When my husband Pete and I signed up for a northern lights tour in Swedish Lapland, I thought the highlight would be seeing the aurora borealis dancing across the Arctic sky. And it absolutely was! But another unforgettable part of our adventure, one that was more unexpected, was the authentic Swedish sauna experience at the famous Ice Hotel. It’s a traditional 10-step ritual that perfectly captures the essence of Swedish wellness culture.
A Day Trip To The Ice Hotel
We weren’t staying overnight at the Ice Hotel (though after our experience, we’d definitely plan a return trip for that!). Instead, we had day passes as part of our northern lights tour, which gave us access to explore this incredible frozen wonderland as well as a reservation to experience the traditional Swedish sauna ritual.
Walking through the Ice Hotel was both literally and figuratively cool. The entire structure, made from ice blocks harvested from the nearby Torne River, felt like stepping into a frozen fairy tale, with each room like a work of art. After a morning of marveling at ice sculptures, and a bit of fatigue from staying up late the night before looking at the northern lights, we were ready for some relaxation.
Our Private Sanctuary
The sauna experience came with its own cozy wood cabin, complete with everything we needed for the traditional Swedish sauna ritual. The staff provided us with thick, warm robes. And instead of traditional slippers, they gave us Crocs! (As we soon learned, they’re better for walking on snow and ice than traditional spa slippers)
The cabin had separate changing areas for men and women, though Pete found himself as the lone guy among our group for most of the experience. He was such a trooper about the whole thing, even when it came to the more intimidating steps later on. The cabin also featured a common area with comfortable wooden chairs arranged around a crackling fireplace and throughout our Swedish sauna experience, an attentive staff member was there to keep the sauna perfectly heated, maintain the fire, and set out traditional Swedish refreshments.
The 10-Step Swedish Sauna Ritual: An Arctic Adventure
What made this Swedish sauna experience truly special wasn’t just the comprehensive 10-step ritual or even the dramatic contrasts between heat and Arctic cold. It was the distinctly Swedish feeling of lagom, that perfect sense of balance and cozy togetherness we shared with our fellow sauna-goers. There’s something special about bonding with strangers that became friends while wrapped in robes around a crackling fire, laughing about the shock of rolling in snow, and encouraging each other through that terrifying ice bath. Here’s how our unforgettable day unfolded:
Step 1: Initial Shower
We started by showering to cleanse our bodies before beginning the traditional Swedish sauna ritual. The spa soap smelled heavenly, and this preparatory step is essential in Swedish sauna culture.
Step 2: The Initial Swedish Sauna Session
After showering, we gathered in a traditional sauna to open our pores and begin the warming process. The dry heat felt incredible after our chilly exploration of the Ice Hotel.
Step 3: Snow and Fresh Air
This is where the Swedish sauna tradition gets wild! We rolled around in the snow and breathed in the crisp, fresh air right outside our sauna cabin. The snow had a unique texture, more compact and icy than the fluffy powder you might expect, thanks to an unusually warm winter that had caused repeated freeze-thaw cycles. The contrast between the hot sauna and the freezing, crystallized snow was shocking but absolutely exhilarating.
Step 4: Sauna with Birch Leaves (Löyly)
Stepping back into the sauna after rolling in that icy snow felt amazing. The heat wrapped around us, making our skin tingle as our bodies readjusted to the dramatic temperature change. Then came the traditional Swedish practice of using birch leaves, which we dipped in a bucket of essential oil-scented cool water before gently “whipping” ourselves and each other with them. It was a funny moment, and the contrast in temperatures again made us all squeal and giggle. This löyly experience is a cornerstone of authentic Swedish sauna culture and felt rejuvenating. The word löyly itself not only refers to the steam created with the branches, but also represents that perfect moment of release (all of us gasping at the temperature contrast) and our connection to both nature and community.
