How do you properly use a sauna vihta or vasta?

Properly using a sauna vihta or vasta involves gentle tapping motions across your body with this traditional Finnish birch bundle. First, soak your vihta in warm water for 5-10 minutes to soften the leaves. Once in the sauna, wait until you’ve worked up a good sweat, then begin by gently stroking or patting your skin with the bundle using soft, sweeping motions. Focus on major muscle groups, moving from extremities toward your heart. The aromatic birch leaves release pleasant scents whilst stimulating circulation and providing gentle exfoliation.

What is a sauna vihta or vasta?

A sauna vihta (or vasta, depending on the regional dialect in Finland) is a traditional bundle of fresh birch branches tied together and used as a natural body treatment tool in Finnish sauna traditions. The term “vihta” is generally used in western Finland, whilst “vasta” is more common in eastern regions, but they refer to identical items. This iconic element of Finnish sauna culture has been used for centuries, with historical evidence dating back hundreds of years.

The vihta typically consists of young, supple silver birch branches with fresh green leaves, carefully selected and bound together at the stem end to create a handheld whisk or bundle. The leafy end is used against the skin during the sauna session. Beyond mere tradition, the vihta represents the deep connection between Finnish sauna practices and nature, embodying the holistic wellness philosophy that permeates this cultural ritual.

How do you properly use a vihta in the sauna?

Using a vihta properly involves several steps to ensure you get the full benefit of this traditional sauna tool. Begin by properly preparing your vihta by soaking it in warm water for 5-10 minutes just before your sauna session. This softens the leaves and branches, releases the aromatic oils, and prevents the leaves from becoming scorched in the hot sauna environment.

Once in the sauna, allow yourself to build up a good sweat before introducing the vihta—typically after 10-15 minutes of sauna time. Hold the vihta by its bound stem and use it with gentle, rhythmic motions across your body. The technique involves light tapping, patting, or stroking rather than harsh slapping.

Start with your extremities and work inward, paying special attention to:

• Arms and legs with upward strokes toward the heart
• Back and shoulders where tension often accumulates
• Chest and abdomen using gentler motions
• Feet and calves to stimulate circulation in the lower extremities

The movement should be brisk enough to create slight air movement but gentle enough to feel pleasant. Between uses, you can briefly dip the vihta in water again to maintain its moisture and release more of the essential oils.

What are the benefits of using a vihta during your sauna session?

Using a vihta during sauna bathing offers numerous physical and wellness benefits that enhance the overall sauna experience. The gentle tapping action stimulates blood circulation throughout the body, helping to warm muscles and potentially relieving minor aches and tension. This improved circulation can contribute to that distinctive post-sauna feeling of relaxation and rejuvenation.

The birch leaves also provide natural exfoliation, gently removing dead skin cells without harsh chemicals or abrasives. This contributes to softer, more radiant skin. One of the most immediate and noticeable benefits is the aromatherapeutic effect—the heat releases essential oils from the birch leaves, creating a delightful woodland scent that enhances relaxation and provides a mild respiratory benefit.

Beyond the physical effects, vihta use deepens the traditional sauna experience, connecting bathers to centuries-old wellness practices. The rhythmic motion and focused attention required when using a vihta introduces a meditative quality to the sauna session, potentially enhancing stress reduction and mindfulness. For many enthusiasts, the gentle sound of the leaves against skin becomes part of the sensory experience that makes authentic Finnish sauna bathing so uniquely therapeutic.

How do you make and store a sauna vihta?

Creating your own sauna vihta requires timing and proper technique to ensure quality and longevity. The optimal time for making a vihta is during midsummer (June-July) when birch leaves are fully developed but still young and supple. Select fresh birch branches around 50-80 cm long with healthy green leaves, preferably in the morning when the leaves contain more moisture.

To make your vihta:

• Collect 5-8 branches of similar length and thickness
• Arrange them with leaves aligned in the same direction
• Bind the branches tightly at the stem end using natural twine or a flexible birch branch
• Trim the stem ends evenly for a comfortable grip
• Shape the leafy end into a rounded, fan-like formation

For short-term storage between sauna sessions, keep your vihta in a cool place wrapped in a damp towel or submerged in water. For longer preservation, you have several options:

• Freezing: Wrap the vihta in paper and place it in a plastic bag in the freezer, where it can keep for months
• Drying: Hang your vihta in a well-ventilated, shaded area until completely dry, then rehydrate before use
• Brining: Soak fresh vihtas in saltwater solution before drying to help preserve the leaves

When stored properly, a well-made vihta can last through multiple sauna sessions, although fresh vihtas typically provide the most aromatic and pleasant experience.

Where can you experience authentic Finnish sauna with vihta traditions?

Experiencing authentic Finnish sauna with traditional vihta practices can be found across Finland in public saunas, lakeside cottages, and specialised wellness centres. The most authentic experiences often combine proper sauna etiquette, traditional wood-burning stoves, and the careful use of vihta as part of the bathing ritual. Many traditional Finnish spas and sauna houses maintain these practices as part of their cultural heritage.

For those unable to travel to Finland, authentic Finnish sauna experiences are increasingly available worldwide through dedicated sauna establishments that honour traditional methods. These venues often import genuine birch vihtas or create them using local materials following Finnish techniques.

We at Visitsauna connect sauna enthusiasts with authentic experiences around the world through our global network. Our platform specialises in helping visitors discover and book genuine Finnish-style sauna experiences that include traditional elements like vihta usage. Through our booking system designed specifically for saunas, we make accessing these cultural wellness experiences seamless across borders.

Our mission involves sharing genuine Finnish sauna heritage globally while ensuring that traditional practices like proper vihta use remain accessible to all sauna enthusiasts. Through initiatives like World Sauna Day and our partnerships with authentic sauna operators, we continue to promote the rich traditions and wellness benefits of Finnish sauna culture, including the art of vihta use, to new generations of wellness seekers worldwide.