Sauna diplomacy: Discovering Finland's hot-and-cold tradition

Journalist Mwangi Maina at a public sauna in Finland. [Mwangi Maina, Standard]

Feeling adventurous, I gave it a try. The water was a brisk 9 degrees Celsius (that's pretty cold!), but it was invigorating. The cold plunge is a tradition for the Finns, and it's believed to make you healthier. I kept jumping in and out, even though it was freezing. It was an experience I'll never forget.

Traditionally, it was the less wealthy Finnish families who had smoke saunas, and surprisingly, they were the healthiest. These saunas, with their charcoal-lined walls, had special health benefits.

After going back and forth between the scorching sauna and the icy sea, I decided it was time to warm up and relax. I took a shower and headed to the restaurant.

The Loyly Helsinki men's room was open and shared, which is part of Finnish sauna culture. So, despite feeling a bit shy, I joined the Finnish men and other users in their communal showers, embracing their traditions.

Afterward, I enjoyed a delicious dinner at the restaurant, feeling content and grateful for the unique sauna experience I'd just had.

In Finland, sauna diplomacy isn't just a quirky tradition; it's a way of making connections, building friendships, and spreading goodwill.

The significance of the Sauna in Finnish culture cannot be overstated. The National Statistics Office estimates that there are already more than three million saunas in the 5.3 million-person nation. One is provided for tenants' use in every apartment tower, and many individual flats also have one. Saunas can be found in factories, corporate headquarters, municipal halls, schools, and hospitals; the Finnish parliament even has a distinct wing with several saunas and showers.

Finns bring their saunas with them when they travel. Saunas are available in every Finnish consulate, residence, and embassy. Finnish ambassadors frequently mingle with officials, diplomats, and journalists at some embassies while hot in the buff. While initially appearing to be another opulent amenity for diplomats, saunas are actually pretty normal for Finns and also encourage good diplomacy- I am told Finns forbid people from arguing in saunas and insist everyone comes out as friends.

After all, it's pretty hard to imagine anyone bothering to argue when they're sweaty and nude.