Bathing in Nature - Estonian Smoke Sauna
Saunas are part of the daily life of Estonians and an important social place. The locals enjoy the sauna while performing ancient rituals, praying for a better life with the sound of drums and songs. To this day, locals still enjoy meeting in groups at the sauna on weekends - they usually say "panen saint kütte" (I'm going to heat the sauna), which means it will be a combination of cleanliness, good food and wine, and good conversation.
Unlike a regular sauna, a smoke sauna has no chimney, and the stones are placed on top of a fireplace with alder and peeled birch underneath, with a unique aroma that wafts through the room. When the stones are hot, water is poured on them and a large amount of steam lingers in the room, constantly raising the temperature inside, eventually maintaining the sauna temperature between 70 and 100 degrees Celsius, creating a warm boundary in an extremely cold world. Before bathing, the steam is discharged outside the sauna.
After years of exploration, the Estonians discovered the best match nature had given the sauna - birch branches. In the smoke, the birch branches are waved, stirring the fragrance of the smoke, and the fine air flow with the fresh leaves gently brushes against the skin, sweeping away the chill. This massage experience, called "whisking" (gently tapping), is actually an exfoliating treatment with birch branches, an essential part of the traditional Estonian sauna. Of course, you can also apply honey and salt grains to enjoy the relaxation of getting back to nature.
After sweating profusely in the sauna, you need to find the courage to break out of the sauna and jump into the icy water or roll in the snow to neutralize the sweltering heat with the power of nature. Once you've refreshed your body and mind, return to the sauna and enjoy the steamy heat, or enjoy the homemade smoked meats and relish the smoky experience.
Smoke saunas offer more than just the novelty of exotic customs. Repeated dry steam rinsing of the whole body makes the blood vessels repeatedly expand and contract, which can enhance the elasticity of blood vessels and prevent hardening of blood vessels. The birch branches patting the body can exfoliate and stimulate blood circulation. Under high temperature environment, the body sweats a lot, muscles are highly relaxed and fat is burned faster, bringing refreshment to the whole body.
Estonia is full of comfortable traditional saunas, and all spas here have at least one sauna (often more). If you want to make an exclusive memory, here are some special saunas that are absolutely unforgettable.
Old Võromaa Smoke Sauna (Old Võromaa)
Location: Southern Estonia
Old Võromaa's traditional smoke sauna is on the UNESCO World Intangible Cultural Heritage List. Here you can experience this ancient heritage for yourself.
The traditional sauna session lasts at least three hours, and the smoke sauna at Mooska Farm can accommodate up to eight people at a time. The rich aroma of burning wood is complemented by the whispering scent of smoked meat, birch twigs and sauna honey in the sauna. The sauna is located right next to the pond, where you can quickly submerge yourself in the cold waters nearby during the winter months.
The cost of a sauna usually includes two birch branches, handmade soap, sauna honey and herbal tea. There are also juniper branches, towels, sauna hats, bathrobes and some homemade beer available for a fee.
Laukataguse Holiday Village
Location: Northern Estonia
Surrounded by beautiful forests and fields, Laukataguse Holiday Village is 60 km from Tallinn. Its proximity to 2 ponds and small lakes adds to its appeal.
The oldest building of the resort is the smoky sauna with pine walls and green roof. The sauna is located on the shore of the pond. After five trips to the steam room, your body will feel clean and refreshed from the inside out. Sit in front of the sauna and enjoy the sunset, or jump into the ice cave in winter and feel the fire and ice.
If you're on a tight schedule, there are also excellent sauna options right in Tallinn that will sweep away the exhaustion of your trip.
Icehouse Park Iglupark
Location: Tallinn
Iglupark in Tallinn is the perfect combination of the three elements of life: work, relaxation and health. A full sauna accompanied by a refreshing sea breeze and a private terrace with a view of the sea makes this a great place to relax in the city.
The igloo sauna is located in the best area of the city where you can spend time with friends or close ones. This place offers the most beautiful sea views.
If it is your first time to try the Estonian smoke sauna, be aware of the following points.
Don't be alarmed by the locals' habit of stepping into the sauna naked, but if you are not used to it, wear a swimsuit or bathing suit. ² You can drink some water before the sauna and don't eat too much so that your body can relax more easily and flush out toxins.
You need to shower before entering the sauna.
If you are experiencing a smoky sauna for the first time, don't rush to sit on the lowest step yet. To get the best steam circulation and temperature, sit on the higher lever.
Sit on a padded towel so that you not only avoid burning your skin, but also are more hygienic.
If you have a history of heart disease or high blood pressure, do not enter the cold environment immediately.
If you feel thirsty, try the local cool and refreshing low beer.
The sauna is an important local social occasion, so you can chat with the people around you if you wish.