Why Scandinavians love a sauna
Photography: Atle Mo on Unsplash
Come the autumn, the water temperatures start to dip and the morning swimmers dwindle. And that’s when the sauna starts to come into its own. Find out why Scandinavians love a sauna…
What’s all the fuss about?
“Referred to in Sweden as bada bastu (sauna bathing) – or simply basta, it’s a ritual that involves perspiring without clothes in dry heat in a wood-panelled room or cabin before plunging into frigid water, relaxing for a few minutes, before repeating all over again (usually three times),” says Niki Brantmark of myscandinavianhome, an ex-Londoner, now living in Malmö, Sweden.
“The way in which people enjoy a sauna varies. Some go it alone, many share the ritual with a friend, while others make it a group event. So much so that a British friend of mine once observed: ‘Saunas are the closet thing Sweden has to the village pub.’ The sauna is a place where clothes and prejudices are stripped away at the door and everyone is welcome,” explains Niki. “My husband Per says ‘It’s the perfect place to meet up with friends. You can relax and put the world to right before enjoying a fika’.”
Photography: Lapuan Kankurit
The benefits of the sauna are widely recognised by scientists, who refer to it as a form of ‘passive heat therapy’. Evidence suggests the ritual helps to reduce the risk of high blood pressure, flu, cardiovascular disease, as well as improve certain skin and pain conditions.
“Having a sauna is great for the mind, body and soul,“ says Helena Gone of Maze Interior. “It’s incredibly relaxing and leaves you invigorated for the day.”
Photography: Krista Keltanen/Living Inside
The sauna of Eeva and Tapani’s Finish home is painted a dark brown, with lighting adding a dramatic touch to the natural pine benches. See more of this functional, family-friendly home in our Vol 7 Autumn issue, out now.
Photography: Lapuan Kankurit
Top sauna tips
1) Shower before and after. A warm shower will help remove dirt and oil from your skin (remember a sauna is designed to make you sweat, so clean skin will make it easier for your pores to do so). Afterwards, a cold shower – or bracing dip in the sea – will help close those pores and increase blood flow and give you that post-sauna glow.
2) Don’t be surprised if your new sauna friends are naked. Swimsuits are worn in mixed-sex saunas, but otherwise people go naked. If you’re feeling modest, then use a small towel to cover up.
3) Choose your seat with caution as heat rises. Likewise the corners will be hotter. If you don’t want the responsibility of throwing water on the hot rocks, then don’t choose the seat next to them. Ask before you pour any more water on too. Your fellow sauna goers might be hot enough already!
Tre sauna buys editor Jen loves
Ayaida drinking bottle, £25, cloudberryliving.co.uk
“With every bottle sold Ayaida donates 100 litres of clean water to vulnerable children around the world in conjunction with Unicef,” says Jen.
Block print Ume kimono and matching tote, £89, Ai.no.ah
“Loving the idea of a matching tote, plus this robe is block printed by an artisan team in India,” says Jen.
Lyndhurst waffle green slippers, £20, The Fine Cotton Company
“Biodegradable, eco-friendly and 100% natural, these slippers can’t get much better,” says Jen.