When we talk about sauna, thoughts inevitably turn to Finland. Here, sauna is not just a wellness experience, but a deeply rooted part of culture and identity. With over two million saunas for a population of less than six million, sauna is as natural as eating dinner.
Historical roots
The earliest saunas in Finland can be traced back thousands of years. Back then, they were primitive earthen huts where stones were heated over a fire and the heat was used for washing, healing and even childbirth. The sauna was a place of both physical and spiritual purification.
Löyly - the soul of the sauna
The core of the Finnish sauna experience is “löyly” – the steam that is created when water is poured onto the red-hot stones. Löyly is considered the soul of the sauna, and in Finnish tradition, much of the experience is about this particular part of the experience. It is the steam that gives the feeling of enveloping warmth and purity.
Birkeris and rituals
Another tradition is the use of birch ice, or “vihta”. These are bundles of birch branches that are gently beaten against the skin. It may seem harsh, but the purpose is to stimulate blood circulation, open the pores and provide a fragrant, aromatic experience. Many Finns consider this part as important as the heat itself.
Sauna as a social space
In Finland, the sauna is a neutral place where everyone meets on equal terms – regardless of status or title. Families gather in the sauna, friends meet here, and even business deals can be made in the heat. The sauna thus becomes a social space where barriers are broken down and relationships are strengthened.
UNESCO World Heritage List
In 2020, Finnish sauna culture was inscribed on UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage List. This underlines how important sauna is to national identity. For Finns, sauna is not a luxury, but a necessity of life – a place of purification, healing and community.
What can we learn from Denmark?
In Denmark, sauna is still often associated with self-indulgence, spa stays or winter swimming. But we can take inspiration from the Finnish approach: making sauna a natural part of everyday life. When the heat becomes a ritual, not an exception, we can reap the long-term benefits for both body and mind.
From tradition to the present
At Sauna House, we draw on this very tradition. Sauna doesn’t have to be exclusive or rare – it can be an accessible, regular practice that enhances health, community and joy of life. Finnish heritage reminds us that heat can be much more than wellness.
