What the sauna

Category: Sauna Culture

  • Finnish Sauna Culture: More Than Just a Hot Room

    Finnish Sauna Culture: More Than Just a Hot Room

    If you think a Finnish sauna is just a steamy wooden box, think again. In Finland, sauna is a way of life. It’s where business deals are made, babies are born (yep, that actually happened), and stress melts away faster than ice on hot stones. Let’s dive into the heart (and heat) of Finnish sauna culture.

    What Is a Finnish Sauna, Really?

    At its core, a Finnish sauna is simple: a wood-lined room heated by a stove (called kiuas) with stones that get hot enough to make you sweat buckets. Pouring water on those stones (löyly) creates a wave of soft, steamy heat that wraps around your body like a warm hug. 

    But a sauna is so much more than just heat—it’s a tradition that goes back thousands of years. Finnish sauna culture is rooted in this simplicity and presence.

    Why Finns Love the Sauna

    With over 3 million saunas in a country of just 5.5 million people, Finland has more saunas than cars. There’s one in almost every home, apartment building, office, and even Parliament. For many Finns, a week without sauna is like a week without coffee—unthinkable. 

    Many Finns do go to sauna several times a week, and those who don’t sauna at all are a rare breed. Sauna is just—well, sauna. An essential part of life.

    And no, it’s not just for luxury or relaxation. Sauna is part of everyday life. It’s where people go to wind down after work, connect with family, or just sit in silence. There are no phones, no meetings, no noise—just heat, breath, and stillness.

    A Finnish sauna isn’t a place for achieving anything. Yes, science backs many health benefits of sauna, such as helping lower the risk of heart disease. Sure, it helps with recovery after sports and promotes better sleep. But those aren’t the reasons Finns love sauna.

    Why do we then go to sauna? Because it simply makes everything better. Sauna clears your mind, melts away minor aches, and gives you a sense of balance. It puts things into perspective. It’s where daily worries get left behind on the bench. Sauna is where the soul rests. 

    Honestly—what more reason do you need to give Finnish sauna culture a try?

    The Naked Truth (and Why That’s Totally Normal)

    Let’s get this out of the way—Finns usually sauna naked. Not to shock anyone, but because it’s the most natural, hygienic, and comfortable way to do it. That said, it’s totally fine to wear a towel or swimsuit if you’re more comfortable. Just don’t bring your phone in. Seriously.

    Young or old, rich or not-so-rich—everyone saunas. Babies might have their first sauna at just a few months old. Elders continue the ritual into their 90s. It’s the great equalizer: no matter who you are, you’re just another human sweating it out. 

    Finnish sauna culture also embraces what might now be called body positivity—or more fittingly, body peace. You don’t have to be fit or flawless to enjoy the sauna. Everyone is welcome, exactly as they are. No one should feel ashamed of their body, not a single part of it.

    What is considered awkward or inappropriate? Staring at others or making any kind of comment—spoken or unspoken—about someone else’s body. That just doesn’t belong in the sauna – or anywhere, to be honest.

    Respect the Peace: Sauna Etiquette

    When you step into a Finnish sauna, you leave titles, job positions, disagreements, and political opinions behind. None of that matters in the steam. The sauna is a space for quiet, calm, and connection. So don’t ruin the peaceful vibe by bringing up hot-button topics. The sauna is a sanctuary for the soul—let’s keep it that way.

    Gems of the Finnish Sauna Culture

    • Löyly: The magical steam created when you throw water on the stones. The hotter and softer the löyly, the better.
    • Vihta/Vasta: A bundle of birch twigs used to gently beat yourself or others. Sounds strange, feels amazing.
    • Cooling down: After heating up, it’s common to jump in a lake (yes, even in winter), roll in snow, or stand outside (yes, even in winter).
    • Repeat: Sauna isn’t a one-and-done deal. Heat up, cool down, repeat. Three rounds is a good start.

    Old Roots, New Love

    Finnish sauna culture is ancient, but far from outdated. While traditional wood-fired saunas are still beloved, you’ll also find sleek electric saunas in city apartments, design-forward sauna spas, and even mobile saunas on trailers. Finns innovate, but never forget the roots.

    If you haven’t tried a real Finnish sauna yet, now’s the time. It’s not just about sweating—it’s about slowing down, connecting, and giving your body and mind a break. Who knows? You might just fall in love with the Finnish sauna culture.

    Curious to learn how to sauna like a true Finn? Check out our guide to Finnish sauna etiquette and step into the steam with confidence.

  • What Does “Bara Bada Bastu” Mean? A Deep Dive Into KAJ’s Sauna Song Lyrics

    What Does “Bara Bada Bastu” Mean? A Deep Dive Into KAJ’s Sauna Song Lyrics

    What does “Bara Bada Bastu” mean? Discover the meaning of KAJ’s viral sauna anthem with full lyric translation and insights into Finnish sauna culture.

