In Finland there are more saunas than cars, and in Iceland almost every town has its own thermal pool. For Nordic people it isn't a spa luxury: it's part of daily life. And science is beginning to explain why.
What does science say about the sauna?
Laukkanen and colleagues (2015) followed 2,315 men in Finland for about 20 years. Those who used the sauna 4 to 7 times a week had lower cardiovascular and all-cause mortality than those who used it once a week.
Why cold after heat?
In Finland, after the sauna you step out into the snow or into a frozen lake. In Iceland, you go from thermal pools into the Arctic air. It's a centuries-old tradition, and many describe it as the most revitalizing feeling they've ever had.
How can you experience it on a trip?
In Finnish Lapland, with a sauna beside a frozen lake. In Iceland, in open-air geothermal lagoons overlooking the ocean, such as Sky Lagoon. In Norway, in floating saunas in the fjords.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the sauna good for your health?
- Long-term studies in Finland associate it with lower cardiovascular risk, although it is an association and not proof of cause.
- Is it safe to get into cold water?
- For most healthy people yes, with caution; anyone with a heart condition should consult their doctor.
- What is a geothermal lagoon?
- It's a natural pool of water heated by volcanic activity, typical of Iceland.
Related trips
Keep reading
This article is for information only and does not replace consultation with a health professional.
Sources
- Laukkanen, T. et al. (2015). Association between sauna bathing and fatal cardiovascular and all-cause mortality events. JAMA Internal Medicine.
