The sauna is a national pastime in Finland. It is so popular in this northern European country that there is about one sauna for every three people, that is, 1.7million hot houses for the 5.18 million populations.

Saunas are found there in private houses, farms and holiday homes. Most modern apartment blocks have a communal sauna for residents’ use.

        Finns have been going to the sauna at least once a week since the first log-cabin sauna came into being 15 centuries ago. Before modern times, hot rooms were heated to produce steamy warmth by burning piles of tree branches. That is why sauna is also known as steam bath. Now, with electric-heating systerm, the sauna has lost much of its sanctity. Many people still prefer the traditional way with smoking wood fires.

         Until the middle of the 20th century, most Finns were born in the sauna (with the heat turned off), because of its sterile environment and hot water supply. Finns believe that only those with heart conditions fevers and skin diseases ought to avoid using sauna. For everyone else bathing in these steamy rooms is a treat. The sauna bath gives a pleasant and relaxing experience beneficial for