Would You Go to a Sauna That Has No Shower?

The answer is no, but the question is purely hypothetical since virtually all saunas today come equipped with a shower. My personal experience, however, suggests that the absence of a shower can offer a more authentic and fulfilling sauna experience.

Making the Most of a Shower-Free Sauna

I would go to a sauna with no shower, especially if I lived in Finland or another country with a rich cultural tradition of traditional saunas. During the winter season, I frequently visit a sauna that doesn't have a shower, yet I still find it an enjoyable experience. My routine involves taking a dip in a cold lake, followed by a visit to the sauna to warm up. Once I'm sufficiently heated, I return to the lake for a longer soak. Upon emerging, I spend some time outside the sauna before entering the changing room directly from the lake.

The Ritual of the Finnish Sauna

This winter routine is just one of many examples of the traditional Finnish sauna experience. Here's how it works: we use wood to heat the sauna, and by ladling lake water onto the rocks and stovepipe, we generate the steam. After spending several minutes in the sauna, we jump into the lake to cool down. On a second occasion, I use just enough body wash to feel refreshed, much like recommended by Kari Autero. The transition from a 78°C (172°F) sauna to a 21°C (70°F) lake creates a sensation I affectionately call the 'tingle.' For a more extreme experience, the water can be made much colder, intensifying the tingling effect.

Public Saunas Without Showers

I can't imagine a public sauna without a shower, but I wouldn't necessarily avoid one if I couldn't wash myself. If such a sauna were available, I would still consider it for my personal experience. But if I lived in a country where traditional saunas without showers are common, like Finland, Estonia, Russia, Latvia, or Lithuania, I might be more open to the idea.

A Cultural Perspective on Cleansing

Finland is home to various types of saunas, and traditional cleansing practices involve carrying water into the sauna and warming it up. A modern way to do this is to have a stove connected to a water tank, allowing for both hot and cold water blending. In the absence of modern facilities, traditional methods such as using buckets and ladles are still prevalent.

Ilmajoki and Outdoor Saunas

Many saunas are built next to lakes, making it convenient to simply take a dip in the water for cleansing. This practice is deeply rooted in Finnish culture and extends to neighboring countries as well. The emotional and physical satisfaction derived from this method of cleansing is unique and cannot be replicated by a modern shower.

Personal Preference and Emotions

Personally, I prefer washing without a shower, using buckets and ladles. This method is gentler on the body and provides a more profound feeling of purity, which is a subjective experience. Ultimately, the decision to use a shower or avoid it comes down to personal preference, but for many, the traditional Finnish sauna experience is hard to beat.