Experience Finnish traditions in Häme through dance, local flavours, and the soothing heat of a sauna

Finland is known for its closeness to nature, peacefulness, and honesty. In Häme, these values shape everyday life: working together, being in touch with nature, and passing traditions from one generation to the next. When you roll up your sleeves to knead dough, unwind in the heat of a smoke sauna, or sway to music echoing Finland’s soulful landscape, you step right into the heart of Finnish culture. The seasons frame these moments, with the endless light of summer and the deep, dim peace of winter creating experiences that are both serene and powerful.

Finnish open-air dancing is a unique cultural phenomenon that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. The light of summer evenings, the rhythm of live music, and the movement of dancers create an experience that you can only discover in Finland. The dance pavilions are often located in scenic surroundings like lake shores, field edges, and village centres, making the landscape a key part of the night. The events feature a variety of dance styles, including tango, foxtrot, humppa, and salsa.

In Finland, traditional tango is more than a dance – it is a cultural phenomenon and part of the national identity. While Argentine tango is fiery and passionate, Finnish tango carries a softer, more wistful tone, wrapping itself in the melancholic atmosphere of the northern summer night. In Häme, visitors can learn traditional Finnish tango under the guidance of dance instructor Hanna Tuominen.

“Finnish tango tells its own unique tale. It weaves melancholy and yearning with joy and the delight of shared movement. During the lesson, the focus isn’t just on learning the steps, but on diving into the emotion and the story behind them,” says Tuominen.

Hanna tailors her lessons for each group or pair. Lessons can focus solely on dance practice or include a visit to a local dance pavilion.

At the dance pavilions, established etiquette and customs provide safety and a smooth experience, allowing newcomers to easily become part of the dance community. In Hanna’s lessons, these customs are learned alongside the dance itself.

Summer is the prime season for open-air dancing. Häme’s best-known pavilions, such as Kolmilammi in Hausjärvi, attract dancers of all ages from a wide area, including Helsinki, Jyväskylä, Eastern Finland, and Turku.

For international visitors, open-air dancing can be a new and sometimes bewildering experience. “Finnish reserve coupled with close physical contact initially raises eyebrows, but quickly turns into genuine excitement,” Tuominen describes. Dance doesn’t require a shared spoken language, which makes it easily accessible to people from different cultures. A few simple steps, or even just moving to the beat of the music, can open the door to Finnish dance and its communal spirit.

As a dance instructor, Hanna wants to encourage everyone to participate without worrying about mistakes: “Dancing is a social, relaxing experience. Anyone can join pavilion dances, regardless of age or skill level.”

Iloranta, based in Hauho, Häme, is Finland’s oldest full-service rural tourism company. It is known for its soothing rural landscapes and immersive traditional experiences, which are offered throughout the year. Among the most cherished experiences is baking rye bread.

Rye bread is a true symbol of Finnish heritage. In Iloranta, visitors can knead dough made from a century-old sourdough starter and bake bread using traditional methods, honouring generations past.

The smell and taste of a freshly baked rye bread take you back to a time when baking was a communal event, where family, neighbours, and stories intertwined. Every freshly baked loaf is a testament to this enduring tradition and the core of Finnish daily life.

The smoke sauna is a cornerstone of Finnish sauna traditions. For centuries, it has served as the stage for both everyday life and pivotal moments. The sauna has been used for giving birth, treating the sick, washing off the day’s grime, relaxing, and preparing for celebrations. It has been a space of purity, peace, and community.

Hevossilta, located in the rural landscape of Forssa, is a versatile destination where two historic courtyards with their museum buildings, a stable restaurant, smoke saunas, holiday cottages, and extensive grounds create a truly immersive environment.

Hevossilta’s century-old smoke saunas offer soft, soothing steam, infused with the distinct aroma of smoke. The darkened, weathered walls and the lingering scent of smoke whisper the tales of generations past.

The smoke sauna experience is not limited to the steam alone. Traditional Finnish sauna culture often includes a vihta, a whisk bound from birch twigs used to gently stimulate the body during the steam. The scent and lively touch of the whisk make the sauna experience even more refreshing. This tradition can also be tried firsthand: for example, at Hakola Berry Farm, you can learn to tie your own sauna whisk and master its proper use under guidance.

The smoke sauna is a full sensory experience, bringing deep relaxation to both body and mind.

The article was written as part of the Elämykset esiin project, funded by the Agricultural Fund for Rural Development.