sakkes

Sakkes are a type of Finnish sauna whisk, traditionally made from birch branches and leaves. They are used during sauna bathing to gently strike the skin, which is believed to increase circulation and release beneficial oils from the birch. The aroma of the fresh birch leaves is also a significant part of the sauna experience. Sakkes are typically made by hand and are a common accessory in Finnish saunas.

The process of making a sakke involves carefully selecting and gathering young, flexible birch branches. These are then bundled together and tied securely, often with twine or a natural fiber. The leaves are kept fresh by soaking the sakke in water before use. The practice of using sakkes, or vihta as they are also known in some regions, is deeply ingrained in Finnish culture and is considered an essential element of a traditional sauna.

While birch is the most common material, other types of wood, such as oak or juniper, can also be used to create saunas, each offering a slightly different scent and feel. The tradition of using saunas and sakkes is recognized by UNESCO as part of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. The gentle beating with a sakke is not meant to be painful but rather a refreshing and invigorating sensation.