Although the sauna is most often associated with Finland, the tradition of sauna use has also developed in many other countries. Residents of each have a specific approach to sauntering, and saunas in these places serve a variety of functions, from therapeutic to social. What is the sauna culture like in other corners of the globe? Let’s check it out!
Russia – banya as a part of social and health life
In Russia, the sauna, known as “banya,” is an integral part of the tradition. Although the banya is similar to the Finnish sauna in many respects, it differs in design and function. In Russia, a banya is not only a place for cleansing the body, but also a space for conversation and exchange of ideas. In a traditional banya, the internal temperature can reach 80-90°C, but the humidity is higher than in a Finnish sauna, which makes sauning in a banya more intense and steamy.
In Russia, as in Finland, birch twigs are used to massage the body to stimulate circulation. After a session in the banya, it is usually practiced to take a bath in cold water or go out into the fresh air. This creates a thermal shock in the body, stimulating and cleansing the body of toxins. The banya is also a place where social gatherings are held. Many people make this ritual a way to relax, spending time with friends and family, which also has a positive effect on mental health.
Hungary – thermal saunas in public baths
Hungary is a country where the sauna has become part of the rich tradition of thermal baths thanks to the presence of hot springs. In Hungarian public baths, saunas are part of a wellness complex that offers not only relaxation, but also therapeutic treatments. In many Hungarian thermal baths, sauning is part of comprehensive health treatments designed to cleanse the body of toxins and improve physical condition.
Sessions in a Hungarian sauna usually take place at temperatures oscillating between 60°C and 90°C and with high humidity. Pouring water over the stones raises the humidity, ensuring that the experience is maximized. A visit to the sauna is often preceded by a short bath in warm water.
Turkey – hamam as an alternative to sauna
In Turkey, the tradition of using the sauna has taken the form of the hamam – the Turkish steam bath. The hamam has been known since ancient times as one of the most important elements of Eastern culture. It has deep-rooted social significance and is an ideal place to spend time with relatives or friends.
The temperature in the hamam is lower than in a Finnish sauna (it usually oscillates around 40-50°C), but the humidity is very high. In addition to saunas, various cleansing treatments are carried out here, such as massages and scrubs, which help remove dead skin and improve circulation. As in the Finnish sauna, the cleansing ritual in the hamam also has a health dimension. The therapeutic properties of hamams are well-known and appreciated, and after a session in such a bath, many tourists and Turkish residents enjoy a cold water bath to stimulate circulation and complete the ritual.
Germany – saunas as part of wellness
In Germany, saunas are particularly popular in wellness centers, where sauning is considered part of a healthy lifestyle. Saunas in Germany, as in other countries, serve a therapeutic function, helping to improve physical fitness and cleanse the body of toxins. In Germany, sauna use involves high temperatures, reaching 80°C to 100°C, and low humidity, which allows the body to warm up intensely. German saunas often have additional amenities. One noteworthy example is infrared saunas, which work more deeply on body tissues, offering additional health benefits.
German residents treat saunas as a space for regeneration. After a session, they often relax: resting on loungers and drinking water or tea. Many people use public saunas, which are part of large wellness complexes that offer not only saunas, but also massages, thermal pools and beauty treatments. As in other countries, the sauna in Germany is also a social gathering place.
Korea – sauna culture in jjimjilbang saunas
In Korea, a popular place to sauna is jjimjilbang saunas – complexes that house several different saunas, including traditional dry saunas, steam saunas and infrared saunas. Sauning at jjimjilbang is considered a form of relaxation, but also a way to cleanse the body and mind. In Korean jjimjilbang, the temperature can range from 40°C to 70°C, and the humidity is higher than in Finnish saunas.
Sauna culture in Korea is associated with various cleansing treatments, such as massages, herbal baths, and scrubs. Like traditional Finnish saunas, jjimjilbang is all about relaxation and recovery, but also about social integration. Very popular is the use of hot stones, which help to relax muscles and improve circulation. It is also common to find saunas where you can relax on special heated benches.
Summary
The sauna is a tradition present in different parts of the world, and its form and meaning vary from region to region. In Finland, the sauna has deep cultural roots, being part of the national identity, as well as a space for relaxation and health. Other countries, such as Russia, Hungary, Turkey, Germany and Korea, have their own unique approaches to saunas, which include various therapeutic and social techniques. Regardless of its form, the sauna remains one of the most effective ways to improve physical and mental well-being, and its popularity continues to grow around the world.
