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The Opposite of Cold: The Northwoods Finnish Sauna Tradition
As many in the north country can attest, one of life's great pleasures resides in the tradition of sauna-sitting in 180-plus-degree heat and throwing cool water on oven-hot stones to create a blast of steam (called löyly ), followed by a jump in the lake, standing naked in subzero temperatures (or even a roll in the snow), or just relaxing on the cooling porch. To the uninitiated, there is a strange, alluring mystique to the art of Finnish sauna. But to an ever-increasing number of people-from their small urban saunas to backwoods and lakeside retreats-the culture and practice of Finnish sauna are as much a part of northwoods life as campfires and canoe trips.
Beginning with the origins of Finnish sauna and how the practice was first brought to North America, and continuing all the way to contemporary design, The Opposite of Cold is an exquisite commemoration of the history, culture, and practice of Finnish sauna in the northwoods. With stunning photographs of unique and historic saunas of the region-including the oldest sauna in North America, incredible surviving saunas from immigrant farmsteads, and the gorgeous contemporary saunas from noted architects-Michael Nordskog and Aaron Hautala unveil the importance and beauty of sauna culture in modern Midwestern life.
Richly illuminated by Aaron Hautala's photographs of distinctive saunas from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Finland, The Opposite of Cold is for people who grew up with Wednesday and Saturday evening saunas (or watched their steaming neighbors running toward the lake) and for those who dream of one day having their own. And through this book we see why Finnish sauna tradition is vital and enduring, from the warmest summer evenings to the coldest winter nights.
Beginning with the origins of Finnish sauna and how the practice was first brought to North America, and continuing all the way to contemporary design, The Opposite of Cold is an exquisite commemoration of the history, culture, and practice of Finnish sauna in the northwoods. With stunning photographs of unique and historic saunas of the region-including the oldest sauna in North America, incredible surviving saunas from immigrant farmsteads, and the gorgeous contemporary saunas from noted architects-Michael Nordskog and Aaron Hautala unveil the importance and beauty of sauna culture in modern Midwestern life.
Richly illuminated by Aaron Hautala's photographs of distinctive saunas from Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ontario, and Finland, The Opposite of Cold is for people who grew up with Wednesday and Saturday evening saunas (or watched their steaming neighbors running toward the lake) and for those who dream of one day having their own. And through this book we see why Finnish sauna tradition is vital and enduring, from the warmest summer evenings to the coldest winter nights.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
208 pages, Hardcover
First published September 14, 2010
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138 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
January 28, 2018
This is one of the most gorgeous coffee-table books that I have ever owned. It is an absolute essential for anyone who owns a sauna on a lake in Northern Minnesota or Northwestern Ontario. Bravo to the University of Minnesota Press.
June 29, 2011
The Opposite of Cold is an absolute joy. It is, as the subtitle reads, a book about the Northwoods Finnish tradition. It could serve as a coffee-table book--and you would do yourself and any guests a service showcasing it as such--but this should not imply that the book is to be simply glossed over.
The photography here is glorious. There are amazing perspectives of gifted architectural designs, images of strong and independent people, and some breathtaking natural views taken from the majestic shores of Lake Superior to an idyllic rural setting in Finland at the summer solstice. Hautala's discerning eye will astonish and and transport the viewer with each new browsing.
The heart of the book though--and what keeps this from simply being an awe-inspiring picture book-- is Michael Nordskog's luminous writing. The Opposite of Cold is thoroughly researched and comprehensive. It covers elements of Finnish immigration, folk-customs, literature, geography, many fascinating portrayals of Finns, Finnish-Americans, and others who have embraced the Sauana tradition. The book explains various types of saunas, how sauna culture developed, how it spread (and is currently becoming more popular), and the multiple purposes of sauna (bathing, relaxing, connecting with loved ones, clearing one's head and purification to a near spiritual extent).
