8 minute reading time

What is a Finnish Bath?

What is a Finnish Bath?

An important part of Finnish culture, the Finnish bath is a kind of relaxation bath that serves similar purposes to the sauna. In Finnish baths, which are separate for men and women, clothes such as swimsuits and loincloths are not worn. The ambient temperature in Finnish baths, which are entered naked, is quite high.

Although Finnish baths have similar features with Turkish baths, there are some differences both in concept and structure. Finnish baths with fireplaces are heated with wood fire and the required heat level is provided. Many Finnish people have private Finnish baths. Because Finnish baths provide a high temperature and hygienic environment, Finnish women give birth in the baths and this is considered quite normal.

HISTORY OF FINNISH BATHS

Finnish baths first became widespread between the 5th and 8th century AD. Finnish baths, which are regularly used by the Finnish people for bathing purposes, are bathed with heated water, not with underground water, compared to the baths and spas in Turkey. When Finnish baths began to form, they were used by creating a bath atmosphere in the excavated pits. Today, Finnish baths, which have developed and become a more comfortable place, have temperatures of 80 ° - 110 ° degrees, a dim environment and wooden seating.

WHAT ARE THE CHARACTERISTICS OF A FINNISH BATH?

According to Finnish culture, Finnish baths, which have become the lifestyle of the people from infancy, have many features. Some of them are that the people who will use the baths should be in a certain age range due to their high temperatures, the use of Finnish baths with minimum clothing and naked if possible, not exceeding the specified periods of bath visits, purifying the soul and body from evil in a quiet and calm environment.  

WHAT IS A FINNISH BATH FOR?

Finnish baths allow people to get clean, take a steam bath, relax and unwind. It is not beneficial for human health to spend long periods of time in Finnish baths, which are suitable for certain age ranges. Finnish baths are regularly preferred for therapeutic purposes or for relaxation to get away from stress. Finnish baths have become a symbol that people who visit Finland are curious about and have a pleasant time. 

HOW TO USE FINNISH BATHS?

Finnish baths are a national value in Finnish culture that is visited at least 2-3 times a week. Finnish people use their baths completely naked. Finnish baths have become a preferred place for local and foreign tourists to visit, with sessions lasting no more than 15-20 minutes and only using swimwear. Finnish baths are not entered with lenses, accessories and similar materials. 

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF FINNISH BATH?

Benefits of the Finnish bath:

  • Helps to remove toxins from the body,
  • It regulates the nervous system by helping to relax and unwind,
  • Reduces stress levels,
  • It is useful for fatigue and insomnia,
  • Reduces muscle and bone pain,
  • It softens the skin, making it smoother and softer,
  • It positively affects cardiovascular health by accelerating blood flow and metabolism,
  • It relieves congestion in the upper respiratory tract and helps to breathe easily, etc.

IS THERE ANY HARM OF FINNISH BATH?

Finnish baths are harmful for people above and below a certain age, people with cardiovascular disease, people who stay in Finnish baths for a long time and use them too often, people with blood pressure and people with infectious diseases. Finnish baths, which have higher temperatures than ordinary baths and spas, should be entered 1 or 2 times a week, with two sessions of maximum 15 minutes each and make sure that it is a hygienic bath. 

HOW TO BUILD A FINNISH BATH?

For Finnish bath construction operations, first of all, a feasibility study is applied in the area where construction is planned. Thus, it is determined whether the area is suitable for Finnish bath construction. Design operations are carried out depending on the characteristics and structure of the area. Then, depending on this design, construction processes are started. For this, first of all, the necessary materials and tools are brought to the construction site and preparations begin. 

WHAT SHOULD BE CONSIDERED WHEN BUILDING A FINNISH BATH?

Things to consider when building a Finnish bath:

  • Finnish baths are areas where very high temperatures are felt. With this temperature, humidity rates also increase and the ideal area for cleaning is created. Therefore, the correct operation of the heating systems is very important in Finnish baths. Therefore, the installation of heating systems should be carried out carefully while building a Finnish bath.
  • Ventilation should also be effective in Finnish baths. It can be seen that steam accumulates in the bath during use. As a result, it is possible to create unwanted moisture. This is prevented with a properly working ventilation system
  • Aesthetic structure is as important as functionality in Finnish baths. During construction, it is necessary to create good results in terms of design as well as technical studies.

WHAT SHOULD THE DIMENSIONS OF THE FINNISH BATH BE?

The dimensions of the Finnish bath vary according to the area where it will be built and the number of uses. In home-type Finnish baths, when the bathroom is restored and turned into a bath, the size of the seating area is determined according to the size of the bathroom. In Finnish baths in facilities and hotels, the capacity of the bath is designed and decorated according to the number of people who will use it. Finnish baths, which are usually the size of a sauna, do not have a specific size.

WHAT KIND OF TILES ARE USED IN A FINNISH BATH?

The most important feature of the tiles used in Finnish bath construction is that they are non-slip. Wet and damp floor poses a danger. For this reason, non-slip tiles should be preferred. Tiles should be selected in high temperature resistant form. It should not pose risks such as breakage and cracking. It is also very important that the tiles are watertight and waterproof. 

Serapool porcelains are ideal materials for Finnish bath construction. Serapool Porcelain coating products produced in many patterns, sizes and colors include;

  • Miele
  • Versicolor, 
  • There are different views and models such as Hexagon.

WHAT IS THE COST OF FINNISH BATH CONSTRUCTION?

The construction cost of the Finnish bath is determined in direct proportion to the size of the bath. The cost of Finnish baths made for facilities and hotels, which can be used by a minimum of 10 people, is between 25 thousand ₺ and 40 thousand ₺ on average. In home-type Finnish baths, the cost is between 10 thousand ₺ and 15 thousand ₺. Another issue affecting costs is the quality of the materials used and labor. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FINNISH BATH AND TURKISH BATH?

There are some differences between Finnish baths and Turkish baths in terms of form and functionality. Turkish baths usually have a high dome and dome architecture illuminated by glass. Finnish baths, on the other hand, have a flatter and simpler ceiling. The navel stone in Turkish baths is not found in Finnish baths. The sitting areas and walls in Finnish baths are mostly wooden. In Turkish baths, marble is used in many areas. 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A FINNISH BATH AND A SAUNA?

There are some differences between saunas and Finnish baths when the effects on the human body are considered. Saunas make people sweat quickly and expel toxins from the body at the same speed. For this reason, fatigue is felt after the sauna. In the Finnish bath, on the other hand, the body purifies and rests itself in a more relaxed and calm way. Finnish baths offer a better option to relax and relieve fatigue.