Frequently Asked Questions

Simply browse our sauna listings on the Browse Saunas page, select your preferred sauna, choose your date and time, and click "Book Now." You'll enter your details and authorise payment with a card. The operator will confirm within 24 hours, and your card is only charged once they confirm the booking.

Your card is authorised (put on hold) when you book, but you are NOT charged until the sauna operator confirms your booking. If they decline or don't respond within 24 hours, the hold is released and you won't be charged at all.

Yes! You can book for today, but keep in mind the operator has 24 hours to confirm. We recommend booking at least a few hours in advance to give them time to respond. Most operators try to confirm as quickly as possible.

If the operator doesn't confirm or decline within 24 hours, your booking automatically cancels and your card is NOT charged. You're free to rebook or try another sauna.

Yes. We use Stripe, the same payment processor trusted by Airbnb, Uber, and major companies worldwide. We never see your full card number—Stripe handles all payment processing securely with HTTPS encryption.

All prices are in Euros (EUR). Saunafinder.fi is not currently VAT-registered, so no VAT is added to the prices shown—what you see is what you pay.

Currently, we accept card payments (Visa, Mastercard, American Express, Debit cards). We're exploring other payment methods in the future.

Most saunas provide towels, flip-flops, and soap. Bring your ID/passport, a change of clothes, and personal toiletries if you prefer your own. A swimsuit is optional (nudity is traditional but not required). Bring a small amount of cash if you want to tip.

In Finland, nudity is the traditional norm in saunas. However, swimwear is always accepted if you prefer. Wear flip-flops or sandals (provided or bring your own). Don't wear street clothes inside the sauna.

Most saunas listed on Saunafinder.fi are mixed-gender (all ages/genders together). Some operators offer women-only or men-only times. Check the listing details or contact the operator if you have a preference.

Traditional saunas are typically 80-100°C (176-212°F). It feels hotter than the temperature because of the dry heat. You control your experience—sit lower for cooler, higher for hotter, or step outside to cool down anytime. Most first-timers adapt quickly.

Sauna is generally safe and enjoyed by millions of Finns annually. Avoid if you have uncontrolled high blood pressure, recent heart problems, severe fever, or pregnancy (discuss with your doctor). When in doubt, consult your doctor before your first sauna.

There's no set time—stay as long as you're comfortable. Most people spend 10-15 minutes per round, then cool down outside or in cold water, then repeat. Listen to your body and exit if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable.

Be respectful and quiet (saunas are peaceful spaces). Follow the operator's rules. Rinse off before entering if requested. Don't splash water excessively. Be comfortable with nudity or wear swimwear. Never throw hard objects on the hot rocks. Respect others' personal space.

A vihta (vasta in some regions) is a bundle of fresh birch leaves used in traditional Finnish saunas. You gently whisk your skin to improve circulation and create a wonderful aroma. It's much softer than it looks and feels amazing!

Löyly is the steam created by pouring water on hot rocks. It's the essence of the sauna experience—the burst of heat and humidity that makes a sauna feel authentic. The word comes from Finnish sauna tradition and means roughly "the spirit of the sauna."

Check with your operator first. Most allow phones and photos (many people enjoy a sauna selfie!), but avoid loud videos or calls out of respect. Some operators prohibit cameras for privacy reasons.

Contact us at info@saunafinder.fi with your booking details as soon as possible — there's no self-service cancel button yet, so cancellations are handled by email. Refunds depend on timing—see the refund policy question below.

Cancel more than 48 hours before your booking: full refund. Cancel within 48 hours of your booking: 50% refund. If the operator cancels: you get a full refund regardless of timing. Refunds go back to your original payment method and usually take 5-10 business days. For full details, see our Terms and Conditions.

If you don't arrive at the booked time, the operator keeps the full payment—there's no refund. If you're running late, contact the operator immediately.

Refunds are processed back to your original payment method within 5-10 business days, depending on your bank. Credit card holds (from denied bookings) typically clear in 1-5 business days.

An avanto is an ice hole or opening in a frozen lake used for cold plunging after sauna—the invigorating contrast between extreme heat and cold. It's traditional but optional. Some saunas offer ice swimming, some don't. Always check the listing and consult a doctor if you're unsure about safety.

No! All Saunafinder.fi operators speak English. All bookings and communications are in English, so you'll have no trouble.

Tips are appreciated but not required. If you want to tip, 5-10 EUR is standard. This can typically be in cash or you can ask the operator how they prefer to receive tips.

We're sorry to hear that. Contact us within 48 hours at info@saunafinder.fi with details. We take complaints seriously and can mediate disputes, issue refunds, or remove operators who violate our standards.

Yes. You'll receive the operator's contact information in your booking confirmation email. Feel free to reach out with questions about parking, what to bring, or any special requests.

No. You never need an account to book a sauna. An account is there if you want one: it saves your favourite saunas, shows your booking history and receipts, and keeps your details in one place. You can delete it yourself at any time.

There are no passwords on Saunafinder. On the account page, type your email address and we send you a link that logs you in. The link works once and expires in 15 minutes. Your first login creates your account. If the email does not arrive, check your spam folder.