When Katja Pantzar first set foot in Finland in the early 2000s, she envisioned a brief year-long stay to connect with her Finnish heritage. Two decades later, she is not only still in Finland but flourishing in this beautiful Nordic country.
“I fell in love with the lifestyle and the many facets of life in Finland that resonated with me,” Pantzar shares as we gather at the Oodi Library in central Helsinki—her favored workspace and a beacon of contemporary design.
With a bike helmet in one hand and her work bag in the other, she exudes vitality. Fresh from a brisk morning swim in the sea, Pantzar navigates the city on her bicycle, fully familiar with the plethora of public spots that invite swimming and sauna rituals.
“You wouldn’t find this kind of lifestyle where I grew up in North America,” she remarks.
A Campfire-Like Atmosphere
Pantzar spent part of her childhood in New Zealand before her family settled in Vancouver, Canada. An interim stop in Toronto preceded her eventual move to Finland.Photo: Katja Pantzar
When Pantzar initially arrived in Finland, she found the cultural reverence for sauna puzzling. Yet, an acquaintance encouraged her to brave winter swimming, a challenge that ignited the adventurous spirit of the journalist in her.
On an icy February morning, she donned a swimsuit and approached a dock in Helsinki’s Junijanokka neighborhood, feeling somewhat absurd. Steeling herself, she plunged into the frigid water for a brief moment. Her body was instantly alive with sensations.
“But as soon as I emerged, a wave of euphoria washed over me,” Pantzar recalls. “I couldn’t believe the sheer joy I felt, both mentally and physically.”
Afterward, she enveloped herself in the warm embrace of steam emanating from the sauna, a refuge that transformed her understanding of sauna culture. She began to appreciate the calm, inclusive experience it fosters.
“In the sauna, conversations are gentle, respect is paramount, phones are nowhere in sight, and everyone is treated as equals,” she reflects.
Exploring Nordic Well-Being
Ice swimming remains a cherished pastime in Finland.Photo: Kuvatoimisto Kuvio, Helsinki Partners
Encouraged by her newfound appreciation for these traditions, Pantzar embarked on a personal exploration of sauna culture and the health advantages of alternating between heat and cold.
This enlightening journey culminated in her debut book, The Finnish Way (Penguin Random House, 2018), a take on Nordic well-being, winter swimming, and the Finnish concept of sisu, a term that embodies resilience, bravery, and tenacity. The book has been translated into 24 languages and has become a bestseller in the United States.
“In various countries, well-being tends to be linked to wealth and status, but in Finland, natural spaces like parks, forests, cycling paths, and sauna access are at everyone’s fingertips,” Pantzar explains.
Coincidentally, her book was released around the same time Finland was recognized as the happiest country in the world by the World Happiness Report, sparking thriving international interest in all things Finnish.
“The metrics that contribute to this happiness focus on well-being—safety, trust in governance and community, access to healthcare, quality education, and an overall high quality of life—elements of Finnish society that resonate deeply with me,” she says, expressing her delight in raising her child in such an environment.
Capturing the Essence of Sauna
Saunas serve as communal spaces, fostering connection and togetherness. Public facilities, like Kotiharju, welcome all.Photo: Maija Astikainen, Helsinki Partners
As friends frequently sought her recommendations for saunas throughout Helsinki, Pantzar realized there was a gap in accessible information about the diverse public saunas available. She was inspired to share what she believes embodies the true spirit of sauna culture.
This inspiration led to her forthcoming book, Helsinki by Sauna (Siltala, 2025), a curated guide spotlighting public saunas around the capital. From popular city-center retreats to serene island escapes, all are easily reached by foot, bike, or a short boat ride. This guide serves both as a travel companion and a valuable resource for locals eager to rediscover their own city.
“The sauna is a place of togetherness and provides an offline sanctuary for connection and community,” Pantzar shares. “I often encourage visitors to Finland that the best way to meet people is to simply step into a sauna.”
Through her commitment to winter swimming and sauna traditions, Pantzar has built lasting friendships and a profound sense of belonging. For her, sauna life has seamlessly integrated into her daily routine, serving as a gentle yet powerful medium for connection within Helsinki’s vibrant social fabric.
Katja Pantzar’s Top 3 Helsinki Sauna Tips
- Villa Salmela Sauna, nestled in a charming wooden cottage in eastern Helsinki, is the only Karelian-inspired sauna in the area. This inviting sauna offers easy access to swimming and is open year-round.
- Kotiharjun Sauna, located in the Kallio district, offers a spiritual journey back in time with its rich history since 1928. This unique facility, set within an apartment building, includes separate saunas for men and women.
- The smoke sauna at Steam is the city’s only authentic smoke sauna. For those willing to venture outside Helsinki, smoke saunas can also be found in Kuusijärvi.
By Catarina Stewen, August 2026