Sauna – A Living Cultural Heritage

1-2-3 Sauna...

The word “sauna” is the Finnish word that has spread most widely into other languages and has become a symbol of Finland around the world. Sauna bathing is an integral part of the country's identity.

Another key word in sauna culture is “löyly” - the hot cloud of steam that forms when water is thrown onto the hot stones. In ancient times, the word was also used as a metaphor for soul and life force. As early as 1548, Mikael Agricola, the developer of the Finnish written language, wrote the word as “laeyly” in the New Testament, making it one of the oldest printed occurrences of the term.

Over the centuries, Finnish has developed many compound words to describe the character and atmosphere of saunas - a reminder of the deep-rooted importance of saunas in Finnish culture.

#TIP If you haven't already, try pressing the flashing button in the Disco sauna in the yard.

Different Types of Saunas

Sauna culture in Finland embraces a wide variety of sauna types, each offering a unique experience. What mainly sets them apart is the level of humidity and heat. Some saunas are dry and intensely hot, while others are more humid and gentle.

Here are some of the most common types of saunas:

• Wet sauna – A combination of high heat and humidity created by throwing water onto hot stones.

  • Wood-fired sauna – Heated with firewood, offering an authentic atmosphere and smoky scent.

  • Electric sauna – Conveniently heated with an electric stove.

• Dry sauna – Extremely hot with very low humidity.

• Infrared sauna (IR sauna) – Uses infrared radiation to heat the body directly at a lower temperature.

• Steam sauna – High humidity and gentle warmth generated by steam.

• Smoke sauna (Savusauna) – A traditional sauna where smoke fills the room before airing it out, leaving a distinctive aroma.

• Disco sauna – At least one exists in this exhibition.

The Origins and Evolution of the Sauna

The sauna is a natural part of Finnish culture, with roots stretching back thousands of years. The oldest traces of saunas in Finland are around 10,000 years old and consist of pits in the ground, thet were covered with animal hides supported by thin tree trunks to create a tent-like shelter. These early tent saunas were easy to assemble and dismantle, making them well-suited for the nomadic groups who arrived in Finland after the Ice Age.

As agriculture took hold and people began to settle in one place, the sauna evolved into a permanent above-ground structure – the classic log sauna, which has remained the dominant form for thousands of years.

The Sauna Elf – Guardian of the Steam

The Sauna Elf – Guardian of the Steam

The sauna has long been more than just a place of warmth and cleansing – it has also been a space of deep respect and tradition. According to Finnish folklore, every sauna had its own protective spirit: the sauna elf (bastutomte), said to be over 1,000 years old – even older than Santa Claus.

This small creature was believed to live near the stove, watching over bathers to ensure they behaved properly. Good manners were essential: no shouting, swearing, or passing gas – such offenses could offend the elf.

It’s even said that the respectful atmosphere of the sauna helped shape how people behaved in church, where silence and order were equally expected.

The Disco Sauna in the Yard

The disco sauna featured in this exhibition is the result of a collaboration between the House Construction Program at Yrkesakademin and the technical team at Wasa Teater. The exterior was built by students from YA, while the interior design and technical setup were created by Wasa Teater’s technical staff.

Sauna Diplomacy

Political discussions in the sauna were formalized by Finland’s long-serving president Urho Kekkonen (1900–1986, president from 1956 to 1981). His famous sauna at Tamminiemi, located in the Helsinki district of Meilahti, can still be visited today.

The sauna played a role in managing Finland’s crucial relations with the Soviet Union. But it wasn’t only Soviet officials who shared the bench with the president – many industrial leaders, politicians, and personal friends also joined him in the steam at Tamminiemi.

Sauna Yourself Healthy?

A 30-minute sauna session can have similar positive effects on the body as moderate-intensity exercise. One study shows that sauna bathing lowers blood pressure, increases vascular flexibility, and raises heart rate. At the same time, it activates the immune and hormonal systems, and also has beneficial effects on the nervous system.

Regular sauna use has been linked to a lower incidence of high blood pressure, reduced physical pain, improved sleep quality, better mental health, higher energy levels, and greater life satisfaction. Interestingly, these benefits were most notable among those who used the sauna between one and four times per month. For those who bathed more frequently, the effects were not as pronounced.

In this sense, sauna bathing can serve as a form of passive heat therapy with health effects comparable to physical exercise.
(MONICA Study 2022, Luleå University of Technology – part of an international cardiovascular health research initiative coordinated by the WHO)