Finnish Sauna: Ultimate Guide to Heating a Finnish Sauna

You may know how to enjoy a good sauna, but do you know exactly how to heat up the different types of saunas?🤔
In this video you will learn how to heat up
An electric sauna (00:35)
A wood-burning sauna (2:27)
A smoke sauna. (6:04)
What is your favorite type of sauna?
Learn to sauna like a Finn in my "Sauna Etiquette" blog post below! ⬇
herfinland.com/finnish-sauna/
👋 Start speaking Finnish words in 30 minutes with my FREE "Spark Your Finnish Class":
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[@NattieUpNorth]

It's impossible to watch your videos without smiling. Thanks, Varpu!

[@HerFinland]

You are so kind, kiitos paljon 😄

[@oqqaynewaddingxtwjy7072]

voi niin aivan ei mahdotonta! Millainen lausunto on liian äärimmäistä, sano vain joskus, että sinulla on luonnollinen kaunis hymy tai hurmaa lumoava karasmaattinen persoonallisuus

[@carljarvinen1189]

I remember growing up in Upper Michigan and taking a wood burning sauna at my grandparents cabin along Lake Superior. We’d get nice and hot and than running out to jump in the cold waters of Lake Superior. Such fun….

[@HerFinland]

Sounds like an amazing memory, thanks for sharing 😍

[@bergende]

Greetings from Czech republic ❤️🥰 You have such a positive vibe and I love your videos! Always make me smile.

[@xiexingwu]

Thanks! I moved to Helsinki and didn't know how to use my electric Sauna! This video really helped!

[@HerFinland]

Great to hear, glad I could help! 😊

[@kenny4848]

The first time I’d experienced the authentic smoke sauna at loyly was amazing. I got literally relaxed and felt as if I was in heaven!! And I’m going to Helsinki next week again! Your video reminds me of all the good memories in Finnish sauna:)

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts Kenny!🧡🙏

[@andrerk8497]

I´m learning English and I also love Finnish culture, so I found your channel so interesting, because I can mix my two passions in just one place. Thank you, greetings from South America

[@HerFinland]

That's amazing, so happy to have you hear! Greetings from Finland 🇫🇮

[@jsigur157]

that's here! 😉@@HerFinland

[@janetleisen9653]

I took savu sauna 50 years ago in Mikkeli with my great aunt and mummo. I was 17. I had no idea it took so long to heat. We had a wood burning sauna at my grandparents cabin I the Sierras. Such great experiences. We are rebuilding our sauna after the fires here in California in 2017. Can’t wait!

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for sharing this Janet!🧡🙏

[@craigfield9447]

Hej from Sydney Australia.Thanks for explaining the different types of Saunas in Finland. Love the idea of a sauna in winter but in summer Just by walking down to the bottom of my steep garden and doing a few things and then heading back I’m sweating good and proper.

[@HerFinland]

Hi to Australia! Haha yes I can imagine saunas don't sound too enjoyable during an Australian summer 🤣

[@distinctions5714]

Actually in hot weather Sauna after You not feel hot anymore. Thailand have many saunas, always i holiday there i go several time to sauna and not feel hot anymore.

[@AleksiHimself]

Good stuff! 😎👌

[@herfinland4786]

Kiitos Aleksi!!

[@trishsommeling7669]

Thanks! I really like this video content.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@janus1958]

I grew up in Northern Minnesota, and we had a wood burning sauna. Ours was a bit "rustic". It was built into the corner of an old garage, had bare cement walls and the benches were grayed with age. It didn't have a thermometer, as Dad would just light it, and then check it from time to by "feel". We'd also be invited over my Uncles' for sauna from time to time. BTW, the English for that metal plate is a "damper".

