These 3 Cities Are Some of the Best Places to Experience Finland's Famous Sauna Culture

Health benefits and medical insights into hot and cold therapy have fueled the rising popularity of slow roasting in a wooden box. But in Finland, where the sauna originated, this cultural practice has long been a standard part of life, far removed from fleeting wellness trends. In fact, in 2020, UNESCO recognized Finnish sauna culture on its list of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, alongside cultural icons like Turkish coffee, Argentinian tango, and the French baguette. So skip a week at your local YMCA and head to these Finnish towns, where daily sauna use is the norm and the variety of styles is seriously impressive.

Even if your trip is focused on detoxing and downtime, Finland delivers in every season—at a more affordable rate than its typically high-priced Scandinavian neighbors. Fishing villages scattered along the Baltic coast rank among Europe’s most romantic small towns, with windswept harbors, cobblestone streets, and candlelit cafés.

Check out the best of sauna culture in these Finnish towns.

Get Inspired

Explore more Finland

A Local’s Guide To Making the Most of Summer in Finland, the Land of the Midnight Sun

Nicknamed “Daughter of the Baltic” and the “Pearl of the Baltic,” Helsinki is Finland’s southern capital city. It’s located at the tip of a peninsula in the Gulf of Finland and is well-known for its impressive arts and culture scene. We caught up with Sakari Manninen, cofounder of The Finnish Long Drink, to give us some insight into how locals spend summer in Finland.

The 5 Most Beautiful Towns in Finland Tourists Miss

Most visitors either head to Helsinki or Rovaniemi, but you’d be remiss if you didn’t check out these lesser-visited towns, from charming coastal towns in the south to the scenic wilderness of Finnish Lapland in the north.

9 Experiences to Immerse Yourself in the Sámi Way of Life in Arctic Europe

Geographically, Arctic Europe makes up the majority of the land traditionally inhabited by Europe’s only indigenous people: the Sámi. A Finno-Ugric people, the Sámis have historically lived off the land by hunting wild reindeer and fish and later herding reindeer.

10 Traditional Finnish Foods From the Happiest Country in the World

Food that proves why it’s the happiest country, from cheese bread to cinnamon rolls.

Helsinki Is Like a Wes Anderson Movie Come to Life

Helsinki tends to evoke little more than a cold, isolated, and boring Nordic outpost. But if you look a little deeper, a whimsical and slightly offbeat vibe comes through in its aesthetic. Here’s where to take a stroll to feel like you’re in The Grand Budapest Hotel.

For an Unbeatable Winter Wonderland Holiday, You Need to Go to Finland

Finland transforms into a magical place in the darker months, where blankets of snow stretch as far as you can see, purple and orange sunrise hues last for hours, and lit candles decorate every window. If you’re a sucker for all things cozy, here’s why you need to go to Finland this winter.

📍Where To Stay

Find the Arctic Winter Wonderland of Your Dreams at Finland’s TreeHouse Hotel

The views from the TreeHouse are simply stunning, no matter what time of day you’re staying.

These Helsinki Airbnbs Provide Classic Scandinavian Accommodation

Get a taste of hygge at these cute rentals in Finland’s capital, with easy access to top attractions including the Helsinki Cathedral, the National Museum of Finland, and Market Square.

7 Epic Hotels in Scandinavia With Amazing Nordic Architecture

Whether you’re taking a last-minute trip to bask in the midnight sun or are already planning a winter getaway, you should consider staying in one of these seven epic design-centric hotels.

EXPLORE THE WORLD WITH MATADOR

FOLLOW US HERE