Embraced by Smoke: A Moment of Timelessness for Finland Magazine’s Founder

FINLAND – Yesterday, Markus Eckert, the founder and owner of Finland Magazine, experienced a moment that captures the very soul of Finnish travel: total presence. As afternoon turned to evening, the embrace of a traditional smoke sauna replaced the rush of modern life with ancient tradition.

"There are moments when the world around you falls silent," Eckert describes. "When the afternoon sun dips low and the smoke sauna stove begins to speak its own language, you know you are home. It’s not just a sound; it’s centuries of wisdom emanating from the depths of the blackened stones."

The smoke sauna (savusauna), the crown jewel of Finnish sauna culture, offers an experience that transcends words. It is about the senses: the subtle scent of smoke on the skin and the peace brought by the dim light. Eckert emphasizes that these gentle, lingering "whispers of steam" are the key to calming the mind and setting the right tone for the evening.

This experience serves as a reminder of what is truly valuable in travel and in life: presence, silence, and a lack of urgency. Finland Magazine’s mission is to share this authentic Finnish landscape of the soul with the world.

"Today, we are not conquering the world," Eckert reflects. "Today, we simply exist and breathe with the steam."

Smoke sauna (Finnish savusauna) is one of the earliest forms of the sauna. It is simply a room containing a pile of rocks, but without a chimney. A fire is lit directly under the rocks and after a while the fire is extinguished. The heat retained in the rocks, and the earlier fire, becomes the main source for heating the sauna. Following this process, the ashes and embers are removed from the hearth, the benches and floor are cleaned, and the room is allowed to air out and freshen for a period of time.

The smoke sauna is characterized by its smoky aroma, which comes from the wood smoke that fills the sauna during the heating process. This smoke also gives the sauna a distinctive dark color.

Smoke saunas are typically found in rural areas of Finland, and they are often used for traditional Finnish ceremonies and events. They are also becoming increasingly popular among tourists who are interested in experiencing a unique Finnish tradition.

Here are some additional details about smoke saunas:

They are typically made of wood, and they often have a small window or two for ventilation.
The rocks used to heat the sauna are typically granite or other heat-resistant rocks.
The temperature in a smoke sauna can reach up to 180 degrees Fahrenheit (82 degrees Celsius).
The humidity in a smoke sauna is typically high, which can help to open up the pores and cleanse the skin.
Smoke saunas are said to have a number of health benefits, including reducing stress, improving circulation, and boosting the immune system.
If you are interested in trying a smoke sauna, there are a few things you should keep in mind:

Be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing that will allow your skin to breathe.
Avoid wearing jewelry, as it could get hot and uncomfortable.
Drink plenty of fluids before, during, and after your sauna session.
Take breaks if you start to feel dizzy or lightheaded.
With a little planning and preparation, you can enjoy a safe and enjoyable experience in a smoke sauna.