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for the comment❣️🇫🇮

[@bo0tsy1]

Thank you for pronouncing sauna correctly. Heart sings for you. Sauna is a sweat bath, and shouldn't dump a bucket

[@janemlee6701]

Northern Minnesota..... Grandma and Grandpa had a sauna. Loved to make and take sauna! 3/4 Finn. 1/4 Swede. Sure miss those days! J. Lehtinen

[@HerFinland]

Amazing! Thanks for sharing Jane 🇫🇮🇸🇪🇺🇸

[@carljarvinen1189]

I remember growing up in Upper Michigan and using my grandparents sauna at their cabin on Lake Superior. We’d got nice and hot and than run out to jump in the cold waters of Lake Superior.

[@HerFinland]

So nice! 😍

[@federicorizzi4189]

Ok I admit I've been three times in Finland and never had a sauna, I'm guilty I confess! Very nice video and sorry but olet tosi kaunis! Kiitos! love from italy

[@HerFinland]

You have to try a sauna on your next visit then. Kiitos paljon 🙏

[@dustinberg1134]

I have a woodstove that I converted to an oil furnace with rocks on top for steam, best sauna I ever saw because it is connected to a digital thermostat and keeps exactly the temp you want all the time and the oil furnace burner is very powerful and fast to heat up and I have unlimited steam from the rocks on top that I pour water onto.

[@HerFinland]

Wow! Sounds interesting, thanks for sharing 😊

[@RT-mn2pb]

Hello Varpu. Though sauna use is not very common in the US where I live, I do have one. It is different from any that you showed. It is a Far Infrared Sauna. It is electric, with timer and temperature settings. It feels wonderful and relaxing.

[@HerFinland]

Hei RT, the Infra-red sauna sounds super relaxing!

[@johnh.tuomala4379]

I can attest to that, I have one as well.

[@helloimhellio]

Very good!

[@HerFinland]

Kiitos 😊

[@bt7843]

I never knew about the "smoke sauna". Looks interesting, but labor intensive

[@HerFinland]

Nice that it's new to you! Yes maybe more work than the others, but a great traditional Finnish one to try 😊

[@samblessings1358]

Wow thanks 💕🥰

[@HerFinland]

You are welcome Sam! 🧡

[@smigglywiggly336]

Kiitos!!!

[@HerFinland]

Ole hyvä!

[@Lynds75]

Moi Varpu! Rakastan saunaa. 😊 Kiitos! ❤️

[@HerFinland]

Moi Lyndsie! Mä rakastan saunamista myös. Kiitos for watching 😊

[@adrianobueno6984]

Yes, kiitos Varpu! About saunas: I went to smoke sauna one time and it was amazing. BTW, how about the branches with leaves that you use to beat yourself and/or your friends?

[@curtwuollet2912]

The little town where my grand parents lived even had a public sauna for those who didn't have their own. But we could use an uncle's or neighbors. Nothing better on a winters night.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting Curt!

[@drawingcraftswithessa9239]

We live in Canada close to Ottawa, Ontario. We make an ice hole every winter and we all go in with our sauna - youngest was 7 and now oldest is 70.

[@HerFinland]

Sounds amazing!!!

[@PS-ul6mt]

Kiitos Varpu!!

[@HerFinland]

Ole hyvä 😊

[@larrytalus6497]

My grandparents came from Finland. I live in upper Michigan. My sauna is 70 years ago on an inland lake. Nothing better then running out of a hot sauna into the lake or snow.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting!

[@ButterFly-zh8ho]

I was born in Finland, I always use a wood-heated sauna with a chimney in the countryside, the electric one I used in town, but I had never seen a smokey sauna.

[@HerFinland]

Very cool you have experience with the wood-heated sauna too! 🤩

[@ButterFly-zh8ho]

@@HerFinland The wood-heated sauna was nice, it smells good, and after the sauna we cooked sausages and potatoes wrapped in aluminum foil on the stones.

[@ElGordoXXL]

@@ButterFly-zh8ho A very interesting and useful piece of advice. Thank you!

