Kuurakaltio Spa
Feel the refreshing effect of icy water coming from Lapland fells and try the traditional Smoke Sauna.
The Sauna World of Kiilopää is named Kuurakaltio. The Spa has two electric saunas (separate saunas for men and women), dressing rooms and showers (separate for men and women), a smoke sauna (for men and women) and a swimming place. During the wintertime the temperature of the water is approximately -1 ºC and in the summer +5 ºC – +15 ºC.
The smoke sauna is heated at least once a week for the public, and during the high season three times weekly. Sauna tickets may be purchased from the Fell Centre Kiilopää Reception. Towels and swimsuits may also be hired from the reception. The smoke sauna and electric saunas may be booked for private bathing when the saunas are not available for the public.
What is the Smoke Sauna?
Smoke sauna differs from other saunas as it does not have a chimney. In other words, smoke sauna is heated by burning wood in the stove and letting the smoke to fill the room. When the temperature is desired the fire in the stove is let burnt out and the room will be aired out. The residual heat of the stove is sufficient for the whole period of bathing in the sauna.
Originally - back in the 19th century - Finnish saunas were smoke sauna, chimneys were added later on. Heating of smoke sauna requires special skills, which only experienced "Sauna Masters" have.
Health benefits of winter swimming
• better tolerance of cold
• fewer colds
• fewer aches and pains
• better circulation
• lower blood pressure
• a refreshed mind
• a lessening of stress
• improved sleep
Winter and cold water swimming relieves stress, as the cold releases stress hormones. Continuous exposure to cold water naturally improves the tolerance to cold water and to the cold in general. As the body is toughened against the cold, its immunity is also improved.
Winter swimming affects both the body’s immune and antioxidant systems, which may help the body to endure various external strains. When swimming is continued it will most likely lower blood pressure.The effects of winter swimming and other forms of cryotherapy in treating such conditions as rheumatism have also been studied and the results have been encouraging. In Finland cryotherapy is used for pain relief and to treat arthritis. Results from elsewhere have shown it also very effective in improving the respiration of people suffering from asthma. Also people suffering from fibromyalgia use winter swimming for pain relief.
People who suffer from some kind of serious disease or condition should consult their doctor about the risks of winter swimming. In particular, blood pressure problems and heart disease symptoms may keep you from enjoying a cold swim.
The difference in temperature between the sauna and icy water causes great strain on the heart and changes in blood pressure may cause dizziness. After a sauna and swim in the icy water, be sure to put on enough warm clothes to avoid catching a cold. You will not have time to catch a cold in the water; if you feel cold after swimming it is usually due to insufficient clothing.