Introduction
There's something universally appealing and deeply relaxing about the sauna experience. A tradition rooted in ancient practices, saunas have evolved into a significant aspect of cultural identity in various parts of the world. As a passionate traveler and a sauna enthusiast, I've explored how different countries embrace this steamy tradition. Let's dive into the sauna cultures of 7 countries where this practice is not just a leisure activity but a way of life. We must, of course, start out in Finland where the sauna was invented, possibly as long ago as 7000 BC. They take their saunas very seriously there and anyone looking to marry in to a Finnish family has best be prepared to withstand a lengthy test of their mettle in a VERY hot sauna. They also enjoy teasing their Swedish neighbors about the saunas that they have there.
At a very popular sauna complex in Helsinki this past Christmas, I overheard a couple of young men taunting their Swedish friend with a joke:
"What is the difference between a Finnish and a Swedish sauna?"
"I don't know, what?"
"The Swedish sauna is cold."
Maybe it loses a little in translation but they, and those around listening, all found it rather amusing.
1. Finland: The Heartland of Sauna Culture
Saunas are an integral part of Finnish life. There is a saying in Finland, "Build the sauna, then the house". With more saunas than cars, it's evident that for Finns, the sauna is more than just a place to relax. It's a place for physical and spiritual cleansing. In Finland, saunas are a family affair, a place for quiet contemplation, and an essential part of major life events. From traditional smoke saunas to modern public saunas, the variety is endless.
Experiencing a sauna in Finland often involves a plunge into a cold lake or rolling in the snow, making it invigorating and unforgettable. To complete the traditional experience try using a vihta; a type of whisk made of white or silver birch branches with leaves. It is used to gently beat the skin while in the sauna in order to improve circulation. It also adds a certain earthy aroma to the sauna experience. According to the Finns, "Sauna ilman vihtaa on kuin ruaka ilman suola" which basically means a sauna without a Vihta is like a meal without salt.
If you find yourself in Helsinki, make sure you visit Löyly, a large public sauna complex complete with restaurant and bar. There are several saunas on site including a smoke sauna, and one that has a large window overlooking the sea, in which the Finns wander down the ramp to swim in, even in the depths of winter. Especially in the depths of winter! Originally löyly meant spirit or life but these days it has simply come to mean sauna steam. If you miss out on Löyly make sure you use the sauna at your hotel at least! If you are lucky enough you might even be able to get a hotel room that has its own private sauna in the room. (Yay, Hilton Helsinki Airport!)
Type: Traditional Finnish saunas are typically wood-lined rooms with a heater (wood-burning or electric) that heats the space and a pile of rocks on which water can be thrown to increase humidity and thus the apparent temperature. Too much water on the rocks and it gets unbearably hot and difficult to breathe so make small incremental additions.
Average Operating Temperature: Finnish saunas operate at temperatures typically between 70°C to 100°C (158°F to 212°F). The high heat is typically balanced with low humidity, making it more tolerable.
2. Japan: The Land of Onsens
In Japan, the sauna takes the form of onsens - natural hot springs. These geothermal springs, found throughout the country, are cherished for their relaxing and purported healing properties. Onsen culture in Japan is deeply ingrained and tied to the Japanese ethos of harmony and respect. Bathing in an onsen is a serene, communal experience, often followed by a period of relaxation in beautifully designed rest areas, complementing the tranquil ambience.
Type: Onsens are natural hot springs, often part of a spa or bathhouse. They are not saunas in the traditional sense but are similar in their use for relaxation and bathing in hot water.
Average Operating Temperature: The water in onsens generally ranges from 37°C to 42°C (99°F to 108°F), which is a comfortable bathing temperature.
3. Iceland: Geothermal Hot Springs and Public Pools
Continuing on the theme of hot springs, Iceland's geothermal pools are unique due to their mineral-rich waters, often containing silica, algae, and other minerals that are beneficial for the skin. The experience is more about soaking in these therapeutic waters amidst stunning natural landscapes, rather than the intense heat and steam of a traditional sauna.
Type: In Iceland, the focus is more on geothermal hot springs and public pools rather than saunas in the traditional sense. These natural pools are heated by the country's abundant geothermal activity. While Iceland does have saunas, the geothermal pools are more central to its bathing culture. These pools can range from the famous Blue Lagoon (recently reopened now after the volcanic activity has waned) to more rustic, natural hot springs scattered across the landscape.
Average Operating Temperature: The temperature of these geothermal pools varies, but they are typically maintained at around 37°C to 40°C (99°F to 104°F), which is comfortably warm but not as hot as traditional saunas. This makes them ideal for prolonged relaxation and enjoying the surrounding natural beauty.
4. Turkey: Hammams - An Ottoman Legacy
Turkish baths, or hammams, are an integral part of Turkish culture, tracing back to the Ottoman Empire. These communal bathing spaces are architecturally stunning, featuring marble and intricate tile work. The hammam experience involves a steam bath, followed by a full-body wash and massage. The process is rejuvenating, and the social aspect of hammams plays a vital role in community bonding and relaxation. Anyone who visits one of these for the first time will be simply appalled by the amount of dirt and grime that they will be able to scrub off of your body. There is clean and then there is Turkish hammam clean. To indulge in the experience in your own home you can try using one of the Turkish Kese, or exfoliating glove, for your next shower/bath. We've got an example below.
