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Finland is perhaps best known for its peacefulness and beautiful nature consisting of vast forests and thousands of lakes. Nestled among the woods and along the edges of the lakes are quaint and simple ‘summer cottages’, hardly any in view of another. Most Finns own a cottage which they retreat to during the summer and other weekends throughout the year, escaping to a more tranquil, relaxed and simple kind of life. Each cottage has its own sauna, normally the closest building to the water to provide easy swimming access, particularly when the temperatures are sub zero and you don’t want to have far to go before jumping in the water (note the two buildings in this picture, the closer one being the sauna).

Saunas have existed in other cultures, but it is in Finland that they have become entwined in the national culture with approximately 2 million saunas for a population of 5 million. Traditional saunas are heated by a wood stove, but those in big companies and city apartments are more often heated electrically. Basic sauna procedure is simple: take off all your clothes (the Finns do not consider this in any way sexual and unless among family or close friends men and women are usually separate), sit in the sauna where temperatures reach 100C until you get too hot, take a break by showering or dipping in the either frozen or just very cold lake or snow and start all over again for as long as you want.

When I was recently in Finland for a month I had the great pleasure of getting into the custom of enjoying sauna everyday. Not a traditional wood sauna unfortunately, but an electric one on the roof of our dormitory with wonderful views out over the surrounding lakes. It was such a relaxing and wonderful experience and way to the end the day. Twice I had the opportunity to experience a real sauna on the edge of the lake just like this one and ever since I vow to build one the minute I ever have an opportunity to own any property by the water. Not only is the experience amazing, but it is rare you don’t have a view like this or this from inside (since saunas have windows) or as you dunk in the freezing water – invigorating!

More info on Finland can be found here and more pictures here