When I think about what really makes Finland feel like Finland, the first things that come to mind are the sauna and ice swimming. They are not just traditions, but things that have been part of my life since childhood, and they always bring a warm (or cold!) feeling to me.
The sauna has always been a place for me to slow down. As a child, I learned that you don’t have to talk much there – just sitting together in silence is enough. On the sauna benches, everyone is equal, whether it’s family, friends, or even colleagues. There is something comforting in its simplicity: the heat, the sense of cleanliness, and the way all stress seems to fade away.
Ice swimming came into my life later, but it quickly became a meaningful experience. My first time was pretty intense – my heart was racing, and the dark water of the lake looked scary. But when I came back up and returned to the warmth of the sauna, I felt incredibly light and refreshed. It soon became a habit, and now dipping into icy water feels almost meditative.
For me, sauna and ice swimming say a lot about Finnishness: they show how close we are to nature and how bravely we face its challenges. The sauna represents peace and togetherness, while ice swimming reflects sisu, the unique Finnish grit that helps us endure the cold and darkness. Together, they make everyday life in Finland a little more special – and for me, they are things I would never give up.
Comments