nordic sauna*
* A place where heat, music and cold plunges bring us together.
Saunas in Copenhagen
Growing up in Germany, I was immersed in a rich sauna tradition. Large sauna complexes with a wide variety of saunas, creative aufgüsse, and innovative wellness experiences were simply part of everyday life.
When I first moved to Denmark, I initially missed this easy access to aufguss and regular sauna sessions. But then, during and after the pandemic, something happened. Sauna culture in Denmark began to transform, from a warm changing room in a public swimming pool into a thriving, unique scene and a vibrant community.
It feels like a new sauna pops up every day. Someone finds an old boat, a trailer, or a barrel, a small stove is installed, and off they go. No object seems too small to be turned into a mobile sauna.
I’d love to hear from you, whether you have tips for new sauna spots or just want to connect.
Beginner’s Guide
When you first start sauna swimming, there are usually a few fears. Above all: can you cope with the heat? Will it get too hot? And how will you actually feel inside the sauna? Going into cold water is also always a big hurdle, especially if the water is frozen over or it’s the middle of a freezing winter.
The Nordic sauna usually has no warming or relaxation rooms between the sauna and the outdoors. This means you go straight from the sauna into the cold water and then straight back into the sauna. This is a little different from the German tradition, where longer breaks between sauna sessions are common, and where there are usually heated rooms to sit, relax or have something to eat.
Here is a short guide to help make those very first times go smoothly.
Copenhagen turns into a urban swimming pool in summer. Now, we’re conquering the water in winter too.
Sauna Trips
Every country has its own sauna culture. In my home country, Germany, large bathing complexes with extensive sauna facilities are common. People go into the sauna naked, and sauna masters conduct aufgüsse in a very calm and athletic manner.
In Finland, on the other hand, water is poured onto the stove more casually and often without many oils, with the focus being on the sense of community.
In this blog, I’ll show you some amazing saunas I’ve discovered during my travels. Some are located in breathtaking and unique spots, others boast creative architecture, and some are run by a passionate and welcoming community.
I showcase saunas, bathing spots, and fantastic people who have found their way to sauna, nature, heat, and cold.