[@naturalexplorer]

Have tried the electric and wooden Finnish saunas but not the smoke. Obviously I would like to try the smoke sauna. It took me a while to figure out how to open the chimney when I was using the wood sauna. - smoke, smoke, smoke. Finnish sauna's are by far the best.

[@HerFinland]

Hei! Great to meet you here! Thank you for sharing.🧡🙏

[@wojtoboro2999]

I want to visit first time sauna, finnish sauna. Greetings from Poland 🇵🇱❤️🇫🇮. I hope visit Finland soon. I am 21 and only be abroad in Praga, Czech Republic.

[@HerFinland]

Hei to you in Poland! I hope so too! 😊

[@JK-gn5jr]

I'm a crazy sauna man but never had a chance to heat savusauna myself. I know there are more tips and tricks and also a fire danger. Maybe some day.😜

[@macci71]

Ei sentää lähtenyt pelti irti, kun niin vauhilla nykäsit. 😂

[@HerFinland]

Joo komean pilvenkin tohon onnistuin saamaan :D Ammattilainen! XD

[@eltonsalvador7620]

Savusauna is the one I used, and this one the ranch owner had a chimney in theirs so the carbon monoxide just vented out, while keeping the fire going

[@HerFinland]

That's perfect, thanks for watching Elton 😊

[@ElGordoXXL]

Finnish Fairy Godmother. Thank you!!

[@HerFinland]

So glad you liked it, you're welcome :)

[@keithschultz9406]

thank for sharing :))

[@HerFinland]

I really appreciate it!

[@keithschultz9406]

I am building my own Finnish sauna with a original Finnish wood stove… your videos were excellent showing different styles in. Finland:)))

[@eltonsalvador7620]

Wood Fire Saunas are the best!!

[@HerFinland]

I love them also! 💙

[@distinctions5714]

Also have like one timing lont time heting saynas, normally big ones. normally wood sauna is like contang heating all time. First more then just keep fire up.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you so much for your comment!

[@katin.rontti4479]

More info to electric sauna users: Yes, when you turn on the knob in electric sauna, the numbers painted brightly (typically white) show, how long the sauna will be on: 1-4 hours. But Varpu didn't mention on this video, that afer the time on timer, you have choose has gone, the stove shuts down automatically and starts to cool down on it's own. (But yes, naturally it is wise thing to make sure, saunas' stove is actually off even, it has this automatic feature. 👌) Other thing not mentioned on this video is that if you look carefully the knob, you can see that there are more numbers after those more visible numbers (I think 1-4 also) painted in the knob. With them you can delay your sauna. Like if you choose the number 2 from the knob, it means the stoves' timer is set to run two hours and after that it starts to heat the sauna. Sauna heats about in 30 minutes, so its' the time chosen (2 hours) plus time to heat (30-40min) so, you can go to sauna about in 2,5hours. Also, when used like this, the sauna will be on for the whole time in timer - normally around 4 hours - if you don't turn the knob. ****** Also, please notice, that even though this sounds handy that you can for example go out to play in the snow with kids and then come in, straight to warm sauna, one should never leave the house while the sauna stove is on. But for click the stove on and then watch a movie with family or have a dinner before going to sauna: For that this feature is quite handy. 😊

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for sharing this!

[@CaptainBuzzBee]

And if you turn it past the White Bars, you can set the Sauna to turn on after a certain amount of time has elapsed. I learned this recently when visiting for the NHL games in Tampere.

[@MissMoonshineDance]

@@CaptainBuzzBee i’ll be there during finals, i noticed airbnb rates are quite high or maybe Tampere is simply as expensive as helsinki?

[@bwsct]

What do you think of infrared saunas? That seems to be the most common in the US now.

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@heldanordics2461]

For thr electric sauna, should i throw the water while it is still working or should i switch it first off when the temperature reaches 80C and then throw the water?

