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Sauna is part of everyday Finnish life
Guests often ask how to use the sauna. You do not need special knowledge or a tolerance for extreme heat. Allow time, listen to your body and follow the introduction we give you at Mökki Tikka.
Light the stove and let the room warm
The sauna in the lakeside sauna house is heated with wood. We explain where the firewood is kept, how to light the stove and how to recognise when it is ready. Allow roughly an hour rather than rushing the heating process.
Wash before settling in
A short shower or washing with a bowl of warm water is part of the preparation. Ask which arrangement suits the facilities. Sit on a towel and start with a short, comfortable session.
Löyly: water on the stones
Löyly is the steam created by adding water to the hot sauna stones. Add it gradually, following the stove instructions and considering anyone sharing the room. More heat is not an achievement. Choose a lower bench or leave if you feel uncomfortable.
Cool down without pressure
Fresh air is enough. You do not have to roll in snow or enter cold water to complete a sauna ritual. Sudden cold immersion carries risks and is not suitable for everyone. Follow local safety guidance, and never make an uncertain ice hole part of an improvised outing.
Take breaks and repeat only if you want to
Two or three short rounds are a familiar pattern, but there is no required number. Rest, drink water and stop when you have had enough. A quiet seat in a blanket afterwards can be the best part. Avoid alcohol while using the sauna.
Birch branches: vihta
A vihta is a bundle of birch branches traditionally used gently against the skin. Ask us how it is prepared and used. The scent and the connection to the forest are part of its appeal; it is optional, not a treatment you need.
History and etiquette
Saunas have long served as washing places and important rooms in Finnish homes. Today they remain everyday spaces where people relax and talk, or simply sit quietly. Status matters little on the bench.
- In our private sauna, choose an arrangement everyone sharing it is comfortable with.
- Keep voices considerate and ask before increasing the steam.
- Use a seat towel and leave the space clean.
- Never turn heat or duration into a competition.
Many people find a sauna relaxing, but it should not be presented as a guaranteed cure or health benefit. If you have a health concern, ask a qualified professional whether sauna bathing is appropriate for you.
A request from us
Please do not cook sausages or other food in the sauna stove. We would rather the room smell of wood and birch than grilling. Thank you for taking care of the sauna.
Read about the house and lakeside sauna or the tradition of the Finnish vihta.
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