When we first came to Estonia, we knew we would be exposed to many new experiences: culture, traditions, food, and weather. However, one thing we did not expect to experience so soon was a traditional Estonian sauna. A few weeks ago, my friend Sulaiman and I had the chance to try it for the first time, and it turned out to be one of the most refreshing and memorable experiences of our lives.
What is a Sauna, and What Makes It Special in Estonia?
A sauna is a small room designed for heating to high temperatures, where people sit and relax in dry or steamy heat, often followed by a cold dip in water. In Estonia, the sauna is more than just a relaxing spot; it is a cherished cultural tradition. People here go to the sauna for health benefits, bonding, reflection, and even celebration.
Our chance to try it came during a team-building activity organized by the International Student Ambassador (ISA) organisation. We visited the Tartu Observatory, a beautiful area surrounded by nature. Right next to the observatory was a cozy wooden sauna with a picturesque lake nearby, the perfect Estonian setting.
The Fear of the Unknown
Back in Pakistan, saunas are not very common. We had never been to one before, nor did we ever feel the need for it. So naturally, we were both nervous. What will it be like? How hot will it get? And the biggest question is, do people go naked in the sauna here? We had heard this was common in Estonia, and that made us feel quite uncomfortable.
As we arrived at the observatory with the rest of the ISA team, we first toured the space museum, had lunch, and spent some time chatting. Everyone else in the group had experienced saunas before and seemed completely relaxed. But it was our first experience.
First Steps Inside and a Big Relief
When it was time to go to the sauna, we got dressed. To our relief, everyone was dressed, either in swimsuits or shorts. That small detail instantly made us feel more comfortable and confident.
As soon as we stepped into the sauna, the nervousness disappeared. The atmosphere was warm (literally and emotionally). Our teammates were chatting, laughing, and casually enjoying the moment. It didn’t take long before we started to feel the same.
Heat, Jump, Repeat – and Pure Joy
The process was exhilarating but straightforward; sitting in the sauna and letting the heat relax your body, then stepping outside and jumping into the cold lake. At first, jumping into freezing water sounded crazy, but once we did it, it was terrific. We kept going back and forth between the sauna and the lake, and with each round, we felt more refreshed and alive.
The stress from studies, homesickness, and everyday life just faded away. We were surrounded by nature, breathing fresh air, cooling down in the water, and enjoying the peaceful environment. It was a peace and mental clarity we hadn’t felt in a long time.
A Day to Remember
After the sauna session, we changed our clothes, had another delicious meal, played fun games, and celebrated a few team members’ birthdays. The entire day was full of laughter, bonding, and positive energy.
Looking back, that day was more than just about trying a sauna. It was about stepping out of our comfort zones, facing a new experience, and realizing that sometimes, the things that scare us the most turn out to be the most rewarding.
photo credit: Elfi
Our Message to First Timers
If you are new to Estonia and have never tried a sauna, don’t worry. It’s completely okay to feel nervous, especially if it is something unfamiliar. But trust us, once you try it with the right group of friends, it becomes a beautiful memory. It is relaxing, fun, and a great way to connect with nature and people.
We are just waiting for the next chance to do it again.
Images authors’ own unless otherwise noted.
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