How to Use a Finnish Sauna: A Simple First Session

Shower first, enter the sauna dry, sit on a towel and begin with a short 5–10 minute round. Add a small ladle of clean water to approved hot stones if everyone agrees. Leave before discomfort, cool down, hydrate and rest. Repeat only if you feel well. The goal is a pleasant cycle, not endurance.

Before entering

Arrive hydrated and free of alcohol or impairing drugs. Remove jewellery and metal objects that can become hot. Shower to keep the room clean, then dry off so perspiration and löyly—not shower water—set the humidity.

Confirm that water is permitted on the heater. It usually is in a traditional Finnish sauna; it usually is not in an infrared cabin.

In the hot room

Sit on a towel so bare skin and feet do not contact the bench. Begin lower if you are new. Heat rises, so the upper bench is hotter.

After the room and stones are ready, ask others before adding water. Use one small ladle and wait for the steam wave to pass. More water is not automatically better.

Cooling and repeating

Leave while you still feel good. Cool in fresh air or with a shower. An abrupt ice plunge adds cardiovascular stress and is optional, not required. Rest until breathing and heart rate feel normal. A second round can follow.

Finish with a rinse, water and quiet recovery. Let the sauna dry according to its ventilation plan.

Basic etiquette

Ask before adding water or essential oils.
Keep conversation and audio appropriate to the setting.
Do not shave, exercise or bring glass into the room.
Never block vents or cover a heater.
Leave if anyone appears confused or unwell.

Frequently asked questions

Do you wear clothes in a Finnish sauna?

Customs vary. In private Finnish settings, nudity is common; public venues set their own swimwear and mixed-gender rules.

Should you shower after sauna?

Yes. A final rinse removes perspiration; use a gentle temperature and cool gradually.