We look to Finland for a lot of inspiration when it comes to saunas. The European nation is, for all sakes and purposes, the birthplace of the modern day sauna with 10,000 years of history behind it. To this day, Finland’s saunas can get very wild in design, even going so far as to produce a sauna on a Ferris wheel! Here are some of our favourite designs and where to find them.
Kesan Floating Sauna
Cruise between Finland and Sweden on this absolutely gorgeous special sauna boat. A small wooden raft, you can jump into the water whenever you want to cool down. For another boat sauna, there’s also the Sauna Shop which floats across pre-designated tours like wine tastings, fishing, and photography cruises.
Ice Igloo Sauna
In Pyhapiilo, the lake is frozen over and the landscape’s snow. Across the forest, there are small igloo saunas lined up. Blocks of ice help to keep the heat which might seem counterintuitive but it works! The steam sauna effects relax the muscles and you can enjoy some additional spa treatments if need be.
The Yllas Resort near the Swedish border
At the Yllas Resort in Kolari, Finland, the world’s only sauna gondola can be found. Above a ski resort’s snowy mountain are these sauna lifts which will take a person up to the mountaintop to enjoy up to three 20-minute sauna sessions. This is a spa package that comes with time spent around a fireplace and heated outdoor jacuzzi.
Burger King
In Helsinki, you can even enjoy some fast food in a sauna as the Burger King has the world’s first fast food sauna in-store. The sauna fits up to 15 people, has TVs in it, and even a PlayStation 4. The red, white, and blue sauna space can be rented by locals or tourists alike.
Lapland
In Lapland, another unique sauna comes in the form of the Rukapalvelu Tailored Adventures’ sauna bus. Available to pick you up from any of Finland’s three airports, you’ll be taken to Ruka which is an amazing ski resort. The sauna on wheels can be a nice pick-me-up from the airport. You can even ask the driver to stop when you want so you can jump in the snow and cool off!
SkySauna
Yes, the SkySauna is the world’s greatest Ferris wheel! In Finland’s capital, enjoy the iconic sights of the Helsinki waterfront. The SkySauna suits up to 5 passengers at a time and each rotation consumers about 7 minutes of time. Thankfully, as a person waits for their turn, they can enjoy some hot tubbing on the ground or enjoy a cool dip in the Baltic Sea.
Hartwall Arena in Helsinki
In Hartwall Arena, you can catch a game or a show but did you know there’s a Skybox sauna – it’s true! This just goes to show that Finland can put a sauna almost anywhere in the country. Hockey games and concerts you can enjoy from this private sauna suite. Unlike the other Finnish saunas on this list however, this one can be more difficult to book as they’re most often booked by large companies and corporate clients.
Steam Sauna is one of North America’s top dry sauna and infrared sauna suppliers. Our designs are in gyms, spas, hotels, and homes all across Canada and the US. Do you want a sauna – get yours today from a brand you trust.