avanto‘ season.
That’s the Finnish word for the hole we cut into the frozen lake to dip in after the sauna. It sounds extreme, but it’s a tradition hundreds of years old – and incredibly refreshing! Once you’ve tried it, you’re hooked. The endorphins, the invincible feeling afterwards… it’s addictive in the best way.
After a few rounds in the sauna, you wrap yourself in a towel, step outside into the cold air, and walk across the snow to the avanto. Down the ladder, into the ice water and then quickly back to the sauna for that tingling warmth.
Here’s the best part: if there’s no water nearby, we roll in the snow instead. Yep! That’s the Finnish solution. Same effect. Same feeling. You heat up, cool down, and repeat. We’ve been doing this for generations, and somehow it never gets old.
One thing to keep in mind: make sure the snow isn’t icy. It can scratch soft skin, which is especially sensitive after the sauna.
Springtime in Finland: shedding the winter coat
There’s a special moment every Finnish spring when the ice finally melts on the lakes.
And when it does, we say it’s time to ‘kastella talviturkki‘ – to “wash off the winter coat.” It’s the first dip of the year into open water after the winter. For many, this happens right after a spring sauna.
It’s a tradition packed with emotion. That icy spring water represents freedom, light, and a new beginning. That first dip feels like a personal celebration of life. And after months of snow and darkness, trust me – we need it.
Why do Finns love sauna and cold plunge so much? What are the benefits?
Sauna and cold plunges are more than just rituals. They are anchors.
They keep us grounded. They bring us back to nature. They connect us with family, with ourselves, with something ancient.
Whether it’s a solo moment in a quiet lakeside sauna or a public sauna packed with laughter and steam, the experience is never just physical, it’s always emotional, too.
And let’s not forget the amazing health perks! The sauna and cold plunge combo isn’t just for fun (though it definitely is that). The heat helps your muscles relax and your mind slow down, while the cold gives you a serious wake-up call – in the best way. It boosts circulation, supports your immune system, and leaves you with that clear, glowy “just did something great for myself” feeling. Better sleep, less stress, happy body = yes, please.
Private and public saunas in Finland
While many Finns have a private sauna at home or at the cottage, public saunas in Finland are super popular and a fantastic place to get the authentic sauna experience.
Across Finland, in recent years, public saunas have been popping up in cities, on beaches, in old factories and modern spas. They’re open to locals and visitors alike, offering a taste of tradition wrapped in modern comfort.
What’s beautiful is that in the sauna, everyone is equal. Whether you’re the CEO of a company or a university student, when you’re sitting in the steam, towel wrapped around you, all that melts away. You’re just people, sharing löyly.
So even if you’re just visiting Finland, you can absolutely take part in this magical tradition. Just find a public sauna, bring your swimsuit (or rent one there), and prepare to feel incredible.
If you rent a cabin or a home in Finland, it’s almost guaranteed to come with a private sauna. Some homes even have two – for example, an electric sauna and a wood-burning sauna.
Our cabin has both a wood-burning sauna and a traditional smoke sauna.
You’ll always find this information in the listing.
If you want a peek into what Finnish homes really look like, check out Kotona – a hub for Finnish homes and lifestyle!
The Finnish Way
As a conclusion, I want to say that there’s no wrong season for sauna. There’s no wrong way to enjoy it (well, except skipping the cold dip – just try it once!). Whether you’re whisking yourself with a vihta under the midnight sun or rolling in snow under the northern lights, you are part of something deeply Finnish.
We don’t do sauna because it’s trendy. We do sauna because it’s who we are.
About Varpu
I’m the founder of Her Finland. I love cultural tidbits, aha moments, Finnish folklore, and cinnamon buns. My newest interest is learning bird songs. Read more about me..