The word “sauna” itself originates from Finnish, it refers not only to the bathhouse but historically to early bathing and dwelling structures. In its earliest form, the sauna was often a "smoke sauna" (savusauna). A small wooden building heated by a wood fire beneath stones, with no chimney. The smoke would fill the room, and once the fire was out and the smoke evacuated, the heat would remain for hours, providing warmth for bathing, childbirth, and even medical uses.
Over centuries this simple tradition evolved. As building techniques, heating methods and societal hygiene standards improved, saunas transitioned from smoke-filled huts to properly constructed wooden cabins with stoves, chimneys, and later electric heaters. Making them suitable for homes and even apartments.
For many in Finland, the sauna is deeply embedded in everyday life, not a rare luxury but often a weekly ritual. Private saunas are common in Finnish homes and apartments, and public saunas remain widespread. In recognition of its cultural importance, Finnish sauna culture was added in 2020 to the UNESCO Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity.
Finnish Sauna — Tradition, Ritual & Steam (Löyly)
The Finnish sauna what many consider the “classic sauna” maintains several distinctive characteristics:
Temperature & Steam (“löyly”): Traditional Finnish saunas are heated to high temperatures (often between 70–100 °C, though sometimes even hotter), and bathers commonly pour water over hot stones to produce steam. This steam, called löyly, is central, it loosens pores, encourages sweating, and creates the signature sauna atmosphere.
Frequency & Lifestyle: In Finland, sauna bathing is often part of regular life. Many people take saunas weekly, sometimes more often. Saunas are found in private homes, apartment buildings, workplaces, they are integral to Finnish living.
Culture & Health: Historically, the sauna was more than a bath, it was used for cleanliness (in a time without running water), for health, socialising, even childbirth and healing. Many Finns view the sauna as spiritually cleansing, a place for quiet reflection, physical recovery and social bonding.
Tradition of Relaxation: Sauna sessions often follow a ritual. Heat, steam, cooling (sometimes a cold plunge or shower), then rest. Bathers use wooden benches, often sit on a towel or cloth (in public settings, sometimes called a pefletti), both for comfort and hygiene.
Because of this deep heritage, for many Finns the sauna isn’t a novelty, it’s home. And when sauna culture travels abroad, many still aim to recreate that authentic Finnish experience.
Across the border, in Sweden, you’ll find the sauna tradition too, but it has developed somewhat differently. In Swedish, a sauna is usually called a “bastu”.
Here’s how the Swedish bastu tends to differ from the Finnish sauna:
Dryer, Less Steam-Oriented: Swedish 'bastus' often lean towards drier heat. While water-on-stones and steam can happen, many bastu sessions emphasise dry heat rather than frequent steaming.
Less Frequent / Luxury Use: Unlike in Finland where saunas are common and frequent in Sweden bastu tends to be more of a casual or occasional luxury. Many Swedish people view it as a treat, something for wellbeing rather than weekly hygiene or ritual.
Social & Leisure Context: Bastu is more often connected with spa-style wellness, gym/swimming-pool facilities, summer cottages, or holiday homes. The atmosphere can be more social, less ritual-driven.
Ready to bring authentic sauna culture into your home or garden? Contact us today to discuss your ideal sauna build or to schedule a showroom visit and start planning your own Finnish or Swedish style wellness retreat.