Step 5: Ice Bath in the Torne River
Here’s where I almost chickened out. Our sauna attendant led us to a hole carved directly into the frozen Torne River, the same river that provides ice for the entire Ice Hotel. There was literally a ladder descending into a small hole in the frigid water. I managed to go in up to my ankles, and even that brief contact with the icy river water was both terrifying and exhilarating. Pete actually climbed down the ladder until the water was up to his hips! Some in our group were even brave enough to go all in. Many expletives and shouts were expressed. Again, that Swedish sauna experience of contrasting extreme hot and cold as well as connecting with nature. We honestly never felt more alive.
Step 6: Outdoor Wood-Fired Hot Tub
After the shock of the ice bath, sinking into the outdoor wood-fired hot tub felt like pure bliss. Steam rose around us as we soaked under the grey afternoon sky. It was the perfect contrast to the river dip and left us feeling a little sleepy and peckish.
Step 7: Relax By The Fireplace With Snacks
As if right on queue, when we were all feeling a little hungry from the day’s activities, there were snacks and drinks served in the cozy cabin around the fireplace. The snack break featured authentic Swedish delicacies: dried reindeer, reindeer sausages, local Swedish cheese, nuts, and dried fruit. Eating traditional Arctic cuisine while wrapped in warm robes by the fire felt like the most Swedish thing ever.
Step 8: Snow Steam “Iceguss”
Our final sauna round was the most dramatic. As we got toasty and warm in the sauna again, the attendant brought in a shovel full of fresh snow and placed it directly onto the hot rocks. The resulting steam was so thick and intense that we could barely see each other and couldn’t stay in for very long. It was like being inside a thick cloud and we felt moisturized from head-to-toe.
Step 9: Body Scrub
Fully soaked with steam, we all entered a large shower and indulged in luxuriously scented body scrubs for a little exfoliation. After all that heating, cooling, and steaming, the scrub is intended to helped remove toxins and left our skin feeling incredibly smooth.
Step 10: Luxurious Spa Shower
To wrap up our Swedish sauna experience, we all separated for a final shower privately in our respective locker rooms using special soaps provided by the spa. After all that heating, cooling, and steaming, the shower felt like the perfect way to close the ritual and get ready to enter the real world again. Honestly, though, I didn’t want it to end! I could have stayed in that cozy cabin by the fireplace all night. As we left, we each were given a “diploma” to show that we completed the whole 10 step sauna experience.
Why This Swedish Sauna Experience Was Unforgettable
This wasn’t just about getting warm after a cold day (though that was certainly welcome!). The 10-step Swedish sauna ritual felt like a complete cultural immersion. Each step connected us more deeply to Swedish wellness traditions that have been practiced for centuries, adapted perfectly for the unique Arctic environment.
What struck me most was how the Swedish sauna experience emphasized the relationship between our bodies and the natural environment. From the birch leaves to the Torne River ice bath to the wood-fired hot tub, every element connected us to the pristine Lapland wilderness surrounding us.
Pete, despite being the only guy in our group for most of the experience, said it was one of the most authentic cultural experiences he’s ever had. The combination of traditional Swedish sauna techniques with the dramatic Arctic setting created something truly magical.
Planning Your Own Swedish Sauna Experience at the Ice Hotel
If you’re planning a visit to the Ice Hotel, I cannot recommend the Swedish sauna experience highly enough. You don’t need to stay overnight, just book a day pass and make a reservation for the sauna ritual. All you need to bring is a swimsuit and they provide everything else, including those surprisingly practical Crocs!
The 10-step Swedish sauna ritual perfectly embodies the Swedish philosophy of embracing both comfort and challenge, warmth and cold, relaxation and invigoration. Plus, you’ll walk away with an official “Sauna Like A Local” diploma to prove your participation in Swedish wellness culture. It’s an experience that connects you not just to Swedish culture, but to the remarkable Arctic environment that makes the Ice Hotel possible.
After experiencing an authentic Swedish sauna in the heart of Lapland, I understand why this tradition has been central to Swedish culture for generations. It’s not just about the physical benefits. It’s about finding balance, connecting with nature, and embracing the full spectrum of sensations that make us feel truly alive.
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