Visiting Helsinki and not experiencing the joys of a communal sauna is akin to travelling to Texas and not attending a rodeo. It is just not done, especially by those who wish to try the quintessential Scandinavian experience; saunas originated in Finland so it would be downright rude not to go!

However, despite the almost prohibitive cost of alcohol in Finland it is for cultural reasons rather than economic reasons that instead of popping to the pub after work many Helsinki residents opt to visit the sauna instead. People from Finland trust in the healing power of the sauna and believe that regular attendance helps banish colds and the ‘flu. They are keen to engage in a good communal sweat, detoxing their bodies at the same time as having a good chat, catching up with friends and family.

However, if you find yourself in Helsinki and fancy joining the locals it's not as simple as just taking a trip to the sauna. For example, at the major bath house in Helsinki - the beautifully restored art deco Yrjönkadun Uimahalli - there is a choice of three types of sauna; each offering a different experience. They are offered in a choice of electric, wood or steam and each has their own unique feel, although all are designed to make the occupants sweat! In the dry heat of the electric version, water is often thrown over rocks to release a burst of steam which rapidly increases the temperature in the sauna. The wood sauna offers a more humid heat, and the steam sauna is the most humid designed to really sweat those impurities out of the pores!

But do not fear, if you get dizzy or simply cannot stand the heat any longer; the pool is there to help cool off and rejuvenate, although refreshing drinks are also available. Alternatively you can receive a hose down from an attendant. One thing is guaranteed for weary travellers visiting the Yrjönkadun Uimahalli; those arduous flights to Helsinki are soon forgotten once the refreshing visit to the sauna is over.

However, saunas are not just about the heat and subsequent detoxification, they are the places to meet and socialise. Many Finns attend saunas on a regular basis, meeting with friends and family to catch up on the latest news and gossip. So, not only do saunas ward off colds, the dreaded flu and moisturise dry skin they are also vital to social networking; not the new-fangled internet way but in original naked flesh!

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