The finnish sauna is a substantial part of the Finnish culture. Almost every Finnish household has one. For Finns it's a place for bathing and relaxing. Most Finns take sauna bath at least once a week, usually on Saturday evening. In the old days, almost every Finnish mother gave birth in the sauna. Saunas can be found on the shores of the lakes, in private apartments and even in the parliament.

Sauna is warmed up to 80-100 degrees Celsius for some time. Water is thrown on the hot stones topping called the "kiuas", a special stove used to warm up the sauna. This produces steam, known as "löyly", which makes the sauna feel even hotter. Occasionally one uses leafy, fragrant boughs of silver birch to gently beat oneself. The boughs are called "vihta" or "vasta". This has a relaxing effect on the muscles and also helps in calming the effects of mosquito bites. If the sauna is on the shore of a lake, many Finns jump into the water to cool down. Then one usually sits down in the dressing room or the porch of the sauna to enjoy a "makkara", or Finnish sausage, along with beer or soft drinks.