The Forest Sauna

Mention the word sauna and most people immediately think of Finland. Fair enough - they've certainly earned the reputation. But the love of getting wonderfully warm on purpose isn't exclusive to the Finns. Around the world, countries have developed their own traditions, rituals and, in some cases, slightly quirky ways of enjoying a good sweat. Finland: Where It All Began It's no surprise Finland tops the list. With around three million saunas for just over five million people, they are woven...

Saunas have been around for a very long time - long enough to collect rituals, traditions, odd inventions, and more than a few unexpected facts along the way. Most people arrive expecting heat, steam, and a chance to switch off for an hour. What they don’t expect is that sauna culture turns out to be surprisingly interesting. Here are a few of our favourites. Finland Has Almost as Many Saunas as People (And More Than Cars) If there’s one place that takes sauna seriously, it’s Finland. There...

A visit to The Forest Sauna isn’t really about doing anything perfectly. There’s no prize for staying in the longest or plunging into the cold first. The best sessions tend to happen when you slow down, stay curious, and let your body set the pace. Whether it’s your first visit or you already have a favourite bench, here’s how to settle into the rhythm. Arrive Slowly When you arrive, you’ll head to the outdoor changing rooms and get ready for your session. Then - before stepping into the heat...