The hallmark of the Finnish sauna is the type of wood. Only Nordic spruce, also known as polar spruce, is used. This grows very slowly in Nordic countries. One Finnish sauna is almost entirely covered in wood. But what advantages does wood offer and why? Finnish sauna the classic among sauna enthusiasts? We have briefly summarized the most significant advantages for you!

Finnish sauna advantages thanks to wooden panelling

The wood creates a pleasant and warm atmosphere. It also stores the heat and releases it in a regulated manner or at time intervals. The wood absorbs air humidity, which is why the humidity level is 9-14%. Even after many years of use, the wood provides a pleasant scent that understandably smells like wood. Nevertheless, it is developing the sauna and the commissioning of the sauna keep going! There are more and more innovations in the sauna area. However, it is and remains Finnish sauna the classic and most popular type of sauna. The crucial point remains the use of Nordic spruce.

Where does the Finnish sauna come from?

The Finnish sauna found its way from Asia to Europe. The ancestors of the Finns operated their first steam baths in Asia as early as the Stone Age. They brought it to Scandinavian countries such as Finland and Russia through migrations. Only a few fine drops of birch water or tar are added to the Finnish infusion. This addition ensures that temperatures of 80 degrees and up to a maximum of 110 degrees Celsius can be achieved. In Germany, however, things are a little different. Become in this country essential oils used in Finnish saunas. These are good-smelling, distilled essences that are obtained from plants such as herbs, flowers, types of wood and wood. What is very interesting is the fact that around 2 million Finns have their own sauna. If you compare that to the population of 5.5 million, it means that almost every household in Finland has a sauna. But it's no wonder, because on average Finns visit the sauna 2-3 times a week.

Finnish saunas at a glance:

• Repeat the sauna session 3 times
• You take a sauna of course naked
• Gender segregation when taking a sauna
• DO NOT use essential oils
• Pour on a ladle when entering the sauna
• Be quiet, like in any other sauna
• Whip with birch tassel to stimulate blood circulation (doesn't hurt)
• Don't be surprised if a sausage sizzles

Sauna sausage in Finnish sauna

Finnish sauna and “barbecue” go well together! The Finnish sauna sausage is just as much a part of a sauna in Finland as traditional costume is for Oktoberfest in Germany. The Finns simply take the sausage with them during the sauna session. Due to the hot temperatures in the Finnish sauna, the sausage is ready to eat on the sauna stove in just 30 minutes. If necessary, meat fans can also turn the sausage several times. Saunalenkki also ensures the scent in the sauna, which means that the infusion is completely dispensed with. If you want to try this too, we have put together the recipe for you here.

Finnish sauna recipe Saunalenkki:

The ingredients you need for the Saunalenkki are:

• A ring sausage
• Cheese, Emmental cheese is particularly suitable for this
• Tomatoes and ketchup
• Mustard
• Get your sausage sauna ready with these simple steps:
• Remove the skin from the sausage
• Score at even intervals
• Place grated cheese and tomato slices into the scored areas.
• Spread mustard and ketchup on the sausage
• For 30 minutes on the sauna heater/sauna stones

If this is too extreme for you, you can also let your sauna lenkki cook in the oven at 250 degrees for about 15 minutes. We recommend a salad and fresh bread as well as a cold beer with your sauna sausage.

Finnish sauna scents

As already mentioned in our other article, in the classic Finnish sauna you only use birch water and tar water for pouring. In Germany, however, Finnish infusions, also known as Mellis infusion scents, are used. These are made up of natural, nature-identical, artificial flavorings and essential oils. It is important to know that these substances are very heat-resistant and therefore do not catch fire, because the infusions do not contain ethanol. Infusions have a high concentration, so 2-4 ml per 3.5 l - 4 l of water is sufficient. Infusions are available in all quantities from 5 ml bottles to 10 l containers. We have put together a short list of Finnish infusions that are available in Germany.

Finnish sauna infusion scents and their effects:

• Tar infusion – > good for healing wounds, including psoriasis and neurodermatitis
• Birch infusion - > good for wound healing and clearing the respiratory tract
• Beer tar –> according to the Finnish saga, this infusion awakens the spirits
• Sandalwood – > stimulates the metabolism and promotes desire
• Jaw – > helps with muscle pain and illnesses
• Hong herbs/thyme – > has a relaxing and stimulating effect
• Honey mint – > prevents headaches
• Mint – > helps with headaches and has a refreshing effect
• Eucalyptus – > Frees the respiratory tract and stimulates metabolism
• Organs – > ensures a high mood and increases concentration
• Wildrose – > for a romantic time for two
• Apple – > has an invigorating and focusing effect

We hope that you now know everything about it Finnish sauna you could find out! Other types of saunas around the world we have listed it for you here!