What could be more iconic than the Finnish sauna? Helka asked me if I wanted one the first day I arrived. After a long day of travel it sure sounded good. Oskari and Antti got the fires going, one for the hot water (to wash afterward) and the other for the sauna itself. I had a sauna each night I was at Helka’s talo. Luxury!
The beautiful wood: where every sauna begins.Wood benches, the bucket and ladle, and of course, the birch whisks; Jussi made these in the traditional style.My bed was right outside the sauna.If you’re adventurous, you can cool off by running down to the river and jumping in. Refreshing! So I’m told…But after a sauna, most enjoy the fine taste of a Karhu beer. Well, I did.Late night twilight; at over latitude 65° N, night is brief in August.
Yes, you feel so cleansed. A must when in Finland. Have you seen the Finnish documentary “Steam of Life”? Interviews with Finnish men in sauna. Very strong. See here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/10/us-film-steam-idUSTRE6B90Y020101210
We have sauna in Norway too, but not the culture around it as in Finland.
Saunas, yes! I love the wood fired ones and the jump into the lake or river after. The ‘city’ kinds that are electric-fired don’t do it for me, even though we have one. I was going to mention the same film! We’ve seen it twice and cried too… a must see!
K. A. Laity 
Love sauna! 😀
It is a wonderful thing!
Yes, you feel so cleansed. A must when in Finland. Have you seen the Finnish documentary “Steam of Life”? Interviews with Finnish men in sauna. Very strong. See here: http://www.reuters.com/article/2010/12/10/us-film-steam-idUSTRE6B90Y020101210
We have sauna in Norway too, but not the culture around it as in Finland.
Ooh, no — haven’t seen that. Thank you!
You’re welcome. It’s very strong. I cried my way through several handkerchiefs. 🙂
Saunas, yes! I love the wood fired ones and the jump into the lake or river after. The ‘city’ kinds that are electric-fired don’t do it for me, even though we have one. I was going to mention the same film! We’ve seen it twice and cried too… a must see!
Our Sauna in our previous home:
Finnish Sauna.
Nice!