Helsinki Embraces Sauna Culture: It's All About Personal Comfort and Expression during Eurovision
The Eurovision Song Contest always ignites global interest, bringing cultures together and showcasing traditions. This year, a spotlight is shining particularly bright on Helsinki, Finland, known for its rich history with saunas. As millions tune in to the celebratory tunes, questions are bubbling up surrounding one of Finland's most cherished customs—the sauna. For many international visitors, the thought of stepping into a sauna can be fraught with uncertainties. Should you go in naked? Is it taboo to speak? And what's up with those felt hats? To soothe these anxieties, Helsinki is eager to share its unique sauna culture where personal comfort takes precedence over any supposed 'rules.'
Helsinki's sauna experience is less about following rigid traditions and more about embracing individual preferences. "In Helsinki, we believe the sauna is about personal expression and a shared social space," explains Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand Events for the City of Helsinki. She emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to enjoying a sauna. From the temperatures to the ambiance, every sauna aims to support the comfort and relaxation of its patrons, regardless of their background or experience level.
The sauna is available year-round, with locals often viewing regular visits as an essential part of their daily routine. Newcomers can be part of this welcoming tradition, and they are encouraged to come as they are—whether a long-time sauna enthusiast or a first-timer aiming to enjoy this steamy oasis. The underlying theme is respect for personal boundaries and a general openness to diverse sauna styles, which welcomes everyone to find their own way of enjoying this Finnish treasure.
As Eurovision fans prepare to converge on Basel, the essence of the sauna is set to travel with them, ages and experiences combined. To showcase this cultural interaction, Helsinki residents recently shared their personal sauna habits in a visually captivating photo shoot, capturing the myriad ways people experience saunas and letting the world in on this beloved aspect of Finnish culture. Digital posters featuring these locals are already popping up all around Helsinki, as well as in strategic spots across Basel, reminding everyone that sauna participation is not confined to specific customs but is indeed a personal journey.
Festivities during Eurovision are ramping up like never before. With local favorite Erika Vikman representing Finland and KAJ performing as part of the Swedish delegation, the air is filled with an electric anticipation. To celebrate, a series of sauna-themed events will take place across Helsinki. Between May 15 and 17, the beauty of sauna culture will be shared with Eurovision fans on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, reinforcing the significance of this cultural exchange.
Events such as SAUNAVISION—a public sauna pre-party at Töölönlahdenpuisto—will feature around ten diverse sauna experiences prior to the Grand Final, allowing locals and visitors alike to indulge in this heartwarming custom. The sauna experience extends beyond just warm rooms; local bars like Kyrö Distillery will also enhance the sauna celebration with unique events. Even downtown will welcome the newly launched Super Terrace, ensuring the party continues beyond just the immediate Eurovision events.
The sauna isn't merely an event for Eurovision; it's a staple of life in Helsinki with over 60 public saunas available year-round, each offering its own character. Renowned architectural marvels like Löyly and Allas Sea Pool sit alongside cherished local gems like the self-service Sompasauna, which has its own unique appeal.
Having received recognition from UNESCO in 2020 as a cultural heritage tradition, the Finnish sauna is an integral part of national identity. Historically, public saunas used to far exceed the current offerings, reflecting changing lifestyles with Helsinki once sharing around 120 public saunas before the trend of home saunas became rampant.
With a high number of saunas in proportion to the country's population, about 90% of Finns engage in sauna rituals at least once a week. Many go even more often, reveling in the cleansing and restorative aspects of this age-old custom. Conferring a rush of endorphins, just a minute spent in cold water after a sauna session promises happiness while alternating sauna heat with a refreshing cooldown.
For those gearing up to experience their first sauna visit, here are some helpful pieces of advice. Remember, there are no harsh rules; rather, trust your instincts and comfort levels. Everyone is uniformly welcome, regardless of age or background. First-time visitors should check specific sauna guidelines—but typically, swimsuits are appropriate in mixed-gender saunas while towel usage is universally accepted. Hydration is also vital, and finding the right seating level will enhance enjoyment. It's fully acceptable to exit the sauna whenever it feels necessary, and the felt hat? It's merely a tool to regulate body temperature, intended for comfort. Furthermore, locals are always around to share insights into their unique approaches and preferences.
