The Wood-Fired Sauna Routine – How to Sauna The Right Way

Sauna is more than a hot room. Here are the 8 steps to sauna heaven according to our friends at Visit Finland. And if anyone knows how to sauna, it would be them. Sauna is known in every country but there is nothing more Finnish than a sauna. Taking the time to sauna in this way may be why Finland is repeatedly the happiest place on earth.

Wood-Fired saunas are most traditional but we will adapt a couple of these steps to include electric sauna heaters as well.

Step 1 – Chop Wood or Turn on Your Heater

Birch is the preferred sauna firewood in Finland. There is an art to chopping wood, and the process is a part of the experience. To have a traditional sauna experience you should chop wood as part of the ritual. We recommend this book on the Norwegian art of chopping and keeping wood.

Step 2 – Light the Fire

Birch bark and some dry kindling in a good wood stove will be roaring in moments. Start adding longer logs, and give the sauna 45 minutes to an hour. Check on it a few times to make sure you’re heading in the right direction.

Step 3 – Make a birch whisk from fresh twigs

Cut fresh birch twigs (if in season) and create a sort of bouquet. This will be used during your sauna session. Interestingly, birch has been a part of the first 3 steps! You can also buy a birch whisk here.

Step 4 – Fetch Fresh Water From The Lake

In Finland, nearly every cabin or traditional sauna is near a lake. If you are lucky enough to have a fresh source of water from a lake or river, fetch some in your water bucket now. If you do not have a lake nearby, you can use tap water but it shouldn’t be too ‘hard’. If your water has too many minerals you may want to bring in distilled water or find another source.

Step 5 – Relax and Enjoy

Once some time has passed and your sauna has reached temperature it’s time for your first session in the heat. Pour some water on the rocks and relax.

Step 6 – Clean Your Skin With The Birch Whisk

The birch whisk, known as Vihta or Vasta in Finnish is a traditional practice with lots of benefits. The whisk exfoliates, improves circulation, releases pleasant aroma, relieves muscles, and is a natural antiseptic. There are local variations throughout the world, and other branches you can use besides birch.

Step 7 – Clean and Cool Yourself with Fresh Water

Jump in the lake, pour a bucket of water on your head, or take a cold shower. This should be done between every session.

Step 8 – Don’t Hurry

This is so important it deserves its own step. Recovering and relaxing between rounds is critical to your sauna experience and benefits. The longer you stay, the better you will feel.

Check out our friends at VisitFinland.com for more insights from the cultural home of the sauna. And if you ever get a chance, do visit!

Check out the Sauna Marketplace YouTube channel for more fun sauna videos!