Helsinki’s Unique Saunas Rituals You Need to Try

Wood-fired sauna (Savusauna)

Savusauna (aka smoke sauna) is one of the oldest types of Finnish sauna. It is a wood-heated sauna where the smoke lingers in the room, and the heating can stay for a while. Once the fire is extinguished, the room is ventilated, which leaves a soft heat and a fascinating smoky aroma. The warmth of the burning wood makes it a unique sauna experience and a must-try for every traveller visiting the city. After the sauna, travellers may want to cool off by dipping into a cold lake.

Löyly (Steam) Ritual

Credit: Estoniansaunas/CC BY SA 4.0

Get ready to immerse yourself in a sauna bathing dating back to 7,000 BC in Finland. In the ritual, water is thrown on hot stones, releasing clouds of scalding steam with temperatures soaring. The ritual is modernized today but remains as exciting as enjoying a sauna with the steam enveloping in a thick and warm mist, making it a refreshing experience.

Birch Whisking (Vihta or Vasta)

In Finnish saunas, a unique tradition involves gently striking the skin with birch branches, called vihta or vasta. This ritual not only stimulates the skin and improves circulation but also releases a refreshing, natural aroma, turning the sauna experience into a sensory delight.

Saunas, wet-cupping therapy and more

Some saunas offer wet-cupping therapy, traditional massage and bone-setting, the treatments are an ancient remedy that is great for healing. Those who wish to get a total pampering experience can plan to visit some luxury spas in Helsinki, which offer a wide range of facial and body treatments, including massages.