Heating the Sauna
Heating the sauna is easy. We have traditional wood-fired Finnish saunas. The sauna is a place to slow down and relax, whether you are alone or together with family or friends. After an exciting day of fishing or an active holiday, the warmth of the sauna helps you to unwind and recover.
Do not forget to check the ashes
Before lighting the fire, pull the old, cooled ashes down into the ash pan with an ash rake and empty the ash pan carefully.
Open the vents
Open all the vents and check that air can circulate properly. If needed, you can also open a window to improve airflow.
If possible, leave the ash pan slightly open while the fire is burning strongly. Please note that stoves may vary, so adjust if needed.
Make sure there are no flammable materials, clothes, or other items near the stove.
Lightning the fire
Use only dry firewood, such as birch, pine, or spruce. Place the logs in the fire chamber so that air can circulate between them.
You can use wood chips, scrap newspaper, or fire starters to help ignite the fire. Light the fire with matches. Do not use any flammable liquids.
Heating the sauna is simple
Always be careful with fire, hot surfaces, water, and ash. Even cooled-looking ash may still contain heat and can cause a fire.
While the sauna is heating, you can prepare for bathing. Place a linen towel on the bench for sitting and fill the water pail.
A temperature of around 70°C is a comfortable starting point, but you can adjust it to your preference. Some prefer milder heat around 60°C, others enjoy temperatures closer to 90°C.
Water can be splashed on the stones when the sauna is warm. This is called löyly, an essential part of the Finnish sauna experience (read more here).
Take your time, relax, and enjoy the experience.
If you have any questions, feel free to ask.
Book your stay in advance to make sure your cottage and sauna are ready for you. Our boats are available only for cottage guests, so reserving early ensures the full Ylöstalo experience.
