Easter in the UK might mean roast lamb, chocolate eggs, and a Bank Holiday lie-in — but head north to the lands of pine forests and steamy saunas, and you’ll find some wonderfully unique ways to welcome spring.
In Nordic countries like Finland, Sweden and Norway, Easter isn’t just about chocolate — it’s about renewal, tradition, and yes… lots of sauna time. If you’re spending your Easter weekend somewhere with access to a steam room or outdoor sauna, these wholesome traditions might just inspire your best celebration yet.
1. 🧙‍♀️ The Finnish Easter Witches (Virvonta)
In Finland, children dress up as friendly witches (trulli), with scarves, painted cheeks, and homemade brooms. On Palm Sunday or Easter Saturday, they go door-to-door exchanging decorated willow twigs for sweets — like a springtime version of Halloween.
After their adventures, many families gather for a relaxing sauna to wind down. It’s a charming custom that mixes playfulness with Finnish cosiness.
2. 🪵 A Reflective Sauna Before Easter Sunday
In Nordic culture, the sauna is sacred — and major holidays like Easter are no exception. A Good Friday or Holy Saturday sauna is seen as a way to cleanse both body and mind before Easter Sunday.
Not only is it tradition — it’s scientifically beneficial too. Studies show that regular sauna use can boost heart health and overall wellbeing, making it the perfect reset for the new season.
3. 🥚 Sauna Egg Hunts (Yes, Really)
Chocolate egg hunts are popular across Europe, but in Scandinavia, it’s common to include hand-drawn letters, rhymes, or riddles hidden around the home or garden.
Want a fun twist? Hide a golden egg near the sauna changing area (nowhere too warm!) for a small prize reveal after your steam session. It’s quirky, playful — and a nod to Nordic creativity.
4. 🍬 Feathered Birch Twigs Over Chocolate Baskets
Instead of Easter bonnets or chocolate hampers, you’ll often see bare birch branches adorned with colourful feathers, hand-cut chicks, or painted decorations displayed in homes across Sweden and Finland.
These branches, known as påskris, represent rebirth and springtime — and they pair beautifully with the minimalist vibe of any home sauna.
5. 🥚 Sweden’s Egg Tapping Game
Think conkers… but with eggs. Swedes celebrate Easter (påsk) with a festive table full of pickled herring, potatoes and hard-boiled eggs — and the star game is egg tapping.
Each person selects an egg and knocks it against others; the last one uncracked is the winner. It’s great family fun — best followed by a relaxing post-lunch sauna (whether it’s at home or the gym!).
6. 🔥 Norwegian Bonfires on Easter Eve
In Norway, Easter Saturday (Påskeaften) is often marked with countryside bonfires — a tradition that dates back to pre-Christian times as a way of welcoming lighter days.
Even if you’re not lighting a fire this year, you can still lean into that warmth and renewal theme with a few rounds of contrast therapy — alternating between hot and cold for mental clarity and physical recovery.
7. 🌲 Cabin Culture + Saunas = The Perfect Nordic Easter
While many Nordic families head to rural cabins over Easter for hiking, home-cooked meals and daily sauna sessions, most of us in the UK rely on the local gym, spa or a small home unit for our steam fix.
If you’re thinking of creating a more permanent at-home ritual, check out our guide to choosing the right home sauna — including key energy considerations and setup tips.
🌼 Easter the Nordic Way: Slow, Simple, Steamy
You don’t need a log cabin in Lapland to bring a little Nordic spirit into your Easter weekend. Whether you’re heading to your local gym sauna or relaxing at home, there’s still time to pause, reflect, and embrace the season of renewal.
So this Easter, why not:
-
Take a moment to unwind in the sauna after your workout
-
Swap your playlist for something nature-inspired
-
Try a gentle cold shower afterwards to boost circulation
-
Or even create your own Easter tradition with friends or family
Whatever you do, keep it simple, seasonal, and steamy — the Nordic way.
