Jäätalkoot - Ice Sauna Construction and Bathing Experience

Film and audio: Jalmari Huusko, Emma Väänänen, Lauri Visuri, Mika Kamula

Saunas are central to Finnish identity and culture, with traditions dating back centuries, and Finland has more saunas per capita than anywhere else in the world. Traditional saunas use heat (typically 70-90°C) to create a cleansing and relaxing experience inside a cabin.

While Bernd Nicolaisen's exhibition was being set up inside the AaltoSiilo, outside the building 'Jäätalkoot' was launched. From 17 to 22 February, Seppo Mäkinen of Snowhow Oy and a team of volunteers built a fully functional ice sauna—a magical, glowing turquoise structure that opened to the public on 23 February. Volunteers helped moving ice blocks, sawing sauna benches, and various other activities. The sauna heater was kindly provided by Narvi.

The ice sauna is an extraordinary architectural feat, built from blocks of ice that continuously melt and refreeze as the temperature soars inside—turning from frosted to totally transparent depending on the conditions. When water is added to the coals, steam swirls up, creating a blue cloud so thick that 'you can't even see your own hands'.

This unique community project was one of the first events at the AaltoSiilo as part of the Oulu2026 programme. The fully functional Ice Sauna operated from 23 until 26 February, and the sauna slots were fully booked within days of the first announcement.