What is outdoor sauna?

Enjoying the warm, relaxing embrace of a sauna in a private outdoor corner is the dream of many. Outdoor saunas, which combine the charm of nature with the health benefits of saunas, are becoming more and more popular. If you want to treat yourself to a unique experience and explore why outdoor saunas have become such a desirable addition to the home environment, you’ve come to the right place. What is an outdoor sauna, why is it so popular, what are its benefits, and how to integrate a sauna into your home or garden, read the rest of the article.

What is an outdoor sauna?

Outdoor saunas are saunas that are installed outside your home. There are several types of outdoor saunas, including traditional Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, and combination saunas. Each of these types has its own characteristics, but they all offer similar benefits.

Outdoor saunas are made of wood and are in the form of small houses, ut, and barrel-shaped saunas are also popular. They have glass windows that give a view of the beautiful changing nature throughout the year. They enable a better connection with nature and, last but not least, with the individual’s spirituality. In the northern regions where outdoor saunas originate, they are usually placed near rivers and lakes to allow rapid cooling in the cold water.

 

A look into the past

The history of outdoor saunas is shrouded in mystery, as the exact beginning of their use remains unknown. Nevertheless, scientists assume that the first outdoor saunas appeared around 2000 BC. in Northern European countries. At first they appeared as caves lined with animal skins, in which a fire was lit, lined with stones and water was poured to increase humidity.

Because of the smoke and heat, saunas were considered a place of health and hygiene. In the past, they served various purposes, including as birthing rooms, washrooms, kitchens, a place for social gatherings and, last but not least, as rooms for the preparation of the deceased. Due to the possibility of rapid heating, saunas also served as a temporary residence during the coldest months. They became holy points, places of soul purification and connections with spirituality. Some cultures even believed in the spirits of saunas to aid in healing. Even today, there is a belief that saunas are endowed with magical properties.

 

Indoor or outdoor sauna?

Both types of saunas have enormous health benefits.

These include healthier skin. The high temperature and sweating triggered by the sauna open the pores and remove toxins from the skin, leading to healthier and more radiant skin. It also strengthens the immune system and increases the body’s resistance to disease. Calm your mind, as relaxation in the sauna provides an opportunity to retreat from everyday stress and worries. It’s a great place to meditate or simply think quietly. Sauna therapy can improve sleep quality. The warmth and relaxed muscles help you fall asleep faster and contribute to a deeper and more refreshing sleep.

Advantages of an outdoor sauna

There are several arguments in favor of setting up a sauna in the backyard, although both options – indoor and outdoor sauna – are practical and functional. Setting up an outdoor sauna in your backyard offers a practical and aesthetically appealing solution.

1. Saving internal space
   Building a sauna outside your home allows you to preserve valuable interior space. This avoids the need to reserve indoor space for a sauna, allowing you to make better use of the spaces inside your home for other purposes. Also, with an outdoor sauna – at least usually – you are less limited by space.
2. A view of nature
   The outdoor sauna allows you to admire nature through the windows. With a well-thought-out layout, the saunas offer a magical view of the surroundings.
3. Increasing the attractiveness of the garden and the property
   Placing a traditional outdoor sauna in your garden can further enhance your outdoor landscaping and increase the value of your property. It’s a great way to turn your garden into a relaxing oasis and add an eye-catching element that will attract potential buyers or tenants.
4. Quick access and privacy
   An outdoor sauna, placed directly near the entrance to your home, allows you to quickly and easily escape to the sauna, without the need to leave your property. At the same time, it preserves your privacy, because everything is in an environment that is owned.
5. Combining with a swimming pool or jacuzzi
   If you have an outdoor sauna, you can easily combine it with your outdoor pool. This allows you to refresh yourself with a quick dip in the pool. This is a great way to use the pool even in the colder months.

What are the arguments in favor of indoor saunas?

1. The way to the sauna in bad weather
   In bad weather conditions, such as rain, snow or strong wind, accessibility to the outdoor sauna is more difficult. However, the security in the embrace of the sauna and at the same time the view of the garden or the lake often outweighs the way to the sauna. But some people like the contrast between the cold weather and the warm sauna.
2. Electrical Installation of outdoor sauna
   Today’s forms of infrared, Finnish and combined saunas mostly require electrical wiring for their operation (unless you have a Finnish wood-burning sauna, which is not so common in our country), which you have to wire to the desired location in the garden.
3. Greater privacy
   An indoor sauna completely shields you from the views of your neighbors and gives you more privacy.

 

How to incorporate an outdoor sauna into your home or garden?

If you are considering adding an outdoor sauna to your home or garden, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Location 
  Choose a suitable location for your outdoor sauna. It should be a place that is easily accessible but also provides privacy.
• Type of sauna
  Decide which type of sauna you want. Finnish saunas are popular for their high temperature, while infrared saunas are more suitable for those who want slightly lower temperatures. An excellent choice is the outdoor combined sauna, which combines a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna.
• Size
  Determine how many people the sauna will accommodate at the same time to choose the appropriate size.
• Equipment
  Consider additional equipment, such as wooden chairs, towels, and outdoor lighting, which will conjure up a magical ambiance even around your sauna. Plant plants and place your outdoor sauna in such a way that the view from the window provides a beautiful view for additional relaxation while looking at the beautiful nature.
• Maintenance
  Regular maintenance is key to the long-term use of your outdoor sauna. Take care of cleanliness. Take a shower before using the sauna, enter the outdoor sauna with clean feet, and place a towel under you.

 

You have learned what is outdoor sauna and how it allows you to create your own space for relaxation and health care. Whether it’s personal pampering or a family experience, outdoor saunas are a real investment in your well-being. With proper care and maintenance, outdoor saunas will become an indispensable part of your home or garden, which will bring you many benefits for your body and mind.

Take a look at the outdoor saunas in our offer. For maximum relaxation, combine your outdoor sauna with a jacuzzi.

Read more about the beneficial effects of sauna on health on our blog: Sauna benefits for health and well-being.