The Finland Revelation

Tampere, Finland—the birthplace of the sauna and the sauna capital of the world. World-class saunas dot the entire city, each one a masterclass in what this ancient practice should really feel like.

I was invited by Marti to his sauna down by the lake. Around 8 PM, I got the message to come over. When we arrived, his son Antti was cutting a hole in the ice with a chainsaw—my first hint that this wasn't going to be like any sauna session I'd experienced back home.

Marti appeared with his other son Matti and some drinks, and for the next two hours, we moved between the blazing hot sauna and the shocking cold lake. The contrast was incredible. Then, as naturally as anything, Marti fired up the grill. Sausages with mustard, cold Karhu beers passed around—suddenly what started as a sauna session had become a full social experience.

That night taught me everything. This wasn't just about wellness or sweating—it was about community, tradition, and the art of slowing down together.

That's when I truly understood how to build a proper sauna. You need a hot stove, lots of rocks to produce that perfect steam when you pour water on them, and to diffuse the sometimes oppressive heat. More importantly, I learned how to use the sauna the right way and why it's become something I'll do for the rest of my life.

I started Nightjar Sauna because I genuinely love the sauna experience. But ultimately, it's about learning from others who've been doing this for generations, listening, and integrating new ideas into the wisdom they've shared.

Two Ways to Sauna with Friends

Here in the United States, we're just beginning to understand what Matti showed me that night. This isn't about "sauna parties"—it's about informal get-togethers that combine health, friendship, and the simple pleasure of good conversation.

There are really two approaches to hosting sauna get-togethers, each serving different needs and lifestyles:

The Weekday Connection: One-Hour Efficient Socializing

Life gets busy and complicated as we get older, making it harder to find long stretches of time to reconnect with friends. But here's the cheat code: combining being healthy with hanging out is a brilliant use of time.

The Setup:

• Preheat your sauna 1 hour before your friend arrives
• Have plenty of water ready—hydration is key
• Consider having some electrolytes on hand (coconut water works great)
• Provide clean towels for sitting on the bench
• Have dry towels ready for afterward
• Set phones aside—this is about real conversation

The Rhythm: The beauty is in its simplicity: 15 minutes in the sauna, 15 minutes cooling down outside, back in for another 15, then outside for a final 15-minute cooldown. That's your hour.

During the sauna sessions, conversation flows naturally. There's something about the heat that breaks down barriers and creates space for deeper dialogue. The cooling periods give you time to hydrate, process the conversation, and reset for the next round.

This format is perfect for catching up with friends you haven't seen in a while, having important conversations, or simply maintaining connections without the pressure of planning a whole evening.

The Weekend Ritual: Full Finnish-Style Experience

When you have more time—typically weekends—you can embrace the full cultural experience I learned in Tampere. This transforms from efficient socializing into a proper social ritual.

The Extended Setup:

• Plan for 2-3 hours minimum
• Prepare food that can be grilled or easily cooked—sausages are traditional but burgers, vegetables, or fish work great
• Have your favorite beverages ready (beer is traditional, but whatever you enjoy)
• Create a comfortable outdoor space for extended cooling periods
• Consider having games or activities for longer breaks between sauna rounds

The Finnish Flow: Traditional Finnish culture often separates by gender, with women going first for an hour or two, then the men taking their turn. However, many cultures adapt this—mixed groups work perfectly fine. The key is respecting everyone's comfort level.

The weekend version allows for longer sauna sessions (20-25 minutes), extended social time between rounds, shared meals, and deeper bonding. It's less about efficiency and more about creating a memorable shared experience.

Cultural Touches:

• Throw water on the rocks (löyly) to create that perfect steam
• Share stories and truly disconnect from the outside world
• Cook together during cooling breaks
• End with a shared meal and continued conversation

Making It Your Own

The beauty of sauna culture is its adaptability. Whether you choose the focused weekday connection or the leisurely weekend ritual, you're creating space for the kind of unhurried, authentic interaction that's becoming rare in our always-connected world.

Start with whichever format fits your lifestyle. Invite a friend over. Heat up the sauna. Have that conversation you've been meaning to have. Experience what the Finns have known for centuries—that some of life's best moments happen when you slow down, sweat together, and remember what really matters.

The sauna doesn't just warm your body; it warms your friendships too.