“Sweat of the Stress”- Anonymous
Saunas have been used by people for thousands of years and are still extremely popular today. With the industrial revolution and as we humans evolved our methods have changed but the core concept stays intact. A Sauna can help people relax and unwind and has various other health benefits.
History and Evolution
A Sauna is a room designed as a place to experience a dry or wet heat session. A sauna is typically a room heated to between 70° to 90° Celsius or 158° to 212° Fahrenheit.
The heat and steam inside the room makes the perspire.
No one knows when the first Sauna was built or originated, but it is believed that the oldest saunas were in the caves that were draped closed with animal skins and had a fire burning inside them during the day beneath a pile of stones. After the fire was extinguished and smoke was cleared the stones would continue to warm the cave and keep the people warm long through the night. They enjoyed the heat wave and steam when water was splashed over the hot stones.
It is believed that Sauna was originated by the Finnish and they spread the Sauna culture as they travelled across the world.
The Modern Sauna
The First electric Sauna was invented in Finland and gradually popularized in the US during the 20th Century. This made Saunas more accessible and an experience that a vast number of people could enjoy.
Slowly this cemented the idea that sauna were a public leisure activity and good place to relax and to burn out those extra calories.
Fun Fact: Despite a population of just over 5 million people, Finland has an impressive 3 million Saunas.
Tampereans- Sauna Capital of the World.
Tampereans are known for authenticity and warmth, and the same can be seen in their sauna culture as well. Everyone is equal in the sauna, as the Finnish saying goes, and Tampere has the largest number of public saunas in Finland. And if you are the sauna capital of Finland, you are the sauna capital of the world.
The historic gem is the Rajaportti sauna which is the oldest public sauna still operating in Finland. Located in the old working-class district of Pispala, its roots date back to 1906.
Hope this helps you understand the history of Sauna’s. Let us know if you know any other fun facts about Sauna’s.
