A Finnish tradition
Sauna culture is shared by families in Finland, with customs and traditions passed from one generation to the next.
Finnish Sauna Culture
Arctic Sauna World at Lake Jerisjärvi
Slow down, warm up and experience an authentic Finnish tradition
A Finnish tradition for the whole family
What to expect
Experience one of Finland’s most treasured traditions with a visit to Arctic Sauna World, a unique collection of Finnish saunas on the shores of beautiful Lake Jerisjärvi in Finnish Lapland.
Just a short drive from Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort, Arctic Sauna World combines traditional Finnish sauna culture with the extraordinary Arctic landscape. Surrounded by forests, fells and the frozen lake, it is a wonderfully peaceful place to slow down, warm up and experience a part of everyday Finnish life.
And the saunas aren’t just for grown-ups. In Finland, sauna culture is traditionally shared by the whole family, with customs and traditions passed from one generation to the next. This makes a visit to Arctic Sauna World a particularly special addition to a family holiday in Lapland.
Why families love it
Arctic Sauna World highlights
Three distinctive saunas
Experience Ukko the Fire Sauna, Tapio the Earth Sauna and Vellamo the Water Sauna, each inspired by Finnish mythology and the natural elements.
Take it at your own pace
Warm up, create löyly, cool down and relax between sessions. Ice swimming is entirely optional.
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The history of Finnish sauna culture
Sauna has been part of Finnish life for thousands of years. The earliest Finnish saunas were very different from the wooden sauna cabins we recognise today, beginning as simple pits dug into the earth and gradually developing into ground saunas, smoke saunas and eventually the wood-fired and electric saunas found throughout modern Finland.
Historically, the sauna was one of the most important places in a Finnish home. It offered warmth and somewhere to wash, but its role went much further. Saunas were traditionally considered peaceful, almost sacred spaces and were associated with important moments throughout life.
Today, sauna remains deeply embedded in Finnish culture. In 2020, Finnish sauna culture was added to UNESCO’s Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity, recognising the traditions, rituals and knowledge that have been passed down through Finnish families for generations. At the heart of it all is löyly, the warm steam created when water is poured over the heated sauna stones.
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Ukko, Tapio and Vellamo
There is no need to rush a Finnish sauna. Traditionally, sauna is enjoyed in stages: warm up in the sauna, add water to the stones to create löyly, step outside to cool down and then return to the heat when you are ready.
At Arctic Sauna World, this tradition has been brought to life through a series of saunas inspired by Finnish mythology and the natural elements. Ukko is the Fire Sauna, a traditional smoke sauna with beautifully intense heat. Tapio is the Earth Sauna, centred around four large sauna stoves representing North, East, South and West. Vellamo is the Water Sauna, looking directly across Lake Jerisjärvi through a panoramic window and offering a softer, more humid heat.
Add water to the stones, feel the steam move through the sauna and simply enjoy the warmth before heading outside into the crisp Arctic air.
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Take the plunge into Lake Jerisjärvi
During winter, a hole is kept open in the frozen surface of Lake Jerisjärvi, allowing Arctic Sauna World visitors to experience Finnish ice swimming. You don’t need to swim — for first-time ice bathers, a quick dip is more than enough. Then it is straight back towards the welcoming heat of the relaxation rooms.
Ice swimming is entirely optional, so there is no pressure to take the plunge. Simply stepping outside between sauna sessions and feeling the contrast between the hot sauna and freezing Arctic air can be an experience in itself.
The Sauna Lounge provides a warm relaxation space with large windows overlooking Lake Jerisjärvi. Complimentary spring water is available, while other refreshments can be purchased. During winter, the lake stretches out frozen in front of you, surrounded by the forests and fells of Lapland.
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A Finnish tradition for the whole family
Children are welcome at Arctic Sauna World, reflecting the important role sauna plays in Finnish family life. Families can take everything at their own pace. Children can spend shorter periods inside the sauna, sit on the cooler lower benches and enjoy plenty of breaks between sessions. The saunas are mixed, and swimwear is worn, making the experience easy and relaxed for visiting families.
Remember to bring swimwear and flip-flops or sliders, keep hydrated and listen to your body. There is no set amount of time you need to spend in each sauna, and younger children may be more comfortable on the lower benches, where temperatures tend to be cooler. If you decide to brave the icy waters, give your body time to acclimatise afterwards and return to the heat when you feel ready.
Located at Jeris Lakeside Resort on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi, Arctic Sauna World is only a short drive from Torassieppi Eco Reindeer Resort. After days filled with huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and snowy adventures, the gentle rhythm of sauna, relaxation and the Arctic outdoors offers a completely different way to enjoy Finnish Lapland.
Photo moments
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More Arctic activities
Explore the full Lapland experience
Ready to experience Arctic Sauna World?
Make it part of your Lapland family holiday.
Arctic Sauna World offers a different way to enjoy Finnish Lapland during your holiday. Request a quote and we will help you plan the trip.
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