    Ever found yourself humming “Bara bada bastu, bastu…” and wondering what on earth it actually means?

    You’re not alone. This hilariously catchy tune by the Finnish-Swedish band KAJ has become a cult favorite among sauna lovers – but for many outside Finland (and let’s be honest, even for some inside it), the lyrics are a bit of a mystery. The song is mostly written in Swedish, with a strong touch of the unique dialect of Österbotten, where KAJ is from, and some Finnish words. Sooo – it’s not easy. Not even for us Finns, not for the Swedes who are sending this trio to Eurovision, and certainly not for anyone who doesn’t speak either language. But we do love the song. And sauna.

    Let’s break it down. No sauna hat required.

    KAJ – the Finnish trio behind viral hit Bara Bada Bastu.

    Quick Answer: “Bara bada bastu” means… just sauna. Literally.

    In Swedish:

    • bara = just
    • bada = to bathe
    • bastu = sauna

    So the repeated chorus “bara bada bastu” translates to something like:

    👉 “Just bathe sauna, just bathe sauna…”

    It’s intentionally silly, rhythmic, and hypnotic – perfectly matching the sauna song’s joyful obsession with steam and simplicity. And don’t even ask why the Swedes had to come up with their own word for sauna. Which is, well, just sauna. In universal language.

    🎶 Lyrics of Bara Bada Bastu in English

    Rather than telling a linear story, Bara Bada Bastu is a rhythmic celebration of the sauna experience itself. The lyrics blend Finland-Swedish, some Finnish, and a whole lot of attitude into a sweaty symphony. Here’s a peek into what it all means – your translation guide to the steamiest hit in Nordic music:

    Nåjaa!
     Well then! (or a relaxed “Alrighty then!”)

    Klockon slår, nu ere dags
     Clock strikes, it is the time

    All bekymber försvinder strax
     All worries will soon be forgotten

    Bästa båoti för kropp och själ
     Best recharge for body and soul

    Fyra väggar i träpanel
     Four walls of wood paneling

    Ooooh oooooh – Vedin vår värmer lika bra
     Our firewood warms just as well

    Som tango me Arja Saijonmaa
     Like tango with Arja Saijonmaa (a well-known Finnish singer and sauna enthusiast)

    Yksi kaksi kolme sauna
     One two three sauna

    Vi ska bada bastu bastu
     We’re gonna just sauna sauna

    Ångon opp och släpp all stress idag
     Steam rises, let go of all stress today

    Bastubröder e je vi som glöder, 100 grader nåjaa
     Sauna brothers – we are the ones glowing, 100 degrees, well yeah!

    Heittää på så sveittin bara yr
     Let’s throw water on the rocks so the sweat flies

    Ohhh bada bastu jåå
     Ohhh sauna yeah!

    Tick tick tack hur läng orkar du?
     Tick tick tock, how long can you last?

    90 grader vi e nästan där
     90 degrees, we’re almost there

    Perkele, e va på värman jär
     Damn, the heat is on in here!

    Ooooh oooh – sveittin lackar, ja ja
     Sweat is rising to the surface, yeah yeah

    Ei saa peittää
     Do not cover (a classic warning label on sauna heaters)

    The rest? Just more joyful repetition of just sauna. And really, what more do you need?

    Why Is Bara Bada Bastu So Popular?

    On the surface, it’s a fun and quirky anthem. But there’s more to it. Bara Bada Bastu can also be seen as KAJ’s playful attempt to promote Finnish sauna culture to their Swedish-speaking neighbors – and beyond. It’s a celebration of all things sauna, packaged in a catchy melody and performed in a charming dialect that bridges cultural borders.

    Even if you don’t understand the words, the message is clear: just get into the sauna and let the heat melt your stress away.It’s the kind of absurd, catchy, and wholesome sauna song you can sing along to even if you only understand three words. And those words are probably bara, bada, and bastu.

    Final Thoughts about Bara Bada Bastu: Is It Deep? Not Really. Is It Glorious? Absolutely.

    Bara Bada Bastu isn’t trying to be profound. It’s a steamy celebration of the simple things in life: heat, wood, water, sweat, friends, and that unique calm only a sauna can offer.

    So next time you hear someone chant it, join in. Just don’t forget to throw a little löyly.

  • The History of Sauna: The Steamy Legacy of Finnish Sauna Tradition

    The History of Sauna: The Steamy Legacy of Finnish Sauna Tradition

    From ancient smoke huts to modern sanctuaries, Finnish sauna culture has been heating hearts, muscles, and souls for over 2,000 years. Let’s dive into the history of sauna. 

