National Sauna Week 2023 Events
WE HOPE YOU ENJOYED OUR WEEKLONG CELEBRATION OF THE HISTORY, TRADITION, CULTURE, AND APPRECIATION OF SAUNA IN THE U.S. TODAY
Our seven live programs, described below, will be posted on the FFN YouTube channel, where you’ll find several videos that we introduced during National Sauna Week.
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram, and subscribe to our YouTube channel for updates on when the programming will appear.
Finnish Sauna Culture
1 p.m. SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 19
Saija Silen, of Jämsä, Finland, is a sauna enthusiast and chairperson of the Finnish Sauna Culture Association, which owns and operates Sauna Village, in Jämsä. Learn about smoke saunas and this collection of historic saunas, which are open to the public. You could win a copy of the book Sauna Magic by Garrett Conover.
Why Do Americans Compromise on Sauna Quality?
4 p.m. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20
Sauna advocates and hosts of the new podcast, The Upper Bench, discuss the importance of “good sauna” and the traditional Finnish sauna experience. Eero Kilpi, president and a founder of The North American Sauna Society, moderates the discussion with Christopher Rice, Sam Wacha and Scott Räisänen.
You could win a copy of The Secrets of Finnish Sauna Design by Lassi A. Liikkanen.
Spirit(s) of the Sauna: Seen and Unseen Beings in Finnish Folklore
4 p.m. TUESDAY, FEBRUARY 21
Hilary-Joy Virtanen, assistant professor of Finnish & Nordic Studies at Finlandia University,discusses the unique world of folklore of the sauna, and the surprising number of spirits in the sauna with you…even when you think you are alone!
You could win one of two books by Bernhard Hillila.
Author Talk with
Katja Pantzar
1 p.m. WEDNESDAY,
FEBRUARY 22
Finlandia Foundation National Executive Director Tommy Flanagan chats with Katja Pantzar, author of Everyday Sisu and The Finnish Way. Katja is a fan of sauna and a dedicated cold water swimmer, the theme of her next book, with sauna expert Carita Harju, Hot and Cold, From Sauna to Sea.
Two lucky audience members will receive a copy of one of her books.
Finland’s Sauna Diplomacy
4 p.m. THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 23
Pasi Rajala, press counselor at the Finnish Embassy in the U.S. and host of the D.C. Sauna Society, will talk about how sauna is an unusual but effective setting for diplomatic relations.
You could win a copy of Thermal: Saunas, Hot Springs & Baths by Lindsey Bro.
The Public Sauna in the USA
4 p.m. FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 24
Justin Juntunen, founder and CEO of Cedar & Stone Nordic Sauna in Duluth, MN, looks at how the cultural gift of sauna is transforming communities today.
You could win sauna accessories courtesy of Touch of Finland.
Meet Jasper Pääkkönen
Noon SATURDAY, FEB. 25
The Finnish actor known for his roles in the films Attack on Finland and Spike Lee’s BlacKkKlansman, and the TV series Vikings, is also an avid fly fisherman, environmentalist and entrepreneur who co-founded the much-lauded Löyly sauna and restaurant in Helsinki.
He visits with Michel Wendell, a tech-based business investor and Finlandia Foundation trustee.
Plus, you could win sauna accessories courtesy of Touch of Finland.
Photo by YipingFeng/LingOuyang
FFN Chapter Events
Several FFN affiliates have scheduled events for National Sauna Week. Chapters received a special mini-grant from FFN to assist in hosting an activity to help introduce and share traditional the Finnish sauna.
The events are listed at the FFN web calendar and include the Finnish Center at Saima Park‘s pannukakku breakfast and visit to its sauna-turned-museum in Fitchburg, Massachusetts (above); mobile saunas in multiple locations; the Chicago area Finnish American Society of the Midwest pulla bake and sauna; and more.
But Wait, There’s More
In addition, some independent businesses are celebrating sauna, also found on the calendar.
Touch of Finland import, sauna and gift store is having a Sauna Week sale; click here to shop and save online.
You might want to head to Idaho to join Toasty Mobile Saunas‘ five days of fun, from the Sauna & Pack River Plunge to Aromatherapy Sauna; click here for more.
Instagram Contest!
Follow Finlandia Foundation National on Instagram and you could win TWO Marimekko robes and an assortment of sauna goods that you can use whether you now have a sauna or are dreaming about one.
Contest is closed. The winner will be announced on Monday the 27th. Must have a United States delivery address. Click here for FFN Instagram.
Kiitos to FinnStyle of Minnesota for joining us in this prize package.
Note: Prize will be sent based on availability of the style and sizes of robes chosen by the winner.