Where Sauna Originated

Saunas are an integral part of many cultures, but their roots can be traced back to Northern Europe, particularly Finland.

The Finnish Tradition: The word "sauna" itself is of Finnish origin. In Finland, saunas have been used for over 2,000 years as communal spaces for bathing, relaxation, and even giving birth. Traditional Finnish saunas are often heated with wood-fired stoves, and the custom of "löyly" (steam from water thrown on hot stones) is central to the experience.

Other Cultural Origins: While Finland is the birthplace of the modern sauna, other cultures also developed their own versions. Ancient Roman bathhouses, Native American sweat lodges, and Japanese onsens all share similarities in using heat for relaxation and purification.

The Global Popularity: Today, saunas are popular worldwide, with modern iterations like infrared and electric saunas emerging. However, Finnish saunas remain the gold standard for authentic sauna culture.