Midsummer magic in the Finnish sauna – 7 products you need for the perfect sauna moment
In the beginning was wood
Midsummer sauna is the highlight of the Finnish summer, and heating it is part of the tradition. The logs used in the traditional wood-burning sauna stove can be kept neatly stacked on Ferm Living’s Port firewood rack.
The sturdy black stand also functions as a decorative element in the sauna – it certainly deserves to be seen! The rounded edges and leather-covered handle soften the minimalistic design, which is also excellent beside a fireplace or in the living room.
• Ferm Living’s Port firewood rack >
A new fabric for sauna benches
So, almost everything is ready: the benches have been scrubbed clean, the sauna is heated, and a fresh birch whisk is waiting in the water bucket. All that is lacking are fresh sauna bench towels, and then the Midsummer sauna will be ready.
Lapuan Kankurit’s Paanu sauna bench towels are suitable for both modern and more traditional saunas. Designed by Marja Rautiainen, the rhythmic Paanu pattern takes its inspiration from traditional wooden shingled roofs. The towels are made of an easy-care and ecological linen and cotton blend, woven in Finland. Would you prefer invigorating green and white sauna bench towels, or gentle cinnamon and white? Viilu bath towels from the same brand can also be packed for the sauna trip.
• Lapuan Kankurit’s Paanu sauna bench cover >
• Lapuan Kankurit's Viilu bath towel >
The color of summer is yellow
One of the simpler joys of life is a large and highly absorbent sauna towel. The Danish company HAY’s Giant Waffle towels have a fun three-dimensional waffle surface that absorbs moisture well. The sunny yellow is a celebration of the Midsummer sauna, and will liven up even a cloudy everyday morning. The thin and light towel also dries quickly, so it’s ready for even a spontaneous night swim after the sauna.
• HAY’s Giant Waffle towel >
• All bath towels >
Tales from a little bird
Naturally, the hot sauna is best complemented with a cold refreshment. With Klong’s humorous Finn bottle opener, you can open your sauna drink bottle in the blink of an eye. Resembling a playful little bird, the brass implement is the work of Swedish designer Ania Pauser and can also serve as a wall hook and a decorative element.
• Klong’s Finn bottle opener >
Forest fresh for Midsummer
Many Finns love the refreshing scent of the coniferous forest, which is also perfect for the sauna. Juniper moisturizing lotion from Roots Living’s Clean Collection will pamper and rehydrate the skin after the sauna and showering.
The cream, with the aroma of fresh juniper, is made in Finland from pure and natural ingredients. All products in the collection are also suitable for vegans, and do not contain parabens or dyes.
• Roots Living’s Juniper moisturizing lotion >
After-sauna elegance
After the steam session, it’s wonderful to wrap up in a soft bathrobe and cool off outdoors in the tranquil summer evening. Johanna Gullichsen’s Pure bathrobe is guaranteed to be the most stylish sauna accessory for summer cottages and city homes alike. The unisex bathrobe in the Pure series is made in Finland from 100% linen, with a geometric Piazzetta decorative pattern and a striped belt. The light linen lightens in color beautifully after washing, and only improves with use.
• Johanna Gullichsen’s Pure bathrobe >
• All bathrobes >
Writing the sauna experience
The magic of the Midsummer sauna can also be captured in print. Cozy Publishing’s Sauna is an exploration of Finnish sauna culture, from the dim light of smoke saunas to the nighttime lakeside landscapes.
The atmospheric photographs by Viola Minerva Virtamo and the stories by Heli Thorén combine to form a powerful multisensory description of the ultimate essence of the sauna. The Finnish and English texts sit side by side – as is it customary to sit in the sauna itself.
• Cozy Publishing’s Sauna book >
• All books >
See also:
• More products to the sauna and bathroom >
Text: Kaisa Mikkola Images: Manufacturers
Published on 9 Jun, 2021