In summary, the excitement of Eurovision is not just for the music but also opens a door to deeper understanding and appreciation of unique cultural practices like the Finnish sauna. Navigating these experiences, Helsinki warmly invites newcomers to embrace a sauna journey distinguished by comfort, equality, and personal discovery, illustrating the warmth and openness of Finnish culture in every steamy moment.
Helsinki's sauna experience is less about following rigid traditions and more about embracing individual preferences. "In Helsinki, we believe the sauna is about personal expression and a shared social space," explains Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand Events for the City of Helsinki. She emphasizes that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to enjoying a sauna. From the temperatures to the ambiance, every sauna aims to support the comfort and relaxation of its patrons, regardless of their background or experience level.
The sauna is available year-round, with locals often viewing regular visits as an essential part of their daily routine. Newcomers can be part of this welcoming tradition, and they are encouraged to come as they are—whether a long-time sauna enthusiast or a first-timer aiming to enjoy this steamy oasis. The underlying theme is respect for personal boundaries and a general openness to diverse sauna styles, which welcomes everyone to find their own way of enjoying this Finnish treasure.
As Eurovision fans prepare to converge on Basel, the essence of the sauna is set to travel with them, ages and experiences combined. To showcase this cultural interaction, Helsinki residents recently shared their personal sauna habits in a visually captivating photo shoot, capturing the myriad ways people experience saunas and letting the world in on this beloved aspect of Finnish culture. Digital posters featuring these locals are already popping up all around Helsinki, as well as in strategic spots across Basel, reminding everyone that sauna participation is not confined to specific customs but is indeed a personal journey.
Festivities during Eurovision are ramping up like never before. With local favorite Erika Vikman representing Finland and KAJ performing as part of the Swedish delegation, the air is filled with an electric anticipation. To celebrate, a series of sauna-themed events will take place across Helsinki. Between May 15 and 17, the beauty of sauna culture will be shared with Eurovision fans on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, reinforcing the significance of this cultural exchange.
Events such as SAUNAVISION—a public sauna pre-party at Töölönlahdenpuisto—will feature around ten diverse sauna experiences prior to the Grand Final, allowing locals and visitors alike to indulge in this heartwarming custom. The sauna experience extends beyond just warm rooms; local bars like Kyrö Distillery will also enhance the sauna celebration with unique events. Even downtown will welcome the newly launched Super Terrace, ensuring the party continues beyond just the immediate Eurovision events.
The sauna isn't merely an event for Eurovision; it's a staple of life in Helsinki with over 60 public saunas available year-round, each offering its own character. Renowned architectural marvels like Löyly and Allas Sea Pool sit alongside cherished local gems like the self-service Sompasauna, which has its own unique appeal.
Having received recognition from UNESCO in 2020 as a cultural heritage tradition, the Finnish sauna is an integral part of national identity. Historically, public saunas used to far exceed the current offerings, reflecting changing lifestyles with Helsinki once sharing around 120 public saunas before the trend of home saunas became rampant.
With a high number of saunas in proportion to the country's population, about 90% of Finns engage in sauna rituals at least once a week. Many go even more often, reveling in the cleansing and restorative aspects of this age-old custom. Conferring a rush of endorphins, just a minute spent in cold water after a sauna session promises happiness while alternating sauna heat with a refreshing cooldown.
For those gearing up to experience their first sauna visit, here are some helpful pieces of advice. Remember, there are no harsh rules; rather, trust your instincts and comfort levels. Everyone is uniformly welcome, regardless of age or background. First-time visitors should check specific sauna guidelines—but typically, swimsuits are appropriate in mixed-gender saunas while towel usage is universally accepted. Hydration is also vital, and finding the right seating level will enhance enjoyment. It's fully acceptable to exit the sauna whenever it feels necessary, and the felt hat? It's merely a tool to regulate body temperature, intended for comfort. Furthermore, locals are always around to share insights into their unique approaches and preferences.
In summary, the excitement of Eurovision is not just for the music but also opens a door to deeper understanding and appreciation of unique cultural practices like the Finnish sauna. Navigating these experiences, Helsinki warmly invites newcomers to embrace a sauna journey distinguished by comfort, equality, and personal discovery, illustrating the warmth and openness of Finnish culture in every steamy moment.
Topics People & Culture）
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