Saunas have spread across the world since its birth. It was even rumored to have more saunas than cars in its motherland, Finland. From recovery and health to lifestyle and everyday use, saunas have served its use in many ways. Alongside its spread, saunas have faced evolutions as well. From smoke saunas, to woodfire saunas, to electric stove saunas, and nowadays even infrared powered heating. Saunas have come a long way since its origin and has also infused creatives and enjoyment to its existence. In this article we will tackle 7 of the most interesting ones out there.
1. Phone Booth Sauna – Teuva, Finland
Featured in the bi-annual Mobile Sauna Festival in Teuva, Finland where a lot of innovative mobile saunas are presented. The phone booth sauna have somehow piqued the public’s interest. Because out of all the things to integrate a sauna in, the phone booth may have been one of the least expected ones. On regular days a phonebooth would be transparent, but the integration of a sauna creates steam on the wall creating a blur effect. Especially during the sauna sessions where people would be naked, the steam cloudy effect comes in handy in handling privacy.
2. One Man Sauna – Bochum, Germany
A three-level tower sauna, built in a location of an abandoned factory. A pool plunge in the bottom, a sauna in the 2nd floor and a resting room on the top where you can open the roof and lie in bed while looking at the sky. An interesting and poetic take on relaxation and recovery in solitude.
3. Burger King Sauna- Helsinki, Finland
This fast food’s branch in Helsinki made headlines when it introduced an in-store sauna. Where customers can book the space, enjoy burgers, fries, and everything else while having sauna sessions. Sweating everything out even without even leaving the restaurant. It is only right to launch such a clever idea in the motherland of saunas. Quirky, and fun!
4. Underwater Sauna- Ästad, Sweden
Taking things to the next level, Sweden went underwater. This underwater sauna at Astad Vingard sits partly submerged in a lake with see through panes that allows you look into the lake while sweating inside. Quite a surreal and calming experience, with the body warming up and the eyes kept cool as the views of blue water engulf the eyes.
5. Floating Sauna- Pärnu, Estonia
As common as sauna boats come these days, this isn’t your regular floating sauna. This was a take on architecture by Japanese architect Tomomi Hayashi. Using discarded pontoons, the architect created a very clean and minimalistic design. A floating sauna with an open lounge for cooldown, relaxation and easy access to the lake/river.
6. Solar Egg Sauna, Kiruna, Sweden
Shaped like a giant golden egg, wrapped in stainless steel panels and wood interior. This sauna is another take on design and art Bigert and Bergström. Shining across a snowy landscape, its golden shine representing warmth, energy and rebirth. Resembling the whole sauna experience, rebirth, recovery, and relaxation.
7. Ferris Wheel Sauna- Helsinki, Finland
This sauna puts you on a hot spin with a view! A sauna in a ferris wheel! This ferris wheel in Helsinki features a custom carriage turned into a sauna. Enjoying the view of Finland’s capital at the top while enjoying a hot steamy sauna, what a vibe! While others can enjoy the regular cabins, the users can enjoy the sauna as the Ferris wheel spins and cool down into the pool every time the wheel drops them. Creating a good cycle of hot sauna and cool down until the sauna cabin comes again! Definitely a collab that goes down in history.
