Helsinki clears up the biggest sauna misconception just in time for Eurovision: 'There's no right way to sauna'

While international audiences seem to be genuinely intrigued by the idea of it, there's often hesitation about a certain sauna etiquette or doing it 'wrong': Do I have to go in naked? Can I pour water on the stove? Is it rude to talk? Why is someone wearing a hat in a 90-degree room? While international audiences seem to be genuinely intrigued by the idea of it, there's often hesitation about a certain sauna etiquette or doing it 'wrong': Do I have to go in naked? Can I pour water on the stove?...

While international audiences seem to be genuinely intrigued by the idea of it, there's often hesitation about a certain sauna etiquette or doing it 'wrong': Do I have to go in naked? Can I pour water on the stove? Is it rude to talk? Why is someone wearing a hat in a 90-degree room?

In Finland's capital Helsinki, the answer to most of these questions is the same: it depends on what feels right for you — and on the space you're in. What matters most is comfort, personal boundaries and respect for others.

"It's time to forget the rules and rituals you might have heard. In Helsinki, the sauna is a reflection of freedom, self-expression, and social connection. Once inside, most visitors are surprised to learn how relaxed, diverse, and personal the experience really is. And for many visitors, the sauna ultimately becomes one of the most memorable parts of their stay," says Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand & Events, City of Helsinki.

In Helsinki, locals of all ages go to sauna year-round, sometimes daily. It's a ritual, a routine, and a shared experience that welcomes everyone, regardless of background, body type, or age. And to show just how many ways there are to sauna, locals from the city shared their own styles for the world in a sauna-themed shoot, and now those same Helsinkians can be spotted in multiple surfaces around Helsinki and on the streets of Basel, showing up on digital posters reminding Eurovision fans that when it comes to sauna, there really are so many ways.

The capital heats up on Eurovision weekend – and every day after that 

This year, Helsinki has more reasons than ever to cheer during Eurovision. Erika Vikman is Finland's official representative, and although KAJ is performing under the Swedish flag, all members of the trio are Finnish and two of them calling Helsinki home.

To celebrate, Helsinki is hosting several sauna-themed events across the city, and joining the celebrations even beyond Finland. From May 15 to 17, Helsinki is taking part in a three-day public sauna experience called Bara Bastu on Djurgården Island in Stockholm, sharing the joy of sauna culture with Eurovision fans across the sea.

In Helsinki, the festivities kick off with SAUNAVISION, a public pre-party at Töölönlahdenpuisto, where locals can enjoy around ten different saunas before the Grand final. You can also catch a pre-show steam at Kyrö Distillery's sauna at Keskuskatu, or keep the sauna celebration going in the Super Terrace downtown opening on the 12^th of June.

Although this May will be full of sauna hype, the city's sauna culture is not limited to an event or season. Helsinki is home to more than 60 public saunas that are open and welcoming locals and visitors throughout the year. These include well-known architectural landmarks such as Löyly and Allas Sea Pool, island saunas like Lonna, as well as locally cherished saunas like the self-service Sompasauna.

Get to know the Finnish sauna:

What you should actually know before you go to the sauna? A few friendly tips for first-timers:

More information
Leena Karppinen
Senior Manager, PR & Communications
Helsinki Partners
[email protected]

https://helsinki.qbank.se/mb/?h=46e46586cc088baca0aca55f8721073f

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