1. Find a Traditional Finnish Smoke Sauna

To experience a Finnish traditional smoke sauna, you need to find a place that offers this authentic experience. Look for local villages, resorts, or accommodation facilities in Finland that have smoke saunas on their premises. Some popular options include:

• Kuusamo Sauna Village in Ruka, Finland
• Löyly Helsinki in Helsinki, Finland
• Sauna Hermanni in Tampere, Finland

2. Understand the Process

Before entering a traditional smoke sauna, it's essential to familiarize yourself with the process to fully appreciate the experience. The traditional Finnish smoke sauna involves:

• Heating: The sauna stove is loaded with wood, usually birch or alder, and burnt for several hours to heat the stones.
• Smoke Generation: Once the stones reach the desired temperature, the fire is extinguished, and the sauna is filled with smoke by closing all openings except for a small vent.
• Airing: After the smoke has permeated the room, the sauna is aired, and the smoke is let out through the vent, creating a unique scent and atmosphere.
• Bathing: Once the sauna is ready, bathers can enter and enjoy the relaxing heat.

3. Prepare for the Sauna

Before heading to the traditional Finnish smoke sauna, make sure to:

• Bring a towel: You'll need a towel to sit or lay on inside the sauna.
• Have extra clothes: After the sauna, it's customary to change into clean, dry clothes.
• Bring water: Staying hydrated during the sauna session is crucial, so make sure to have a bottle of water with you.
• Consider sauna accessories: Some saunas provide birch branches (vihta/vasta) or honey for exfoliation, so inquire in advance if you're interested in these extras.

4. Sauna Etiquette

When entering a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, it's important to respect the sauna etiquette:

• Shower: Take a quick shower before entering the sauna to cleanse your body.
• Attire: Saunas are typically enjoyed naked, but if you feel uncomfortable, you can wear a towel or swimsuit.
• Silence and relaxation: In a traditional smoke sauna, it's customary to maintain a peaceful atmosphere and refrain from speaking excessively.
• Respect others: Be considerate of other sauna-goers and their personal space.

5. Enjoy the Experience

Once inside the traditional Finnish smoke sauna, immerse yourself in the experience:

• Sit or lay down on the towel: Find a comfortable spot inside the sauna and relax.
• Feel the heat: The temperature inside a smoke sauna can vary, but it's typically kept between 80-100 °C (176-212 °F).
• Take breaks: If the heat becomes overwhelming, step outside for some fresh air and cool down before returning to the sauna.
• Repeat the process: Enjoy multiple sauna sessions, separated by cooling breaks, to fully immerse in the sauna culture.