Instructions for the Sauna Goer

You should enter the sauna clean. Before the first sauna round, it's important to take a shower and rinse your skin. In most public saunas in Tampere, swimwear is used, but in private or gender-separated saunas it is common to be nude. A calm atmosphere is appreciated in the sauna, so it's good to ease into a relaxed and unhurried mindset from the very beginning.

A sauna visit often includes bringing a towel, a water bottle (not glass), and shower sandals. You may also bring shower gel and other washing supplies.

In the sauna you sit on wooden benches and enjoy the heat in short intervals. One round usually lasts 5–15 minutes, but you should follow your own comfort level. Throwing steam means pouring water on the hot stones, which increases the humidity and intensifies the heat. If there are other people present, it is polite to ask before throwing water. The atmosphere is calm, respectful and quiet.

After each sauna round, it is important to cool down. This can be done outdoors, in the shower or by swimming in a lake. In Tampere, swimming in Lake Näsijärvi or Lake Pyhäjärvi is a core part of the local culture. In winter, ice swimming is popular, but beginners should proceed carefully. Cooling down helps the body stabilize and makes the next sauna round more enjoyable.

Finnish sauna bathing typically consists of 2–4 rounds. Between rounds, you cool down, drink water and rest. There is no required number of rounds; everyone follows their own comfort and condition. The balance between heat and cooling creates the relaxing rhythm of sauna life.

Saunas are quiet places, and phones are not used on the benches. In mixed-gender public saunas, swimwear is required and personal space is respected. Photography is forbidden on the benches, as the sauna is a private and calming environment. If you are unsure about any practice, feel free to ask the staff.

Sauna traditions in Tampere combine classic customs and modern elements. A “vihta” or “vasta” is a bundle of birch twigs used to gently tap the skin and stimulate circulation. Water and non-alcoholic drinks are recommended; strong alcohol is not suitable during sauna. Many people enjoy relaxing outdoors between rounds or chatting on a sauna terrace.

Tampere offers a wide range of saunas. Rajaportti is the oldest still-operating public sauna in Finland and offers an authentic experience. Kaupinoja sauna is famous for its lakeside atmosphere and winter swimming. The city also offers modern sauna restaurants and excellent saunas in various swimming halls. Each location has its own unique charm.

Saunas are generally safe, but some precautions are necessary. People with heart conditions or serious health issues should consult a doctor before using a sauna. Alcohol should be avoided until after sauna. Stop immediately if you feel dizzy, overheated or unwell at any point.

Sauna refers to the heated room where you sweat and relax. Löyly means the warm steam rising from the stove. Benches are the wooden seating platforms. Ice swimming means entering a hole cut in the ice. To “throw steam” means pouring water on the stove. “Kiitos” means thank you and is a polite way to end the sauna session.