This may not be something you have given much thought about but if you visit a family in Finland, chances are your home host will ask if you want to use his/her sauna.
Estimates are there are around two million saunas in a country which can be “astounding” when you consider all of Finland has only about five million people.
“Finland is known for its saunas because the sauna was invented in the country and also because it is an important part of the people’s lifestyle. The people here believe that the sauna helps to relax the body and mind,” writes travel expert Kum Martin.
If this does happen to you, there is etiquette involved.
For example, it’s mandatory to take a shower to cleanse the dirt from your skin. Novices should also know you don’t want to exceed ten minutes there. Don’t forget the bottled water, either.
“It is quite common for the entire family to sauna together, with parents, kids and grown up kids too. So, do not get a shock if you see this,” Martin writes.
Even business meetings are held in saunas. But if a business associate invites you to a sauna, go. It’s considered rude in Finland to reject such invitations.
By David Wilkening
