With almost 3 million saunas in a nation of 5.5 million people, the Finnish sauna is an important component of national culture. Its benefits extend far beyond basic hygiene. The warmth of a sauna provides a place to relieve stress, enhance health, and build friendships during the bitter winter. For Finns, the sauna routine is a regular, almost sacred activity. It is real, natural, and essential to the Nordic way of life.
The history of the Finnish sauna spans over two thousand years. “Smoke saunas” (savusaunas), which were originally tiny wooden cottages heated by burning wood, were the first kind of saunas. The early models didn’t have chimneys; instead, heat was kept as soon as the smoke exited the space. These saunas developed into increasingly complex environments throughout time, adding ventilation systems and warm stone ovens.
Saunas were as a key part of Finnish society for generations, serving as places to celebrate rituals, give birth, treat diseases, and washing.
A traditional Finnish sauna is typically constructed from wood, with spruce and pine being the most popular species because to their availability and durability. There are several types of saunas, but the most frequent in Finland are wood-fired and electric saunas. Savusaunas are popular in rural regions. Raised benches are frequently used in interior design to allow bathers to take advantage of the rising warm air. Another significant element is stone, which is used in the oven (kiuas) to hold heat and produce steam when water is poured over it.
The hot steam produced when water is poured over the heated stones in the kiuas is referred to as “löyly“. This steam regulates the room’s temperature and humidity, which is a crucial aspect of the sauna experience. Finns believe that the löyly is what sets a sauna apart from a regular heated room, and they frequently discuss the löyly’s quality. When compared to other saunas worldwide, the temperature of a Finnish sauna is quite high. It fluctuates between 158 and 212°F (70 and 100 degrees Celsius). Within the sauna, the usual humidity ranges from 40% to 60%.
Saunas continue to play an important part in Finnish life. They are found in houses, apartments, holiday cottages, and even offices. Although modernity has introduced innovations such as electric-powered saunas, the traditional sauna remains popular. Public saunas, like as those in Kotiharju and Löyly, Helsinki, have evolved into vibrant cultural and social hubs. In cities, urban saunas are linked to bars and restaurants, providing a full social experience.
Now that you understand the history, tradition, and practice of Finnish saunas, why not try this transformational experience? Our custom-built Windigo model is designed to capture the true essence of Finnish tradition. Constructed from cedar wood or another wood of your choosing, fitted with the appropriate oven, and designed to produce the ideal “löyly”! A unique and stimulating experience. Contact us and learn how saunas may help you connect with the finest of Finnish culture
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