Type: A hammam is a type of Turkish steam bath in a large, tiled room with a central heated marble platform. It's more about steam and warm temperatures than dry heat.
Average Operating Temperature: Hammams operate at lower temperatures than typical saunas, usually around 40°C to 50°C (104°F to 122°F), with high humidity.
5. Sweden: A Blend of Tradition and Modernity
In Sweden, saunas are a cherished tradition, deeply rooted in the Scandinavian way of life. Similar to their Finnish neighbors, Swedes enjoy the contrast of the hot sauna followed by a cold dip, often in a lake or the sea. Swedish saunas blend traditional practices with modern designs, making them not just a place for relaxation but also a testament to Swedish minimalistic and functional design.
Type: Similar to Finnish saunas, Swedish saunas are typically wood-paneled rooms with dry heat. They may be electrically heated or wood-fired.
Average Operating Temperature: Swedish saunas are typically heated to around 70°C to 90°C (158°F to 194°F), similar to Finnish saunas, but sometimes a bit cooler.
6. South Korea: The Culture of Jjimjilbangs
In South Korea, the jjimjilbang is a unique and essential part of the national culture. These are large, gender-segregated public bathhouses where people can spend hours, even overnight, indulging in various types of saunas and steam rooms. Each jjimjilbang offers a variety of themed rooms with different temperatures and materials, like salt, jade, or clay, believed to offer health benefits. The experience often includes relaxation areas, entertainment options, and traditional Korean dining, making it a mini-vacation for families, friends, or solo visitors seeking a retreat from the bustling city life. The social aspect of jjimjilbangs is significant, serving as a communal space for rest and renewal.
Type: Jjimjilbangs are large, communal bathhouses with various sauna rooms, each made from different materials like clay, jade, salt, etc., and designed for relaxation and health benefits.
Average Operating Temperature: The temperatures in the various sauna rooms of a jjimjilbang can range widely, typically from 40°C to 70°C (104°F to 158°F), depending on the room and its specific purpose.
7. Germany: The Blend of Wellness and Freikörperkultur (FKK)
Germany offers a unique sauna culture heavily influenced by the Freikörperkultur (FKK), or "Free Body Culture," promoting a natural and healthy approach to nudity. Saunas in Germany are typically co-ed, and nudity is the norm, reflecting a deep-rooted belief in the health benefits of saunas and naturalism. German saunas are not just about sweating; they often include various wellness activities like Aufguss, where a sauna master circulates aromatic infusions to create a revitalizing steam. This practice is accompanied by themed relaxation rooms, cold plunge pools, and rest areas, providing a comprehensive wellness experience. The German sauna is a place of tranquility, health, and body positivity, deeply embedded in the social fabric.
Type: German saunas are similar to the Finnish style but often feature a greater variety of sauna types within sauna complexes, including dry saunas, steam rooms, and special theme saunas.
Average Operating Temperature: The temperature in a German sauna usually ranges from 80°C to 90°C (176°F to 194°F), with the famous Aufguss sessions raising the perceived temperature higher.
Conclusion
Sauna culture, in its various forms across these countries, offers a fascinating glimpse into different ways of life. It's a reminder of the universal need for relaxation, rejuvenation, and social connection. Whether it's the serene onsens of Japan, the luxurious Turkish hammams, the traditional Finnish saunas, or the stylish (but cold?) Swedish ones, each offers a unique experience.
While the core concept of using heat for relaxation and health benefits is consistent across these sauna cultures, the actual experience, from the type of sauna to the temperature and humidity levels, varies significantly from country to country, reflecting their unique cultural practices and preferences. As a traveler, immersing in these sauna traditions is not just about physical wellness but also about connecting with different cultures at a deeper level.
Il Digestivo
Whether you partake in a sauna at your local gym, or you want to treat yourself to a good deep exfoliating clean here are a couple of items that you might find useful. I personally love the Kese. I added an actual sauna below as well to stoke your curiosity...
Sed Mountain Exfoliating Glove
Body Scrub - Turkish Hammam Kese Mitt - Dead & Dry Skin Cleanser - Deep Clean Soft Skin Care For Women & Men. These are to be used with water only as using soap or gel will reducew the effect of the kese. Wash yourself with soap first and then use the kese to scrub away dead skin and baked in dirt. Available in several different weights of cloth to be used for different skin types with some for sensitive skin and face only. Each individual should have their own kese, it is not hygienic to share one.
LGEGE 6PCS Stretchable Wristband Keychain
This wrist coil can be used in outside and inside to work with a security card or keys at the gym, pool, sauna, beach. Wrist keychain bracelets are widely used during swimming, walking, sports, cycling, and traveling. Come as a pack of six different colors.
ALEKO Barrel Sauna with Front Porch Canopy
Maybe you have been thinking about putting a sauna into your home, or yard. I know I plan to, and this would be the kind I want. Don't bother with the FAR infrared saunas, get the real deal. Barrel sauna- ALEKO’s 4-person wet or dry sauna can be used both outdoors or indoors. It is made of durable rustic cedar wood and features bitumen roofing and a front porch canopy that includes two exterior benches to give you space to enjoy fresh air and cool down.
This personal sauna comes with a UL Certified 4.5 kW Harvia sauna heater (one of the best known Finnish heaters). The simple-to-operate dial allows you to easily access and control your heater, and it has an adjustable temperature range between 158-194 degrees Fahrenheit. This is the type of sauna that you could (and should!) pour water over the rocks to make it feel much hotter.
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