Puolikosta

Puolikosta is a Finnish term that can refer to a specific type of traditional Finnish sauna or, more broadly, to a certain style of wood-fired stove used in saunas. When referring to a sauna, a puolikosta is typically a small, basic sauna that is heated directly by the stove, which is often uncovered. This design allows for rapid heating and intense steam. The term can also describe the stove itself, characterized by its simple construction, often made of brick or stone, and designed to heat the sauna space and the stones that produce steam. These stoves are not typically enclosed within a protective casing, meaning the stones are directly exposed to the sauna room. The heating process involves building a fire within the stove, allowing the stones to become very hot, and then throwing water onto these hot stones to create steam, known as löyly. Puolikosta saunas are valued for their authentic and intense sauna experience, often associated with a more rustic and traditional approach to sauna bathing. The simplicity of the design is a key characteristic.