Sauna Finlandese is not pronounced the way you may think. It is correctly pronounced like sow-nah in its native land. It is the only Finnish word that is the same in nearly every language in which it is spoken, including English. The practice began over 2,000 years ago and the units were originally built underground or in ditches. Once they came to the surface, they quickly took on a look very similar to modern-day units.

The biggest difference is in the way they were heated. Modern-day saunas generally use rock heaters or infrared heat. But two thousand years ago, saunas in Finland took half a day to heat. They would use a log heater and place stones on it until they were scorching hot. Then they would pour water over the heated stones to produce steam. There was generally one tiny vent, whereas today you would get anywhere from 2-4 bigger vents to ensure proper breathing.

So as you see, the term sauna Finlandese has been used in the past for many variations of saunas throughout history, although the only really significant change has been the source of heat, and occasionally how hot. Saunas in Finland today generally average between 180 degrees and 190 degrees Fahrenheit. At this temperature with 20% humidity, one can get all the benefits of sauna including toxin elimination, skin rejuvenation, muscle and tissue relaxation and more. Today, the Finns have nearly two million saunas in a country of only five million – meaning that saunas outnumber cars.

One thing that many Finns can’t agree on is if the new infrared saunas can be considered a part of the all-encompassing sauna Findlandese term. Though the general layout and premise of an infrared sauna is the same as a traditional sauna in Finland, it is still not the same. An infrared sauna does not use steam or humidity. This makes for easier breathing while inside the sauna and more direct contact with skin to promote the healing properties that a traditional sauna Finlandese would. But since water and therefore humidity is not used, many don’t consider it the same. It really is a matter of opinion and comfort as to which you prefer though.

Saunas in Finland have been around since the early 1100s and though it is age-old is very beneficial for health. Whether you prefer a traditional sauna like the saunas in Finland or the newer, hi-tech infrared cabins you can always count on a sauna to give you bright glowing skin, help you lose weight and promote general health and well-being.

Finland is a Nordic country situated in the Fennoscandian region of northern Europe. Finland is the eighth largest country in Europe in terms of area and the most sparsely populated country in the European Union. It’s a country of islands, lakes, and forests. The modern capital city of Finland is Helsinki and is filled with museums and galleries.

Culture

While in Finland, greet the locals by a handshake. The people here are quite reserved and don’t open up easily. Leave shoes outside the house when going over to someone’s house. It is customary to wait till the toast is being raised at the dinner table. Host raises the toast by saying ‘kippis’ or ‘skol’. People dress casually most of the times.

Travel

Finnair is the national airline of Finland. Other airlines that fly to Finland are Air France, Air Canada, Cathay Pacific, American Airline, British Airways, KLM, Swiss airline, Lufthansa, and United airlines. The major airport of Finland is Helsinki airport. It is 19km away from the city and it takes about 25 minutes to get to the city from the airport. Finnair provides buses for the passengers. Taxis and hotel coaches are also available. The facilities provided at the airport are duty free shops, car hire, bank, hotel reservation service, conference room, restaurant, and a multimedia center. Other than Helsinki airport, there are about 22 other airports and Blue 1 is the domestic airline which operates within Finland. Times to time cheap offers are being announced by the airlines. Prior checking of such offers will prove to be of great help.

If deciding to go by the sea, ferry services are provided and the major ports are Naantali, Vaasa and Turku. These ferries connect to Rostock, Kapellskär, Grisslehamn, and Travemünde. Some of the cruises offer small cabins along with the provision of meals if staying aboard overnight.

Trains from St Petersburg and Moscow can also be boarded. All the trains are clean and very comfortable. Car-carrier trains also operate in Finland. Traveling by rail proves to be inexpensive and efficient and also great options for enjoying sight seeing. Avail the unlimited train travel offer of Inter-Rail pass or Eurailpass. There are offers for elderly people and children, check them out.

When traveling by road there are chances of running into an elk or reindeer. In such cases, police should be reported immediately. Blowing horn for small reasons should be avoided. Keep your car to the right. Gas stations accept credit cards. Laws about seat belt and drinking while driving should be strictly followed. Extra precautions must been taken if taking caravan along. National driving license or International Driving Permit and car insurance must be there with you at all times. Coach Service is also available and connects to even the remote places. Taxis can be hired at the airport and railway stations and tipping is considered offensive here. Check out agents in Helsinki who run a rent-a-car business for hiring cars.

Tobacco and alcohol can be carried by people over 18 years of age. Agricultural and food items should be avoided. Certain medicines require a doctor’s prescription for verification. Firearms and sharp objects are strictly prohibited.