Rajalansaari, the Smoke Sauna island
The Rajalansaari public sauna
Wednesdays from June to August, 6 PM to 9:30 PM
Bring your own snacks, swimsuits, and sauna gear.
And of course, bring your friends! Sauna fee: 5 euros.
There is a path leading to the shore where the rowing boat transport operates from 6 PM to 9:30 PM.
Take a look at the attached map for detailed directions and the precise location of Rajalansaari public sauna. This should help you navigate the path to the shore and the rowing boat transport area.
Smoke Sauna Bathing
Smoke sauna, or ”savusauna,” is a traditional Finnish experience that combines the therapeutic effects of heat with the unique ambiance created by the smoke.
The process involves heating a pile of rocks in a wood-fired stove for several hours without a chimney, filling the sauna with smoke. Once the desired temperature is reached, the smoke is vented out, leaving behind the warm, aromatic atmosphere of the sauna.
The soot from long time usage has painted the walls black and given its characteristic smell.
It has been said about smoke sauna bathing in Rajalansaari:
”You can’t get closer to heaven on earth.”
This beautiful sentiment truly captures the transcendent experience of a smoke sauna.
Rowboat, summer and Rajalansaari
Rowboat transportation add a wonderfully nostalgic and serene element to the Rajalansaari experience.
Gliding across the water, hearing the gentle splash of the oars, and taking in the natural beauty must make it all the more special.
A Smoke Sauna is more than just a sauna
Imagine a warm summer evening spent on the beautiful island of Rajalansaari, enveloped by the soothing heat of a traditional Finnish smoke sauna.
The air is filled with the rich, woody scent of the sauna, and the gentle sounds of nature create a serene backdrop. You take a dip in the clear waters of Lake Kukkia, feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.
Afterwards, you gather around a cozy campfire with friends, enjoying the simple pleasure of roasted sausages and campfire coffee.
This combination of tradition, nature, and community makes for an unforgettable experience, perfectly capturing the essence of Finnish culture.
The bright summer evenings of Finland
There’s something truly magical about the long, light-filled evenings of a Finnish summer.
As the sun lingers on the horizon, the golden hour seems to stretch forever, bathing the landscape in a warm, soft glow.
It’s the perfect time for outdoor activities, gatherings with friends, or simply soaking in the serene beauty of nature.
The Island of Sauna Elves
The story of the sauna elves (in Finnish: saunatontut) indeed adds an enchanting layer to the experience of Rajalansaari.
The island is said to have long been favored by these mythical beings,
earning it the unofficial title of the home of Finland’s sauna elves.
The sauna elves, known for their discretion, rarely make themselves known, but they add a whimsical charm to the island.
In Rajalansaari, the sauna elves also take on human form as the village volunteers who heat the smoke sauna and care for the island.
These dedicated individuals embody the spirit of the sauna elves, blending folklore with the community’s commitment to maintaining tradition and natural beauty. Their efforts ensure that the enchanting experience of the smoke sauna continues to be a cherished part of the island’s heritage.
The Hideaway of Sauna Elves
In the midst of the grove, hidden among the large spruce and glacial boulders, just off the nature trail, is the hideaway or perhaps the home base of the sauna elves.
This spot, located just off the nature trail, is thought to be where the sauna elves spend their time when the sauna is not in use.
What a magical place to discover! This hidden gem adds an enchanting element to the forest, making your adventure even more special. Imagine stumbling upon such a whimsical spot, tucked away from the main path
Rajalansaari nature trail
Rajalansaari is largely a nature reserve. It features a beautiful nature trail that begins near the smoke sauna and stretches for 1.2 kilometers in the heart of the island.
This trail offers a wonderful opportunity to explore the island’s natural beauty, with its diverse flora and the tranquil environment.
The island’s nature protection is significantly based on the presence of the forest lime tree (Tilia cordata ).
The forest lime tree indeed adorns the Rajalansaari nature trail with its delicate, lace-like branches that gently and gracefully bend. The heart-shaped leaves are a defining feature, referenced in the Latin name ”cordata,” which signifies ”heart-shaped.”
