The days are getting shorter, the air is getting colder and the first frost is already appearing. In Sweden, that means only one thing: sauna season is starting again. Whether you're sitting in a wooden cabin by the lake or in a modern spa in the city, the Swedish sauna is part of life here.

A piece of Swedish (and Finnish) tradition

The sauna originated in Finland, where it has been an integral part of daily life for thousands of years. The first saunas were simple wooden huts where people washed, warmed up and relaxed. It was both a practical place (for cleaning in times without running water) and a social space, a place for conversation, rest and even rituals surrounding birth and recovery.

From Finland, the tradition spread to neighbouring countries, including Sweden. In northern Sweden, the Finnish influence is still clearly noticeable; there you will find many wood-fired saunas built according to the traditional model. Further south, the sauna has become more of a form of relaxation, something you do after a day of hiking, skiing or swimming in the lake.

Nowadays, the sauna is a natural part of life in Sweden. Almost every holiday home or sports centre has one, and with any luck, even your workplace. It is not a luxury product, but a way to restore balance to your body, something that fits in well with the Swedish way of life! 

How to use the sauna in Sweden

There are no fixed rules, but there are customs that are useful to know if you want to do it properly:

• Shower before entering the sauna.
  Clean in, clean out. This is not only polite, but also keeps the air in the sauna fresher and therefore healthier.
  
  
• Swimwear or naked?
  In public saunas, you usually wear swimwear. In private or rented saunas, it's often nude. Feel free to ask – Swedes believe you should be able to be yourself, as long as you show respect.
  
  
• Time and temperature.
  Start with 10 to 15 minutes. The temperature is usually between 70 and 90 degrees. The most important thing? Breaks! A typical Swedish sauna session consists of a few rounds alternating between the sauna and a dip in the water. That brings us to the next “rule”:
  
  
• Cooling down is part of it.
  Jump into the sea (or lake), roll in the snow or just breathe in the cold air for a moment. That contrast is exactly what a sauna session is all about.
  
  
• Drink water (or something cold).
  Hydration is important, although a cold beer is also widely accepted in Sweden!

The best places to experience the sauna in Sweden

Lapland | Lapland is, of course, the place for the contrast between hot and cold. They have made it an art form to make the saunas extra special. If you find the right places, you will suddenly find yourself in an art-worthy sauna floating on a frozen river.

Ribersborg Kallbadhus (Malmö) | This bathhouse has been around for centuries and is a classic spot among Swedes. It offers traditional saunas with views of the sea and the Öresund Bridge.

Småland & Dalarna | These regions are home to countless small wood-fired saunas by lakes or cottages in the middle of nature.

Your own stuga | You don't have to travel far or search hard for a traditional sauna; many holiday homes have their own! 

In Sweden, the sauna is part of everyday life. It is not a luxury, but a tradition that has connected people for generations. Whether it's freezing outside or the middle of summer, a visit to the sauna always comes in handy.

Curious about the most beautiful accommodations with saunas during your trip? We are happy to put together a trip for you, tailored entirely to your wishes.

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