We’ve just returned from Finland, the undisputed sauna capital of the world. Everyone there loves saunas and thinks it’s strange if you don’t. Although there is no written record of how long the tradition of taking a sweat-bath with family and friends dates back in history, it is without a doubt the favorite social activity of the Fins. Up until some point it was common for women to give birth in saunas, at lower room temperatures of course, since it was the most hygienic place in the house.

Most modern family homes have a room in the basement dedicated to warming up and relaxing during the long and cold Nordic winter. Even small apartments pose no limitation for people to find space in their bathroom to accommodate a mini-sauna.

And you can choose between different types: the Finnish Sauna for example involves a wood-fired stove (newer versions use an electric heater), the Smoke Sauna, which takes several hours to heat up, or the latest invention of the Fins, a Gondola Sauna. Just across the Baltic Sea in Estonia, the third European Sauna Marathon was held in February this year.

Not only the Fins love their sauna! See our slideshow for the best and quirkiest saunas and bath houses around the world.

by Architizer Editors

posted in top ten Uncategorized

tagged kengo kuma, saunas, top 10

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