The Traditional “Vihtahousu” Sauna Ritual

The tradition of Vihtahousu’s sauna dates back to the 1800s and originates from “Äijä of Jämsä,” who was also known as Vihtahousu. He was said to walk between two worlds—the living and the dead—without belonging to either. In Finnish folklore, the sauna is considered a gateway between worlds, and thus a safe haven even for Vihtahousu.

“If spirits, tar, and sauna can’t cure you, then the illness is fatal.”

During the traditional Vihtahousu sauna ritual, we sit on a bed of conifer branches. Accompanied by intense opening steam “löyly”, we sing powerful sauna songs, delve into the story of Vihtahousu, explore ancient beliefs about the soul, and reflect on the deeper meaning of the "löyly".

After cooling off, we slip on alcohol-infused socks and gently tap the body with conifer whisks. We then settle in to enjoy a gentler, conifer-scented steam along with a tar and honey face mask.

The full Vihtahousu sauna ritual lasts about 2 hours.

It is a guided experience that includes:

* A conifer bed on the sauna bench

* Aromatic steam with conifer and malt scent

* Alcohol-infused socks

* Conifer whisks

* Tar and honey facial mask

* Tar shampoo and conditioner

* Flavored water and rye crisps

* Powerful sauna songs, chants, and stories

The ritual is led by trained traditional sauna healer Johanna Teräväinen, who brings the experience to life through sauna songs, folk chants, and traditional treatments.

The location is HimosLomat in Jämsä and you can book the Sauna experience also from them: https://himoslomat.fi/en/groups/sauna-services/