    Whether you’re sweating out stress, engaging in deep conversations, or just enjoying the soothing warmth, the Finnish sauna tradition is a cornerstone of the whole nation. So, grab your towel (or don’t—this is Finland, after all) and step into the steamy past of Finland and saunas.

    The History of Sauna: From Ancient Roots to Modern Finnish Sauna Tradition

    There is no history of Finland without the history of sauna. 

    The history of sauna dates back over two millennia, to a time when early Finns sought warmth in the unforgiving Nordic climate. The first saunas were essentially underground pits, later evolving into log structures known as smoke sauna (savusauna). These rustic saunas were heated by burning wood until the room filled with thick, fragrant smoke. Once sufficiently hot, the smoke was vented, leaving behind a toasty, sterile environment—perfect for cleansing, relaxation, and even childbirth.

    Despite the soot-covered walls, smoke sauna became a staple of Finnish life. The heat wasn’t just for comfort; it was a practical way to stay clean in a world where winter made bathing otherwise impossible. The sauna was a place of healing, a warm refuge in the middle of harsh winters.

    In today’s world, the smoke sauna is a rare but unforgettable experience—one you can still find in Finland if you’re lucky. Warming up a smoke sauna takes the whole day, but trust me, it’s worth every minute.

    Finnish Sauna Tradition: Myths, Spirits, and Superstitions

    In Finnish sauna tradition, the sauna is more than just a hot room—it’s practically a temple of tranquility. With great heat comes great responsibility, and Finns have long upheld certain sauna etiquettes: no swearing, no loud behavior, and definitely no anger.

    After all, you wouldn’t want to upset the saunatonttu, the mystical sauna elf who watches over the steamy domain.

    Legend has it that if you neglect your sauna duties—such as keeping it clean or showing proper respect—you might find yourself on the receiving end of the saunatonttu’s bad luck. To stay in their good graces, it was common to leave small offerings, like ale or water. 

    Whether you believe in sauna spirits or not, one thing is clear: the sauna is a place for peace and mindfulness, not drama.

    Finland and Saunas: More Than a Bath—A Lifeline from Birth to Battle

    Historically, the sauna was the cleanest place in a Finnish household, making it an ideal setting for childbirth. Women would labor in the soothing heat, assisted by midwives who appreciated the sauna’s naturally sterile environment.

    In the history of sauna, it wasn’t just newborns who benefited from Finnish sauna tradition—so did soldiers. During World War II, Finnish troops built makeshift saunas wherever possible, using them to stay clean, recover from battle, and keep morale high. 

    When soap and warm water were in short supply, a sauna session was the next best thing. The idea of sweating out dirt and stress wasn’t just tradition—it was survival.

    The Finnish Sauna Experience: Whisks, Ice Dips, and Deep Relaxation

    A proper Finnish sauna experience isn’t just about sitting and sweating—it’s a full-body ritual. A key component is the vihta (or vasta, depending on the region)—a bundle of fresh birch branches used to gently whip the skin. While it may sound like medieval punishment, it’s actually a delightful way to stimulate circulation, exfoliate the skin, and enhance relaxation.

    Then comes the grand finale: the hot-cold cycle. After a good sweat, sauna-goers traditionally cool down by rolling in the snow or plunging into an icy lake. This exhilarating shock to the system is believed to boost circulation, strengthen immunity, and leave you feeling more alive than ever.

    The Future of Finnish Sauna Tradition

    Saunas are no longer essential for hygiene or survival, but they remain a cherished part of Finnish sauna tradition. Today, they exist in all shapes and sizes—compact apartment saunas, scenic lakeside cabin saunas, and even public sauna complexes where strangers bond over steam. 

    While technology has modernized the Finnish sauna experience, the core ritual remains unchanged: heat, sweat, rinse, repeat.

    For Finns, the sauna is not just a pastime; it’s a way of life. So, if you ever find yourself in Finland and saunas, don’t be shy—embrace the heat, take the plunge, and experience a tradition that has been warming bodies and souls for generations.

    Before you rush into the nearest sauna, make sure to avoid rookie mistakes—learn the essential sauna etiquette first. Then, sit back, enjoy the löyly, and become part of the history of sauna!

  • KAJ’s Sauna Song: Finnish Heat, Swedish Flag

    KAJ’s Sauna Song: Finnish Heat, Swedish Flag

    A Finnish sauna song. In Eurovision. Representing Sweden. KAJ’s “Bara Bada Bastu” is bringing steam, smiles, and sauna vibes to the whole world.

    In a delightful twist of cultural exchange, the Finnish band KAJ has taken the Eurovision stage by storm, representing Sweden with their infectious sauna song, Bara Bada Bastu (which loosely translates to “Just Sauna Bathing”).

    Yes, you read that right—a Finnish sauna song competing under the Swedish flag.