[@j.lahtinen7525]

You don't need to switch it off before throwing the water - the elements below the stones are heated with electricity, but there's no danger of electrical shocks involved.

[@HerFinland]

You should keep the sauna on, they are built in a safe way for electricity and water. 😊

[@stevenjohnson4827]

Two questions, because I probably missed the explanation. First, do you ever splash water on the sauna stones in the first two sauna styles? And how long will the smoke sauna stay hot inside? It seems to me it should cool down soon without the heat from the stove. Thank you.

[@HerFinland]

Yes, we splash always water on the sauna stones! The smoke sauna is very hot inside for many hours after the heating!

[@ksuryantoko]

Is Finland weather is winter all around the year?or there is Summer times in Finland?

[@HerFinland]

Yes we have a wonderful summer here.

[@ferdiesevilleja4097]

What is the best time to enter in sauna? Bfore or after work

[@HerFinland]

Anytime!

[@Line-de2wk]

hey, could you tell me what is the lowest temperature of a sauna please?

[@HerFinland]

60 degrees Celsius in the lowest in Finland we recommend to do sauna in!

[@seydsaleem1966]

Hiya ❤🎉

[@kristensaenz6421]

I've always been curious why people like saunas. I tried one years ago and it did not make me feel good. I felt a little sick from the moist heat. I also live on a place where the winters are cold and the summers are very hot and humid and the heat and humidity make me tired and drained. What am I missing about enjoying a sauna?

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@tommyrq180]

Look it up on YT. Saunas have been proven to have great health benefits. In particular, search “heat shock proteins” to help understand one mechanism for how saunas promote health. You also have to take it slow. Gradually increase the heat and time so your body acclimates. I feel fantastic when I am in the sauna and the benefits can be felt throughout the day.

[@oqqaynewaddingxtwjy7072]

Minulla on japanilaisessa kylpyhuoneessa tyypillinen kylpyamme kaasulämmittimellä lämmittääkseen veden kuplivaksi niin että huone on kuuma 40 tarpeeksi kuumaksi hikoilua varten, tänä kesänä on ollut 35 kosteus 90 kuin sauna Japanissa myydään saunamökkejä sähköllä ei puuta se ei ole Lain sallimissa useimmissa Sento not onsenissa on poreallas ja suomalainen saunabanja I have Japanese bathroom typical bath with gas heater to heat water to bubbling enough to make the room hot to 40 hot enough to sweat ,this summer has been 35 humidity 90 like a sauna in Japan they sell sauna huts with electric no wood it is not allowed by law most Sento not onsen have jakuzzi and Finnish sauna banja

[@HerFinland]

Kiitos kommentista!!🫶🏼

[@guuguu74]

Our smoke sauna have those heat-resistant tiles around 'kiuas', sauna's ready after 5-6 hours, but can be used for longer than normal... Let's say, those tiles are actually industrial quality, not 'normal' K-rauta quality. *grin*

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@nemesis1970]

häkälöylyt myös puulämmitteisesssä

[@mxoeneod90]

Best of luck for pronounciation video on letter R video

[@HerFinland]

Thank you!

[@flong9033]

thanks for the explanation, but I did burn already 2 saunas: maybe better you come and show me ;-)

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for your comment!

[@colorfulflowers574]

it needs a lot of work 😂

[@HerFinland]

What needs a lot of work? You're sauna heating skills? If so, don't worry, you'll get it with practice 😊

[@LoneWolf731000]

Puusauna se paras sauna..

[@BananaSlayer666]

5:13 that is not true

[@HerFinland]

Thank you for commenting! 🧡🇫🇮

[@ferdiesevilleja4097]

How to date a finnish, do the ladies drink liqour or beer?

[@HerFinland]

Depends of the person!

[@ksuryantoko]

Hmm....i have to take all my clothes off.

[@HerFinland]

You can wear a towel or bathing suit too!

[@RodrigoXV]

Finnish writing is very phonetic

[@HerFinland]

Thank you!