Posted by Matias Lehto
on November 12, 2025
In Finland, the sauna is not simply a wellness feature; it is a way of life. For generations, Finnish families have gathered in the soft, radiant warmth of the sauna to rest, reflect, and reconnect. It is common for children to grow up with weekly sauna rituals, for friends to meet in the sauna instead of a café, and for conversations both lighthearted and meaningful to happen in the calm glow of its wooden interior. Today, more than ninety percent of Finns take a sauna at least once a week. In a country of only 5.5 million inhabitants, there are around 3.3 million saunas — more saunas than cars — a testament to the importance of this tradition in daily life.
At Gari Decor, we believe in bringing elements of Nordic culture into Spanish homes, not only through design but also through meaningful lifestyle experiences. The Finnish sauna embodies everything the Nordic lifestyle values: simplicity, nature, balance, and well-being.
The Essence of the Finnish Sauna
A true Finnish sauna is defined by dry heat, typically between 70°C and 100°C. The warmth comes from a heater filled with natural stones. When a small amount of water is poured over the stones, a gentle wave of steam rises. This steam has a special name in Finnish: löyly, a word that describes the atmosphere that surrounds the body and quiets the mind. The sauna is intentionally simple, with soft lighting, warm wood surfaces, and no distractions. Phones and worries are left outside. The moment you close the door, the world becomes still.
A Wellness Ritual Backed by Science
The Finnish sauna is one of the most studied wellness practices in the world. Long-term research from the University of Eastern Finland has shown that regular sauna use supports cardiovascular health by improving circulation and helping to regulate blood pressure. The warmth increases blood flow throughout the body, allowing muscles to loosen and tension to soften. Many people find that they sleep better after a sauna session, as the deep relaxation encourages the nervous system to shift into a state of calm and repair.
The sauna also promotes natural detoxification through deep sweating. As the body warms, pores open and the skin eliminates accumulated toxins and impurities, leaving the skin feeling clean, smooth, and refreshed. Immune function also receives support; the heat encourages the body to produce more white blood cells, strengthening its ability to defend itself against seasonal illnesses.
The benefits are not only physical. The sauna provides a mental quiet that many people struggle to find elsewhere. The silence, the warmth, and the absence of distraction invite a clearer mind, steadier breath, and a deeper sense of presence. It is a place to return to oneself.
The Finnish Contrast Ritual: Heat and Coolness
One of the most distinctive aspects of Finnish sauna culture is the contrast between warmth and cold. After time in the sauna, it is traditional to step into fresh air, rinse under cool water, or take a refreshing dip — even in icy lakes during the winter. This temperature contrast awakens the body, stimulates circulation, and leaves one feeling invigorated, refreshed, and renewed. It is both calming and energizing, a natural reset for the entire system.
A Sauna at Home in Spain
Although saunas are deeply rooted in Nordic culture, they integrate beautifully into Spanish homes and lifestyles. A sauna can be placed in a wellness room, bathroom, private terrace, poolside area, or countryside retreat. It becomes a personal retreat — a quiet moment after the workday, a place to unwind after exercise, or a special ritual to enjoy slowly on weekends. The sauna encourages a rhythm of life that is more intentional, more peaceful, and more restorative.
Creating Authentic Sauna Spaces with Gari Decor
At Gari Decor, we specialize in bringing authentic Finnish sauna experiences into contemporary Spanish interiors. We design and install sauna environments that feel warm, timeless, and naturally integrated into the home. Every project is tailored to the space and to the atmosphere the homeowner wants to create. The result is not just a room, but a place that supports well-being, reflection, and calm.
Begin Your Journey into Nordic Well-Being
The Finnish sauna is more than heat. It is a ritual of renewal — a return to balance in body and mind. If you are considering incorporating a sauna into your home, we are here to guide you through every step, from design inspiration to complete installation.
Contact Gari Decor to explore sauna options and create your own wellness sanctuary.
Your place of warmth, quiet, and restoration is closer than you think.