How to make an Estonian Smoke Sauna
Smoke Saunas are increasingly popular in Estonia. If you’re looking for instructions on how to create one, read on!
For many visitors to Estonia, experiencing a traditional smoke sauna is just as memorable as exploring medieval Tallinn or hiking through the country’s forests and bogs. Known locally as a suitsusaun, the smoke sauna is one of Estonia’s oldest cultural traditions and offers a unique way to relax, socialize, and connect with nature.
Unlike modern saunas, a smoke sauna uses a wood-fired stove without a chimney. The room fills with smoke while the stones are heated, creating a distinctive aroma and atmosphere that cannot be replicated in conventional saunas. Once the fire has burned down and the smoke has been ventilated, bathers can enjoy hours of gentle, soothing heat.
If you’re trying a smoke sauna for the first time, here’s how to make the most of the experience.
What Is a Smoke Sauna?
A smoke sauna differs from a standard Finnish-style sauna because it has no chimney. Wood is burned in a large stone stove for several hours, allowing smoke to circulate throughout the room. Once the stones are hot enough, the fire is extinguished and the smoke is released through doors and vents.
The heated stones continue radiating warmth long after the fire is gone, creating a softer and more humid heat than many modern saunas.
The result is a deeply relaxing environment infused with the scent of wood smoke.
Before You Enter
Most smoke sauna sessions begin slowly. Before entering:
Take a quick shower or rinse.
Bring water to stay hydrated.
Wear a swimsuit if required, although customs vary.
Remove jewellery, which can become hot.
Many Estonians view the sauna as a place of calm and relaxation, so loud behaviour is generally discouraged.
Settling Into the Heat
Once inside, find a comfortable place on one of the wooden benches.
The lower benches are cooler, while the upper benches offer more intense heat. Beginners should start lower and gradually move higher if desired.
Spend your first few minutes simply relaxing and allowing your body to adjust.
There is no need to rush. A smoke sauna is about enjoying the experience rather than testing your endurance.
Creating Steam
One of the highlights of any sauna session is creating steam, known as leil in Estonia.
A small amount of water is poured over the hot stones, producing a burst of warm steam that spreads throughout the room.
The humidity increases temporarily, making the heat feel stronger and more enveloping.
Experienced sauna-goers often add water gradually to maintain a comfortable atmosphere.
Using a Birch Whisk
A traditional smoke sauna experience often includes a viht or vasta—a bundle of fresh birch branches tied together.
The whisk is gently brushed or tapped against the skin to:
Improve circulation
Relax muscles
Release natural birch aromas
Stimulate the skin
The sensation is invigorating and forms an important part of traditional sauna culture.
Cooling Down
After spending time in the heat, it’s time to cool off.
Popular options include:
Taking a cold shower
Swimming in a lake
Standing outside in the fresh air
Rolling in snow during winter
The contrast between hot and cold temperatures is one of the most enjoyable aspects of the sauna experience.
Many people repeat the cycle several times throughout the evening.
Food and Drink
Water is essential before, during, and after a sauna session.
Many Estonians also enjoy light snacks following a sauna, particularly:
Rye bread
Smoked fish
Fresh salads
Seasonal berries
Heavy meals are generally avoided immediately before entering the sauna.
Sauna Etiquette
To enjoy the sauna respectfully:
Keep conversations relaxed and quiet.
Always shower before entering.
Respect personal space.
Ask before adding water to the stones in a shared sauna.
Stay only as long as you feel comfortable.
Remember that everyone tolerates heat differently.
Health and Safety
Although sauna bathing can be highly relaxing, it’s important to listen to your body.
Leave the sauna immediately if you experience:
Dizziness
Nausea
Shortness of breath
Discomfort
Those with heart conditions or other medical concerns should consult a healthcare professional before using a sauna.
More Than Just a Sauna
An Estonian smoke sauna is about far more than getting warm. It is a centuries-old tradition that encourages relaxation, reflection, and spending time with family and friends.
Whether enjoyed beside a forest lake, at a countryside guesthouse, or during a wellness retreat, a smoke sauna offers a uniquely Estonian experience that combines nature, culture, and wellbeing in a way few other traditions can match.
We take no responsibility if your sauna goes wrong!
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