For many Americans of Finnish descent, a sauna isn’t a luxury—it’s a heartbeat. It is a daily rhythm, a childhood memory, and for those who don’t yet have one in their home, it is often at the very top of the bucket list.
Defining the Sauna
The Oxford Dictionary defines a sauna as: “A room used as a hot-air or steam bath for cleaning and refreshing the body, traditionally one in which steam is produced by pouring water onto heated rocks.”
But ask any avid user, and they’ll tell you it’s so much more. It is a sanctuary. It’s a place to unwind, reconnect with loved ones, and recover after a hard day’s work or an intense workout. In the Finnish tradition, it is an essential pillar of daily living.
A Legacy of Heat
The sauna originated in Finland thousands of years ago. When Finnish immigrants traveled to America between 1870 and 1920, they brought their stoves and traditions with them. Interestingly, while the Great Migration peaked at the turn of the century, some of the oldest documented saunas in the U.S. can be found in Cokato, MN, with some structures dating back long before they were officially recorded in modern history.
Growing up as third-generation Finnish Americans, the sauna was our “everything.” We followed a strict routine: Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. We had a shower, but we rarely touched it; it was reserved for quick rinses on the days the stove wasn’t lit. The sauna was simply the most efficient (and enjoyable) way to get the whole family clean—girls first, then the boys.
Today, as we stoke our own wood stoves or pay the electric bills, we find ourselves in the sauna almost daily. Our children—the fourth generation—are growing up with the scent of cedar and steam ingrained in their roots.
Mastering the Experience
Everyone saunas a little differently, but these passed-down traditions can help you elevate your next session from a simple “hot room” to a true art form.
1. Finding Your Temperature
The “perfect” temp is subjective. In our house, we find 160°F is the sweet spot for an electric sauna. Wood-burning stoves often feel “softer” even at higher heats, so 150°F to 170°F is a great range.
Pro Tip: If you’re feeling under the weather, try a “low and slow” session at 140°F. Use the lower heat to throw more löyly (steam). The increased moisture helps clear the sinuses and gently draws out toxins.
2. The Great Debate: Moist vs. Dry
Some prefer a bone-dry heat; others want it to feel like a rainforest. I personally love the “dry-to-wet” cycle—walking into a dry room and then building the humidity through rounds of steam.
3. The Steam Bucket & Ladle
The water you throw on the rocks should be pristine. Keep your bucket clean! No one wants to smell the “aroma” of leftover bath water when it hits the hot stones.
4. Oils, Salts, and Aromatherapy
Add a few drops of eucalyptus or birch oil to your water bucket to clear your mind and ease your throat. You can also use sauna salts on the skin to exfoliate. Just a little goes a long way—the heat intensifies the scent!
5. Proper Hydration
Water is a must, but if you are a frequent user, electrolytes are key for recovery. After the session, a cold ginger ale or a crisp fruit drink feels like a reward for the soul.
6. The “Sauna Snack”
While many prefer an empty stomach, some swear by eating cold fruit—like grapes or orange slices—while sitting in the heat. It’s a sensory explosion of cold and hot.
7. The Art of the Cool Down
The magic of the sauna happens in the transition. Pushing through the heat is only half the battle; you must cool down before dressing. Whether it’s a Cold Plunge tank, a jump in the lake, or simply standing outside in the Minnesota winter, dropping your body temperature fast releases endorphins and improves sleep.
8. The “Sauna Swim”
In the Midwest, as soon as the ice breaks, “Sauna Season” becomes “Sauna Swim Season.” These multi-hour sessions with grandparents, parents, and kids jumping between the lake and the bench are where the best memories are made.
The Rituals of Care
● Time: Don’t rush. A 10-minute shower is a chore; a 60-minute sauna is a reset.
● Post-Sauna Attire: Avoid jeans! Go straight for your favorite loungewear or pajamas to let your skin breathe and your body stay relaxed.
● The “Clean” Feeling: I highly recommend brushing your teeth during or just before the sauna. There is no better feeling than being clean inside and out.
● Shaving: The heat softens the hair and opens the pores, making the sauna the most comfortable place for a shave.
What is your ritual?
We want to hear from the experts—you! Do you have a unique tradition or a favorite sauna snack? Share your stories with us.
New to the world of heat? If you’re looking to bring this tradition into your own home or lake house, we’d love to help. Stoke Sauna is your custom sauna builder right here in Minnesota. Let’s build your sanctuary.