Scandi sauna surprises: A story of steam, ice and immersion

By Nane Steinhoff

Across the UK, sauna culture has firmly entered the mainstream. Yet, long before the UK discovered the restorative power of heat, the Nordic countries were perfecting this ritual. In this feature, travel writer Nane Steinhoff explores some of the most unusual saunas across the Nordics, from subterranean steam rooms carved into rock to architect-designed floating sanctuaries.

A quiet revolution is sweeping the UK. A wellness movement centred on mindfulness, well-being, and the remarkable effects of heat and cold. As a long-term resident of Brighton, I have watched swimming groups of all ages embrace the Channel’s icy waters throughout winter, often after a session in one of the new wood-fired beach saunas that have sprung up all along the coast. This trend is not just about novelty; a 2011 study found that winter swimmers experience a boost in white blood cells, strengthening the immune system. Other reported benefits include improved mood, better circulation, and deeper sleep. Heat, too, offers significant advantages. Sauna bathing relieves aches and pains, aids relaxation, and supports cardiovascular health. The process of sweating in the sauna opens pores, flushes out toxins, and cleanses the skin. Used alongside a cold plunge – known as contrast therapy – circulation can be boosted and muscle recovery sped up.

Arctic Bath. Photo: Arctic Bath.

Nordic roots: sauna as a way of life

Though Britain and the world are waking up to the joys of sauna, in Scandinavia, these rituals have been integral for millennia. In Finland, sauna culture dates back as far as 7,000 BC and has been recognised by UNESCO for its significance. The earliest saunas here were simple pits dug into the earth, heated by stones warmed over a fire. According to Dalva Lamminmäki, a sauna culture researcher at the University of Eastern Finland, these primitive steam rooms were covered and water was thrown over heated stones to create steam. While similar practices have existed globally – Roman baths, Mayan sweat lodges, the Russian banya, Turkish hammam, and Native American inipi all harnessed the power of heat for physical and spiritual cleansing – it is the Finnish word sauna that has become universal.

From humble beginnings as fire-warmed pits, the sauna tradition spread throughout Scandinavia and beyond, inspiring a global appreciation for the restorative power of heat and steam. Today, the Nordic sauna experience has evolved, offering everything from rustic wooden huts to strikingly modern and unique sauna adventures.

Adventure Mine in Dalarna. Photo: Malin Englund

Going underground

Beneath the forest floor in Sweden’s Dalarna region, for example, the Adventure Mine offers an extraordinary underground sauna experience. Set 80 metres below ground in a former mine, this candle-lit sauna is carved into rock, featuring atmospheric chambers and a crystal-clear pool for cooling off. Off the Map Travel, a Nordic adventure specialist, describes it as “a deeply Scandinavian kind of luxury: Minimalist, grounding and entirely about contrast.”

Loggers Lodge in Swedish Lapland. Photo: Loggers Lodge, Tanveer Badal

Fjord views included

In Norway, Isbreen The Glacier offers a remarkable sauna perched on the edge of a pristine fjord, surrounded by the Finnmark Alps. Guests stay in luxurious geodesic igloos at the glacier’s base, with spectacular views of peaks and, often, the Northern Lights. “Our Forest Sauna has become one of our most cherished experiences because of its intimate and secluded setting on the outskirts of our birch forest,” says Christine Cecilie Gaffney, owner and CEO of Isbreen The Glacier. “The moment the trees open up to reveal the fjord and mountains feels almost magical. The sauna sits right by a mostly private fjord, giving guests the rare chance to swim year round or roll in the snow between sessions, and many choose to follow the classic Scandinavian practice of cooling off in the nude.”

Loggers Lodge in Swedish Lapland. Photo: Loggers Lodge, Tanveer Badal

Full seclusion

For those seeking true isolation, Loggers Lodge in Swedish Lapland is the place to go. Surrounded by untouched Arctic wilderness, the nearest neighbour is over three miles away. The rustic log cabin features a wood-fired sauna, open-flame dining, and the peace of snow-laden forests.

Striking design

One of the most architecturally exciting saunas is Arctic Bath, also in Swedish Lapland. This circular sauna and spa floats on the Lule River, its bold design echoing the region’s bathing traditions while embracing modern aesthetics. Guests can stay in stylish cabins on the water or riverbank. The centrepiece is a round spa with a variety of saunas, a cold plunge pool, hot baths, and outdoor terraces.

Aurora Spa at Camp Ripan. Photo: Björn Wanhatalo

Floating on a lake

Another unique sauna experience in Swedish Lapland awaits at the Floating Safari Camp on the Råne River delta. Accessible only by boat in summer and snowmobile in winter, this floating suite offers an off-grid hideaway amidst unspoilt nature. Drift off to the sounds of wilderness or watch the Northern Lights from the world’s first floating glamping camp above the Arctic Circle. Amenities include a wood-burning sauna, changing area, and an inviting hot tub on deck.

Sky Lagoon’s geothermal lagoon. Photo: Sky Lagoon

Geothermal power

Iceland, famed for its volcanic landscapes, is a mecca for geothermal wellness. At Sky Lagoon, you will find not only an oceanside geothermal lagoon but also a sauna with sweeping views of the Atlantic – a perfect blend of elemental power and Nordic serenity.

Floating Safari Camp in Swedish Lapland. Photo: Floating Safari Camp

Soaring high

Completing the list of standout sauna retreats, Helsinki’s SkySauna, set to reopen in April 2026, provides a truly elevated experience – quite literally. Set atop a panoramic wheel, it offers visitors the chance to enjoy gentle steam with spectacular views of the city and harbour as they circle high above the Finnish capital.

Sauna at The Fell, a rustic log-cabin lodge in Finnish Lapland. Photo: The Fell

All these remarkable destinations underline the enduring Nordic tradition of marrying wellness, design, and a deep connection to nature. As wellness travel shifts towards meaningful experiences, these Scandinavian sauna rituals offer more than relaxation as they nurture a sense of tradition, a profound connection to place, and the elemental satisfaction of embracing both heat and cold.