1. Sauna is beneficial for almost everyone. The only exceptions are infants and people with cardiovascular diseases or open wounds. Everyone else can safely enjoy the sauna, which you will most likely do in Finland.
2. Visiting a Finnish sauna has no sexual connotation, and every Finn will confirm this. For the people of Finland, the sauna is almost a sacred place where not only the body but also the spirit is cleansed. But this does not mean you cannot relax there—just get comfortable and throw on some steam!
3. An invitation to the sauna is a sign of respect, so you need a good reason to refuse. In the sauna, as they say, everyone is equal.
4. Colorful lighting, aromatic additives, and relaxing music have nothing to do with a traditional Finnish sauna. A classic Finnish sauna should be dimly lit with no music or extraneous smells, except for the scent of birch whisk and natural tar.
5. Yes, Finns sometimes go to the sauna naked even with strangers, as the naked body is completely natural. But if you are shy, no one will object if you wear a swimsuit or wrap yourself in a towel.
6. In a group of friends, men and women take turns in the sauna, while family members go together. This is usually agreed upon before going to the sauna.
7. You can also bathe with a whisk in the sauna, which in Finnish is called "vasta" or "vihta" (depending on the region). The whisk can be made of birch or juniper branches. This procedure is considered very beneficial for the skin.
8. There are no rules regarding how often you should add steam in a Finnish sauna. You can splash water from the ladle onto the stove as often as you like.
9. Usually, sweat flows in streams in the sauna, so do not forget to replenish fluids. Water is best for this, although many Finns prefer beer or cider. And if you get hungry, you can grill sausages in foil right on the stove or on a grill.
10. To tell the truth, there is no strict set of rules for visiting a sauna. Everything depends on the situation. The most important thing when going to the sauna is to relax, socialize, have a few drinks after the sauna, have a good time, and enjoy the blissful feeling of clean body and spirit.