Sauna Wellness in Turku and the Archipelago
Traditional Finnish sauna treatments and rituals – called saunotus – for individuals and groups.
Alessandra from Saariston saunottaja is your guide to the Finnish sauna culture, traditions, mythology, rituals, rune songs and hands-on vihta treatments in the sauna.
Saunotus is based on ancient wisdom
Step into the enchanting world of sauna. In the center is a living sauna culture that respects the ancient traditions but is adapting to the needs of the modern human.
Finnish sauna culture is recognized as part of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. At the heart of the sauna experience is löyly, the steam released by pouring water on heated stones. Löyly is seen as the breath, soul, or spirit of sauna. It embodies the sensory experience of the sauna. Since ancient times, sauna has been seen as both sacred and mundane – it has been a place where babies are born and the sick healed, a shelter used for washing and food preparation, and a site of ritual where people connect with spirits and ancestors. Finnish sauna is infused with myths and wisdom traditions.
Through the songs, stories and rituals of saunotus you will experience a living cultural heritage with ancient roots. For travellers reconnecting with their heritage, saunotus will take you on a journey in the steps of your ancestors. Saunotus is also perfect as part of wellness tourism or for travellers on a cultural pilgrimage.
Alessandra from Saariston Saunottaja serves sauna tourists and nature lovers in Turku and along the Archipelago Trail. She works in traditional saunas in Parainen and Kaarina but can come to the sauna of your choice. Book your guided sauna experience when you plan your trip.
This was a unique and new experience for me. I felt the deep potential of sauna as healing and grounding that I had never felt before. Hanna
Sauna starts in the forest
The forest offers the stones, fire wood and the herbs and tree branches used in the vihtas (whisks). The sauna healer can tell you about the trees we use in the vihtas from both a mythological and a biological perspective.
You can also come along for a foraging walk with the sauna healer and get to learn about wild herbs used in the sauna.
We walk along trails and animal paths in the beautiful nature of the archipelago. Alessandra shares stories about the plants and her experience of working with them.
This is for you if you love wild herbs and are curious to learn more about
the local medicinal plants. You like to get light exercise and spend time
outdoors at moss-covered paths exploring and learning.