The author breathes life into this book through the careful and reverential manner in which he presents the people who fiercely protect their sauna tradition. The histories included range from humble Finnish immigrants (of the Northern regions of Minnesota Wisconsin, and Michigan) to more famous adherents such as the composer Jean Sibelius. All of these individuals are connected by their Finnish roots or their devotion to this Finnish tradition.
Growing up in Minnesota of Swedish ancestry (even my mom was 100% Swede), my previous view of Finnish culture was dim. There were not many negative specifics submitted regarding the drawbacks of being Finnish; They simply (and lamentably) were not Swedish. There were even angry rumblings within the family when there were rumored Finnish branches in our family tree. The stories told within these pages about the creative and independent nature of the Finnish people and Finnish Americans has me lamenting that the rumored Finnish blood in my family was truly a rumor.
This should be a must read for anyone interested in Minnesota history, Finnish and Finnish-American history and culture and, of course, anyone trying to grasp the reasoning behind the devotion to The Opposite of Cold, sauna.
The photography here is glorious. There are amazing perspectives of gifted architectural designs, images of strong and independent people, and some breathtaking natural views taken from the majestic shores of Lake Superior to an idyllic rural setting in Finland at the summer solstice. Hautala's discerning eye will astonish and and transport the viewer with each new browsing.
The heart of the book though--and what keeps this from simply being an awe-inspiring picture book-- is Michael Nordskog's luminous writing. The Opposite of Cold is thoroughly researched and comprehensive. It covers elements of Finnish immigration, folk-customs, literature, geography, many fascinating portrayals of Finns, Finnish-Americans, and others who have embraced the Sauana tradition. The book explains various types of saunas, how sauna culture developed, how it spread (and is currently becoming more popular), and the multiple purposes of sauna (bathing, relaxing, connecting with loved ones, clearing one's head and purification to a near spiritual extent).
The author breathes life into this book through the careful and reverential manner in which he presents the people who fiercely protect their sauna tradition. The histories included range from humble Finnish immigrants (of the Northern regions of Minnesota Wisconsin, and Michigan) to more famous adherents such as the composer Jean Sibelius. All of these individuals are connected by their Finnish roots or their devotion to this Finnish tradition.
Growing up in Minnesota of Swedish ancestry (even my mom was 100% Swede), my previous view of Finnish culture was dim. There were not many negative specifics submitted regarding the drawbacks of being Finnish; They simply (and lamentably) were not Swedish. There were even angry rumblings within the family when there were rumored Finnish branches in our family tree. The stories told within these pages about the creative and independent nature of the Finnish people and Finnish Americans has me lamenting that the rumored Finnish blood in my family was truly a rumor.
This should be a must read for anyone interested in Minnesota history, Finnish and Finnish-American history and culture and, of course, anyone trying to grasp the reasoning behind the devotion to The Opposite of Cold, sauna.
December 11, 2018
An exceptionally specific and well designed book. What will likely draw you in, as a reader, is the gorgeous layout and the abundance of photography, both historical and modern. You can read the volume straight through, as I did, likely if you're wholly inexperience with sauna culture or you can just look through the pictures and read about the ones that stick out to you.
It's worth noting that the book has limited aims. It's not trying to discuss all kinds of sauna. It's not trying to discuss how sauna is used in all kinds of communities. It's specifically focused on the heritage of sauna in the Finnish community of the Upper Midwest, with some attention to its roots in Finland itself. There is some exciting novelty to learning a great deal about a very niche topic you know nothing about. I savored the aesthetics of the book and am definitely interested in getting more firsthand experience.
It's worth noting that the book has limited aims. It's not trying to discuss all kinds of sauna. It's not trying to discuss how sauna is used in all kinds of communities. It's specifically focused on the heritage of sauna in the Finnish community of the Upper Midwest, with some attention to its roots in Finland itself. There is some exciting novelty to learning a great deal about a very niche topic you know nothing about. I savored the aesthetics of the book and am definitely interested in getting more firsthand experience.
