In Finland, the sauna is more than a place to relax—it’s a way of life, an enduring tradition woven into the Finnish soul. As a red moon rises over the northern lights, the sauna’s warmth offers a timeless sanctuary, connecting people to nature and each other. After the intense heat of the sauna, stepping outside into the cool night air brings a feeling of renewal, heightened by the scent of birch whisks and the gentle hiss of water poured over hot stones.

The Finnish sauna is a place of healing and ritual, a practice passed down through generations. Traditionally, Finns embrace the custom of gently striking their skin with birch whisks, enhancing circulation and invigorating the body. Each scoop of water over the stones creates löyly—the sacred steam that infuses the air with warmth and gratitude, honoring the spirit of the sauna.

Historically, saunas were also spaces of life’s most profound moments. Births, final farewells, and moments of reflection took place in this warm, sterile space, bringing the Finnish people closer to life’s natural rhythms. The sauna is cherished as a sanctuary where everyone is equal—stripped of titles, clothes, and pretenses.

Saunas are everywhere in Finland: built into homes, cottages, cars, tents, and even trains. Often, a sauna is the first structure erected in a new home and the first destination after a long journey. Its minimalist architecture mirrors the natural simplicity of Finland itself, embodying calm, comfort, and reflection. The Finnish sauna is a place where silence speaks, burdens are lightened, and life’s pace slows—a temple of renewal and resilience, deeply embedded in Finnish culture.

(2016–2023)

Ossi Valpio and his own Sauna by Ylijaasko small.jpg

The End of Summer by Ylijaasko small.jpg

Sauna - Peninki - Suomenhevonen 04 by Ylijaasko_small.jpg

Festival Promoter after work 2016 by Ylijaasko small.jpg

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