Sauna - Sauna Culture in Northern Europe

Find out more about sauna culture in Northern Europe. Read what types of sauna are visited, how they differ and what sauna rituals are popular.

Sauna Culture in Northern Europe

A sauna is becoming a regular element in hotels, swimming pools, sports clubs and gyms, camping sites and holiday centers. The number of sauna types seems to be greater than ever. To maintain the image of a successful business any company certainly must have a sauna or sauna suite of its own.
In addition to washing and relaxation Sauna serves many other functions. Investigate the matter of its intentions and purposes.

Sauna Culture in Northern Europe

Saunas were popular in the countries of Scandinavia and Finland. They were used as a method of cleaning yourself before the days of running water. In the past, the sauna was traditionally the warmest and most sanitary room. That's why, northern Europeans often gave birth in saunas.

culture_northern_europe The Use of Birch Branches
Birch branches are very popular in saunas. With the help of them people improve circulation and enjoy a fresh, woodsy aroma. It is really healthy method for you to use.

Different Types of Saunas
Electric saunas: This type of saunas is found in apartments or homes in cities. It usually takes 30-45 minutes for the sauna stove to heat. Such homes with sauna have large shower rooms for you to shower before, after, or in between sauna sessions. Electric sauna has dry heat so you can fill a bucket with water and bring it in the sauna. In order to create more heat, just pour some water on the sauna stove.

Wood burning sauna: You can find this sauna outside of city or residential areas. The wood is burnt in the sauna stove to create pleasant, moist, heat.

Smoke sauna: Such saunas are also found outside of cities or residential areas. You need three hours or more to prepare this sauna that has a pleasant, moist, heat. The smoke leaves an ashy residue inside so don't brush against the sauna walls. Much time and maintenance is required with smoke sauna. You won't find many of such saunas in use. But be sure to have the ultimate sauna experience.

Sauna Rituals
There are many traditions connected with sauna use. It is advisable to go in the sauna three times for about 10 minutes each time. Then people shower off in between the each sauna, using soap only during the first shower. When having the break, you can enjoy a beer and cool off before returning to the sauna. If you have the opportunity and you are near a lake, then jump in the water for a refreshing swim, any time of year. In winter, when lakes are frozen, hardy folk drill a hole in the lake and go for a short swim. You also can roll in the snow to cool off like a native.