July 22, 2011
Now that I know how to pronounce it correctly (not SAH-na, not SAW-na ... SOW-na-- like sauerkraut), start asking me trivia on the origin of them.
Really though, a fascinating book on the history and culture of the Finns.
And the photography alone is worth poring over.
I'm still not sure I'm brave enough to do the jumping into the icy lake water thing though...
Really though, a fascinating book on the history and culture of the Finns.
And the photography alone is worth poring over.
I'm still not sure I'm brave enough to do the jumping into the icy lake water thing though...
March 3, 2012
Beautiful book, glossy pictures of numerous style of saunas. It'd be nice for a coffee table book.
I didn't read the book though--just bits & pieces here & there. I don't have to return it to the library yet so I'll be getting back to it. I understand there's mention of our cousin & I've already seen mentions of New York Mills, MN--makes it even more interesting to me.
I didn't read the book though--just bits & pieces here & there. I don't have to return it to the library yet so I'll be getting back to it. I understand there's mention of our cousin & I've already seen mentions of New York Mills, MN--makes it even more interesting to me.
February 27, 2025
The author has gone to great lengths to document the history and culture of the saunas in the Northwoods of the Lake Superior region. For as beautiful as the photos are in the book, the writing is equally engaging. Now 15 years old, this book seems ahead of its time, as saunas are now having a bit of a renaissance.
January 18, 2011
Beautiful photos, beautiful writing. I grew up in the 'sauna belt' so this book was a special delight.
March 18, 2015
Have greater appreciation for my sauna heritage after reading this book. And I also really want a sauna.
January 17, 2021
God so good Corking
October 16, 2018
Great history of the sauna tradition in the U.S.
January 25, 2023
First things first, Nordskog clarifies the correct pronunciation of sauna. I appreciate that.
There are many good photos and the book is packed with Finnish-American immigrant history.
That history is part of my own, as all of my family tree on my dad's side comes from Finland. Saturday saunas were part of my childhood. Growing up, my family had a traditional sauna, built by the Finns who settled the homestead, dovetailed log buildings and all. My grandparents had a more modern sauna in their basement. Thinking of either one of those saunas brings back fond memories and a sense of family and heritage. And as of late, my own family is establishing a Wednesday and Saturday tradition in a sauna of our own. Oh, the nostalgia of a creaking door and the hiss of the steam on hot rocks.
I suppose maybe this book wasn't quite what I was hoping it would be, yet to be fair, it's everything it says it is in the blurb. Tons of info. I liked it, but the perfect (more simple) sauna book I'm seeking is still out there.
There are many good photos and the book is packed with Finnish-American immigrant history.
That history is part of my own, as all of my family tree on my dad's side comes from Finland. Saturday saunas were part of my childhood. Growing up, my family had a traditional sauna, built by the Finns who settled the homestead, dovetailed log buildings and all. My grandparents had a more modern sauna in their basement. Thinking of either one of those saunas brings back fond memories and a sense of family and heritage. And as of late, my own family is establishing a Wednesday and Saturday tradition in a sauna of our own. Oh, the nostalgia of a creaking door and the hiss of the steam on hot rocks.
I suppose maybe this book wasn't quite what I was hoping it would be, yet to be fair, it's everything it says it is in the blurb. Tons of info. I liked it, but the perfect (more simple) sauna book I'm seeking is still out there.
May 1, 2022
Everyone in the sauna groups raves about this book. The pictures are lovely, both modern and historical photographs. I enjoyed reading about the Finnish immigrant experience, from building their own saunas to the community sauna. I often wonder about my great grandparents’ experience. There was a community sauna in Hibbing- did they go?? My grandma said they never spoke Finnish and tried to assimilate as much as possible. And our family never had a family sauna. But it was there, did they ever check it out? From families to communities, sauna plays a role in bringing people together. Our sauna will be here soon and I truly hope to have regular social gatherings with friends, neighbors, and coworkers. So many people describe the experience with reverence, almost like a spiritual experience, and I’m looking forward to having that with my family.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews