Sauna, bastu or heat therapy - Exploring the timeless tradition of heat and relaxation has many names.
When it comes to wellness, few traditions are as deeply rooted and widely cherished as the sauna. While the words may differ, the essence remains the same: a space dedicated to heat, relaxation, and well-being. But what exactly is the difference between a Finnish sauna and a Swedish bastu? Let’s explore that!
What is a Bastu?
In Sweden, the word bastu refers to the same heat therapy experience as a Finnish sauna. The practice of enjoying a bastu is nearly identical to the sauna ritual: stepping into a heated room, allowing the warmth to envelop the body, and pouring water onto hot stones to create löyly.
While bastu culture is strong in Sweden, its roots trace back to Finland, the birthplace of the sauna. Over the centuries, the concept of heat bathing has spread across the Nordic countries and beyond, with each region adding its own unique touch.
The difference between Finnish sauna and the Swedish bastu
The core principles of a bastu and sauna are nearly identical, but there are a few distinctions:
Origins & influence: The Finnish sauna is an ancient tradition, dating back thousands of years, and is an essential part of daily life in Finland. The Swedish bastu has been influenced by Finnish sauna culture but has also developed its own variations.
Heat & humidity: Traditional Finnish saunas often maintain a temperature of 70–100°C (158–212°F) with relatively low humidity. Swedish bastu sessions may sometimes incorporate slightly lower temperatures and a bit more humidity, depending on preference.
Social & private use: While both saunas and bastu can be enjoyed alone or with company, Finnish saunas often emphasize quiet relaxation, whereas in Sweden, a bastu session might be more social.
Bastu and sauna around the world
Although sauna culture originated in Finland and bastu is widely embraced in Sweden, the tradition has gone global. From luxury wellness retreats in the Alps to cozy backyard saunas in the U.S. and Canada, the demand for authentic sauna and bastu experiences is on the rise.
With modern designs like AITO Sauna, which blends traditional craftsmanship with contemporary design, you can bring the authentic sauna experience into your own home.
No matter what you call it, the magic of a sauna or bastu lies in its ability to rejuvenate both body and mind. At AITO Sauna, we honor this tradition by crafting premium saunas that bring the best of Finnish design and wellness into any environment.
Are you ready to experience the timeless benefits of sauna? Explore our sauna collections and find the perfect fit for your lifestyle.
