Have you heard someone claim that the Finnish sauna is a dry sauna?
And have you perhaps seen signs forbidding the pouring of water onto sauna rocks? Such restrictions might seem unimaginable in Finland but are surprisingly common abroad, especially in gyms or hotels. These prohibitions often reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of Finnish sauna traditions and misrepresent what a sauna truly is.
It’s no surprise that this confusion is frequently encountered on social media too, and something that our followers and customers often ask us about.
The short answer is no – a Finnish sauna is not a dry sauna. In fact, a sauna without löyly – the Finnish word for the steam and heat created by throwing water on hot sauna rocks – cannot truly be called a sauna. Löyly is the soul of the Finnish sauna, and this balance of temperature and humidity is what makes it a unique and unparalleled experience in the world of heat therapies.
Finnish Sauna and the Essence of Löyly
You may have come across terms like dry sauna or wet sauna. The Finnish sauna transcends these categories – it’s simply... a sauna! In a traditional Finnish sauna, you don’t have to choose between dry and wet; you get the best of both worlds.
To clarify, what many refer to as dry saunas are hot rooms with consistently low humidity. Wet saunas, on the other hand, typically describe steam rooms or hammams with nearly 100% humidity. Neither of these terms accurately describes a Finnish sauna, which offers a balanced environment with user-controlled humidity levels.
Finnish saunas are typically heated to temperatures ranging between 70–100°C (158–212°F). This level of heat is often perceived as dry, especially when no water is added. However, humidity levels in a Finnish sauna depend entirely on how much water is thrown onto the rocks. Without löyly, the humidity may be as low as 5-10%, but when water is added, the humidity can spike briefly to as high as 60%, creating dynamic bursts of steam and warmth. Löyly is the soul of the Finnish sauna, and this balance of temperature and humidity is what makes it a unique and unparalleled experience in the world of heat therapies.
That said, there is no universally ”correct” humidity level in a Finnish sauna. The balance of heat and steam depends entirely on personal preference. Some may enjoy a gentler sauna session with minimal löyly, while others prefer the intense heat and humidity created by frequent splashes of water. The enjoyment lies in the ebb and flow of these changes, making it impossible to define a static humidity level. The sauna is meant to adapt to the user, offering a deeply personal experience.
The addition of löyly transforms the sauna into an oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation, allowing each user to tailor the experience to their liking. In the Finnish sauna culture, the ability and right to create löyly is fundamental – and not just by a designated sauna master, but anyone is free to do it.
Why the Dry Sauna Misconception Exists
The misconception that Finnish saunas are dry often stems from comparisons to steam rooms or hammams, which maintain extremely high humidity levels. While it’s true that a sauna without löyly feels dry, practically no Finn would consider sitting in such a sauna without adding water to the rocks.
Another source of confusion lies in how saunas are marketed outside Finland. Some manufacturers promote their products as dry saunas, omitting the essential element of löyly. Such products misrepresent Finnish traditions, reducing the experience to mere dry heat and neglecting the dynamic interplay of heat and steam that defines a true sauna.
Additionally, many saunas, particularly those in gyms, hotels, or even private homes, are even made without the intention of throwing water on the rocks. They may lack proper ventilation, vapor barrier, floor drain, or sufficient volume of sauna rocks, making it hard to create good löyly. This, perhaps partly due to a lack of knowledge, but unfortunately often as a result of cost-cutting, leads to hot rooms that fall short of offering a genuine sauna experience.
Celebrating Löyly
For Finns, the quality of a sauna session is often judged by one question: “How was the löyly?” And löyly is more than a physical sensation; it’s a holistic experience, and it’s the life force of the sauna, deeply rooted in cultural and emotional significance throughout history.
At Hetki, we deeply value the tradition of löyly. Our outdoor log saunas are thoughtfully designed and built to support the dynamic interplay of heat and steam. We believe in honoring the Finnish sauna heritage and ensuring every sauna session is as enjoyable and relaxing as possible. Cutting corners or compromising on quality is not an option for us. While some may build cheaper dry saunas, we remain committed to creating authentic Finnish outdoor saunas that celebrate löyly and provide the best experience.
The beauty of the Finnish sauna lies in its adaptability. Sauna habits are deeply personal, and everyone has the right to enjoy their experience in their own way. So, next time you step into a sauna, remember: adding water to the rocks isn’t just allowed – it’s the key to unlocking the full sauna experience. Let the löyly rise and immerse yourself in the true spirit of the Finnish sauna.