In Helsinki, almost every family has a chalet in the central Finnish lake district or on the outskirts of the city.

The chalets come with a standard feature - a sauna, which is a cornerstone of the Finnish holiday experience.

During every holiday season, families retreat to their chalets to engage in various activities like fishing in the summer and playing in the snow during winter. The one constant in these holidays is the sauna - the pure Finnish way of holidaying.

Finns have a special affinity for nature, and Helsinki is no exception. Although it is a typical big city, a half-hour drive out of town is all it takes to find oneself surrounded by pure nature, forests, and lakes.

These holiday chalets are known as "Mökki" in Finnish, and for the majority of Finns, it is a secluded retreat where they drive to their family cabin to spend some time away from the hustle and bustle of the city.

In the ESPOO National Park, just half an hour's drive from Helsinki, there are cabins decorated in a rugged, unglamorous but cosy style that reflects the Nordic countryside.

In Finland, winters are characterized by snow and short days, making a steamy sauna an ideal way to warm up. A sauna is the most common way for Finns to socialize.

Whether it is a family reunion, a gathering of friends, or even a business negotiation, it always involves a sauna. Friends and family sit face to face in the blazing heat of the room, relaxing and chatting as they steam.

Saunas have their origin in Finland more than 2,000 years ago, with the most traditional form being the smoke sauna. One can still find these traditional saunas on the shores of Lake Tuusula outside Helsinki, making them a must-try if visiting Finland.

These sauna chalets are built right on the lake, and the basic process of the sauna involves steam, jumping into the ice water, and then steaming again.

The repeated hot and cold stimulation causes repeated cardiovascular diastole and contraction, which can prevent cardiovascular sclerosis. While it is warm inside the sauna, outside, one can experience the icy world in stark contrast.

The most traditional smoke sauna, also known as the "black sauna," is a far cry from the usual steam sauna. It uses birch and poplar trees and takes seven hours to heat up 3,000 kilograms of stones.

The smoked interior walls and benches are also covered in black powder. Before entering the sauna, one must apply black mud all over their body, which is said to have beauty benefits.

For the Finnish, a holiday is not complete without a chalet and a sauna. It is the perfect way to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and connect with nature. The Finnish way of holidaying is unique, and experiencing it firsthand is a must for anyone visiting this beautiful country.