Lapland part 2: Swimming in the artic see +sauna:

I went to swim in the Norwegian sea, it  was really cold but  the sauna  made  the cold so bearable.

I must admit that the cold let me feel so alive.

Talking about sauna!!!

Sauna is a really important component of the Finnish culture!! There are approximately 5million persons in Finland and over 3million saunas in Finland so it mean nearly every house has a sauna!!

The sauna is a place to relax with friends and family but not only that you can relax in the sauna on a mental and physical level. I would like to dare to say that sauna for Finnish people is not a luxury ! but more must . in the old days it was common that mothers would give birth in sauna.

I do need to say that sauna is a relaxing thing  and does brighten your mental and physical health. I have the change to go to the sauna at least one day a week. Oh something important I should say most of time public sauna are  separated for woman and men  and you should not wear clothes or swimsuit in them!!

Tips in sauna:

• Take a shower before going in the sauna
• It’s important to always ask if you can add water (Löyly!)
• Don’t make a competition listen to your body
• No clothes no swimsuits in public sauna’s ‎
• Vihta is a branch that you are using in the sauna. You hit each other to the back with it for better blood circulation.

Friendly regards from Finland

olivia