    How did this happen? And more importantly, how did Finland let this opportunity slip away?

    KAJ: The Band Bringing Finnish Sauna to Eurovision

    Hailing from Vöyri (yes, impossible to pronounce), Finland, KAJ is a trio consisting of Kevin Holmström, Axel Åhman, and Jakob Norrgård. Let’s be honest: we had not heard anything about KAJ before they took part in the Swedish song contest Melodifestivalen. Now, the band is building a dedicated fan base in the Nordics and beyond.

    KAJ is on a mission: to introduce Finnish sauna culture to Sweden—and, perhaps, to the whole world.

    “We’re trying to make Swedes understand how important the sauna is. This should take us to victory,” says Kevin Holmström in an interview by YLE. Judging by the international response, KAJ is on track to help the entire world appreciate the magic of Finnish sauna culture through their sauna song.

    KAJ: Enthusiastic Sauna Ambassadors

    These guys don’t just sing about saunas—they live the culture. Jakob Norrgård admits to being the most timid when it comes to extreme heat, but also the most eager: “I sauna daily in summer and at least once a week in winter,” he says in the interview. With their song Bara Bada Bastu, KAJ is proving that sauna culture is something everyone can enjoy—whether you’re in Finland, Sweden, or beyond.

    “Bara Bada Bastu” – A Sauna Song for the Ages

    The lyrics of Bara Bada Bastu (by the way check our full english translation here!) capture the essence of the sauna tradition, emphasizing relaxation, togetherness, and the exhilarating heat:

    “We’re gonna have a sauna, sauna, steam up and let go of all stress today.
     Sauna brothers, we’re the ones who glow, 100 degrees, well then.”

    The song invites everyone to leave their worries behind and enjoy the simple pleasures of the sauna, much like Finns have done for centuries. Still, a curious irony remains: a quintessentially Finnish sauna tradition is making its way to Eurovision—but under the Swedish flag.

    A Finnish Sauna, but a Swedish Entry – How Did This Happen?

    So, why is a Finnish sauna song competing under the Swedish flag? The answer lies in KAJ’s Finnish-Swedish roots. As a Swedish-speaking Finnish band, they were invited to compete in Sweden’s Melodifestivalen—and they seized the opportunity.

    This amusing situation highlights the intertwined cultural history of the two neighboring countries. But it also raises a playful question: Did Finland just miss out on sending the ultimate sauna song to Eurovision?

    While Finns may have lost this chance, we celebrate KAJ’s success with full enthusiasm.

    Global Impact: The Sauna Craze Spreads Beyond Europe

    Since its release, Bara Bada Bastu has gained attention far beyond Scandinavia, with fans emerging as far away as the Philippines and India. The song’s catchy rhythm and universal theme of relaxation have contributed to its widespread appeal, proving that the love for the Finnish sauna is truly international.

    KAJ’s Bara Bada Bastu is a testament to how cultural traditions can cross borders and bring people together. By representing Sweden with a Finnish sauna song, KAJ has not only showcased the rich Finnish sauna culture, but also highlighted the shared traditions that unite us all.

    For a visual and auditory experience of this sauna celebration, check out the lyric video below:
    KAJ – Bara Bada Bastu (Lyrics Video)

    Frequently Asked Sauna Questions

     What does Bara Bada Bastu mean?

    Loosely translated from Swedish, “Bara Bada Bastu” means “Just Sauna Bathing” or “Nothing but sauna”. It’s a playful invitation to leave your worries behind and steam it all out. No stress. Just sweat.

    What is the Eurovision Song Contest?

    The Eurovision Song Contest is an annual international music competition between (mostly) European countries. Each country sends one original song to compete—and yes, things get dramatic, fabulous, and occasionally covered in glitter and flames.

    What is Melodifestivalen?

    Melodifestivalen is Sweden’s national selection competition for Eurovision. It’s basically Eurovision… before Eurovision. And it’s huge—like arena-sized crowds, reality-TV drama, and chart-topping hits. This is where KAJ surprised everyone with their sauna anthem.

    Where is KAJ from?

    KAJ is a musical trio from Vöyri, a small town in Ostrobothnia, Finland. They sing in Finland-Swedish (yes, that’s a real language), and now they steam up international stages with songs about—you guessed it—sauna.

     What is the best sauna in the world?

    We might be a little biased, but the answer is obvious: the Finnish sauna. No neon lights, no essential oil overload—just wood, stones, water, and heat. Whether you’re in the woods, at a lake cabin, or in the heart of Helsinki, Finnish sauna culture is the gold standard. And KAJ just sang it to the world.

    Want to learn what the lyrics of “Bara Bada Bastu” actually mean?
    Click here and you’ll be ready to sing your way into the heart of Finnish-Swedish sauna culture.