Credits: Julia Kivelä
For Finns, sauna is not only about bathing. It’s about slowing down, sharing time with others, and often extending the experience around a table. A cold drink after a hot sauna round is almost a tradition in itself, and many Finns say the best conversations happen between steam, swims, and bites of food.
Finns don't typically eat in the sauna but food is a quintessential part of the sauna experience. The best sauna food is casual, tasty, and fuss-free. In the summer, the grill is often fired up alongside the sauna. There’s nothing like spending a summer evening by a lake, relaxing in some heat, swimming, and a freshly prepared barbecue.
You might notice that after sweating in the sauna, you crave something savory. The most popular sauna food in Finland is sausage. Saunamakkara is a real thing here: it’s simple, tasty, and pairs perfectly with beer – another sauna staple. Sausage might even be cooked in the sauna. Some locals wrap their sausage in heavy-duty foil and let it cook on the hot stones of the sauna stove. It's a real Finnish tradition.
The best drink to have in the sauna is, of course, water. Staying hydrated is essential.
In addition to water, Finns love a saunajuoma, a sauna drink of your choice. It might be a soft drink or a low-alcoholic beverage, sipped between sauna sessions or enjoyed as a refreshing treat afterwards. A sauna beer is a classic choice, with or without alcohol. For many Finns, nothing beats a crisp, cold beer in the fresh air after a hot sauna.
If you want something truly local, opt for a Finnish long drink, lonkero. The classic version is made with grapefruit and gin, but nowadays there are plenty of other flavours as well.
A friendly remember to all sauna beginners: the alcohol in drinks and the heat of a sauna don’t mix well. If you’re thirsty for more, better get dressed and head out – in fact, Finns often enjoy a sauna evening before a night out.
Sauna restaurants, a booming trend, are a uniquely Finnish way to enjoy two passions at once: steaming in the sauna and sharing a good meal. Found by lakes, rivers and the sea, these venues combine traditional sauna culture with modern dining.
For more inspiration about saunas and restaurants, go to our article Hot Finnish sauna restaurants.