Smoke sauna and sauna rituals
Heating the smoke sauna, crafting sauna whisks, enjoying rejuvenating steams, and enhancing well-being are all part of our farm’s normal way of life
Smoke sauna at Tagavälja Farm
The smoke sauna is a deeply rooted part of Estonian folk culture, with a history that stretches back centuries, and it is listed on the UNESCO Cultural Heritage List to support the continuation of traditions.
The smoke sauna at Tagavälja Farm was built by craftsmen from Southern Estonia using traditional materials: the walls are made of spruce logs and the bench planks are made of aspen. The sauna has two rooms – a changing room and a steam room, each accommodating 4-6 people at a time. The steam is so pleasant that you won’t want to leave! And if it gets too hot, you can always step outside to cool off.
The smoke sauna needs to be heated starting at eight in the morning, so that by around five o’clock in the evening, you can enjoy the pleasures of the sauna. As with any proper smoke sauna, it is heated with an open oven, and the smoke exits through an opening in the ceiling. The sauna must be thoroughly ventilated before going onto the sauna bench. There is plenty of intense steam available for whisking for at least 3-5 hours. The smoke sauna gets you sweating properly, although the steam is gentle and does not scald.
Please inform us of your desire to use the smoke sauna at least 24 hours in advance by email at info@tagavalja.eu or by phone at +372 58 106 817
Smoke sauna ritual introduction
The sauna ritual consists of three rounds.
In the first round, you will acclimate to the sauna’s climate, where the sauna master will guide you step-by-step, teaching how to make the most of your sauna experience in a way that is both enjoyable and beneficial to your health.
In the second round, steam is released, and the focus shifts to cleansing and discussing the health benefits of the sauna, using sea salt or wood ash, which have deep cleansing effects.
In the third round of our smoke sauna session, our sauna master will guide you through the art of whisking, demonstrating on one individual before giving everyone a chance to try their hand at the delightful practice themselves.
After the whisking session and some time to relax outdoors, the sauna master will leave guests to enjoy the sauna on their own, providing an opportunity to further nourish their skin with honey and savor the deep cleansing and timeless serenity that only a sauna can offer.
Our sauna master emphasizes that there is no need to wash off with soap after the sauna ritual, as the use of wood ash or sea salt naturally cleanses the skin, and applying honey nourishes it like a moisturizing cream. To conclude, you may rinse off with an herbal infusion or whisk soak water, which soothes the skin and leaves it silkily soft.
If you desire an even more delightful experience, you can order separately:
- WHISKING for 30 minutes – price 40€
- HOT TUB – price 20€ unheated, 60€ heated in summer / 80€ heated in winter
Whisking ritual
Whisking is available as an additional service with the sauna. The sauna master offers a thorough whisking procedure.
30 minutes / 40 €
Hot tub
A hot tub is a great way to cool down between sauna sessions and then warm up again. The use of the hot tub comes with an additional charge:
20 € unheated, 60 € heated in summer / 80 € heated in winter.
Behind the sauna
In addition to the smoke sauna, you will also find a number of cute animals that are part of everyday life on our farm.
Cows, calves, horses, ponies, sheep, chickens, roosters and friendly dogs and cats are always ready to greet you.
What is the smoke sauna?
The smoke sauna is a traditional Estonian sauna that has been used for centuries. It plays an important role in our cultural heritage. Significant life events, from birth to death, took place in the sauna. The sauna was a sacred place where idle chatter and speaking ill were not permitted. Candles and oil lamps were primarily used as light sources during dark times.
According to old beliefs, whisking should start from the feet, or even from the soles, as it is best for health. Only after the feet have been whisked should one proceed to the rest of the body. There was not much washing in smoke saunas; the focus was primarily on enjoying the steam and the whisking. Afterwards, one would immerse in water or pour lukewarm water over oneself.
Since ancient times, the sauna has played a significant role in the lives of Estonians, especially the rural population. The sauna is mentioned in many Estonian legends, proverbs, and even the national epic “Kalevipoeg.” In old Estonian culture, next to the sacred grove, the sauna was a highly revered place.
The sauna was not only a place for physical grooming; it also helped soothe muscles worn out from hard work and heal illnesses, serving as a kind of medical facility. Most often, a person was born in the sauna, and frequently, it was also from the sauna that they departed on their final journey.
The sauna is the poor man’s doctor.
In the old days, the sauna was considered sacred, and nothing bad was done there—for fear that the wrongdoer would become ill.
The sauna was a sacred place—children were born there, and the sick were taken there to heal.
The warmth of the sauna is worth more than a meal.
Sauna steam is the best medicine in this world for a sick body and soul.
Sauna steam is better than warm bread.
One should never deny anyone sauna steam or water, as those who give them never lack.
Nowhere else do as many good feelings and thoughts arise as on the sauna bench.
A day of sleeping and a visit to the sauna are like brothers.
Better to go without dinner than a visit to the sauna.
Old saunas were all smoke saunas—the smoke came in from the stove side. That sauna made one healthy and strong.
Those who know the taste and feeling of a smoke sauna, will not easily forget its value!
Health from sauna and whisking
Experience the rejuvenating power of our sauna! Ideal for unwinding after a long week, the sauna relaxes your muscles, boosts metabolism, and calms your emotions. Remember, for the best experience, visit on an empty stomach and avoid alcohol, as the sauna’s gentle heat is designed to soothe without overwhelming the heart.
Saunas are excellent for managing health conditions. They are particularly beneficial for those with high blood pressure, as they help lower blood pressure by expanding blood vessels. People suffering from kidney issues and chronic skin diseases will find that saunas improve blood circulation, promoting healing and delaying disease flare-ups. Heart patients without recent issues and those without heart failure can safely enjoy the sauna’s benefits, which also include enhanced blood flow and toxin removal for asthmatics and improved mucus clearance. If you’re dealing with stress or irritation, a session in our sauna offers a natural and effective remedy. Always consult with a doctor if you have advanced heart conditions before enjoying sauna benefits.
Traditional whisking starts with a birch whisk. Birch is used initially to open the pores and prepare your body for sweating. At the end of your session, switch to an oak whisk, which helps to close the pores. For an added boost to circulation, try a juniper whisk. Don’t forget to prepare your whisk: first, soak it in hot water for 5 minutes, then in cold water for another 5 minutes.
The alternation of hot and cold air during whisking is beneficial for your body. Whisking acts as a massage that stimulates tissue metabolism and enhances lymphatic circulation. While the sturdy juniper whisk may not suit everyone, the oak whisk, which is the softest, is ideal for beginners. The most commonly used is the intermediate birch whisk. You can whisk the entire body. For respiratory ailments, focus on the chest area, and don’t forget to target tense muscles for relief.
