**Christmas Sauna: Finland's Sacred Holiday Ritual**

As the anticipation of Christmas builds in Finland, many turn towards the comforting warmth of the sauna. The Christmas Sauna, or 'Joulusauna,' is far more than just a bathing ritual; it's a deeply rooted tradition offering peace of mind and body purification before the festive season truly begins. It's a moment to pause and prepare for the celebrations, far removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

Traditionally, the Joulusauna is heated on Christmas Eve morning, allowing everyone to bathe in daylight before the evening's festivities and the onset of darkness. A respectful silence prevails, intended for both deep relaxation and honoring ancient beliefs – it's said that quietness keeps the benevolent sauna elf content and deters summer mosquitoes.

The experience often includes a refreshing contrast: between the hot steam, many venture outside to roll in the snow or take a quick dip, invigorating the body and sharpening the mind. A fragrant sauna whisk, or 'vihta' (made from birch branches), is an essential part of the experience, connecting today's bathers to traditions spanning generations. After the sauna, it's customary to enjoy small refreshments like gingerbread cookies, glögi (mulled wine), or nuts in the tranquil Christmas atmosphere.

While times may change, the Joulusauna remains a sacred moment for Finns. It's a cherished way to pause, cleanse oneself, and prepare for the true message of Christmas – one of peace and quiet reflection. It's a tradition that invites both locals and travelers to experience the authentic magic of a Finnish Christmas and find their own inner peace amidst the winter landscape.

Traveling to us is easy, even by flying to Oulu! To ensure your vacation

starts as smoothly as possible, we can arrange for our hotel's minibus

to pick you up directly from the airport. This way, you can begin

enjoying your holiday right away, without any extra stress.

Arctic Giant Forest sauna & experience! ⭐️
🌲 In a special forest sauna, you can feel like you are a part of nature and experience wonderful natural phenomena around you.
💦 A refreshing combination of hot and cold.
🔥 Sauna shifts are open to everyone: our guests and others!
Sauna shifts can also be booked online and there will be times from morning to evening. Stay tuned! 🤩

When you arrive at our place, you will be surrounded by a magical moment of the area's natural spirit, known as the essence of the forest and nature.

It has a calming spiritual effect, enveloping you in its tranquil presence.

After a leisurely day of exploration, you begin to notice the beauty of the area that you wish to explore peacefully, whether by bike or on foot, but before that, to eat.

Or perhaps first you enjoy the nature, and then we welcome you for a meal as arranged, with a world of flavors awaiting.

Giant’s Dinner:
Giant Dinner offers a personalized culinary experience crafted with care. Each day, the menu is tailored to the preferences of the giant, creating unique taste worlds meticulously prepared in our kitchen. Every dish features the clean and empowering flavors of local ingredients, enhanced with subtle nuances. Dinners are served from large plates in our atmospheric restaurant with a view, available on Friday and Saturday.
Wild Food from Finland:
Our wild food selection includes berries, mushrooms, wild herbs, vegetables, fish, game, and reindeer, sourced directly from the Arctic Finnish nature.
Table reservations should be made at least 1 day in advance.
The Giant’s Plates:
Food holds great importance for us giants, almost as much as the forest. We prefer our meals to be simple yet flavorful, enjoyed with wholeheartedness. We strive to create the right ambiance to enhance your dining experience. You may also notice our character reflected in the size of our dishes. After all, it's not every day you see cardamom buns as large as ours.
The Arctic Giant Birdhouse is a unique nature experience. The cottage has a large landscape window, which allows you to relax on the bed, watch the Kainuu area wild nature and feel as you are a part of nature, as a bird in a nest. From these birdhouses you can also experience all four seasons with their weather variations in the stunning landscapes of Arctic Giant.
Stop for a moment and admire the glowing starry sky, the sunset or the sparkle of the northern lights. A night in the Birdhouse will makes you forget the hurry and stress of everyday life. You will feel complete peace and quietness. There is nothing better than waking up at the hill top to the dawn of the morning rays in stunning scenery.
A night in a giant birdhouse is an unforgettable experience.
Accommodation: PRICES / Travel Club discount -10% - mention code TravelClub2025 at the time of booking
ARCTIC GIANT BIRDHOUSE HOTEL
Clik the link arcticgiant.fi/en/