What happens when you visit the home of a centuries-old practice alongside a group of passionate sauna experts? You dive in headfirst, experiencing as much as possible. For us, that meant 45 saunas in just nine days. There was a lot of sweat—and a lot of hydration—but we also came back with a new appreciation and inspiration for how sauna culture is evolving, connecting people, and practices.

We were among operators, designers, architects, and builders from every corner of the sweat-bathing world. Each shared stories and insights from their own traditions and operations —Finnish lakeside saunas, Japanese onsens, Russian banyas, high-design architectural marvels, luxury Nordiq spas, and interactive guided experiences. We felt humbled to have the opportunity to learn from them and experience how each model has its’ own unique approach.

One of the most exciting things we discovered? There is no single “right” way to sauna. Whether rustic or luxurious, silent or social, clothed or nude, saunas are part of a vibrant global ecosystem—each serving its own purpose, each offering a unique way to recharge, gather, and belong.

We got to see the breadth at which sauna/sauna-like practices are experiencing a comeback. While pioneers like Finland and Norway have cherished sauna rituals for centuries, countries like Ireland, the UK, and the US are now embracing the practice in new ways, curating cultures and experiences they can call their own. Over just the past decade, the growing need for wellness, real-world connection, and natural accessible spaces to meet others has sparked a new wave of sauna culture—one that addresses not only physical and mental health, but also the challenges of loneliness and the human desire to feel truly connected.

Returning to Canada, we’re proud to be part of shaping a culture that continues this global tradition along Toronto’s waterfront. However you sauna, you’re part of something bigger: a community that celebrates diversity, equality, wellness, and the simple joy of gathering together.

The growing trend of saunas are showing in a few different ways:

Public & Community Saunas: Everyday Tradition, Real Connection

We visited several local saunas to understand how this tradition stays alive and how community members weave it into daily life. In Finland, saunas are everywhere—found in homes, apartment buildings, cottages, and, importantly, in public or community-based facilities for those seeking a shared experience. Sessions typically range from $15–25, and the spaces themselves span the spectrum from rustic and historic to high-design and modern, often blending indoor and outdoor elements.

What stood out most was the sense of equality and comfort these saunas foster. The practice is occasionally naked, among friends, family, and even strangers, creating a space where everyone is equal and social status is left at the door. Whether centuries-old or brand new, these community saunas are about genuine connection, vulnerability, and belonging—a tradition that continues to thrive in real, everyday life.

Guided Experiences: Sauna as Social Performance

Guided sauna sessions—often in the popular “Aufguss style”—are gaining traction, especially in urban centers. Aufguss, which originated in Germany, is a ritual where a sauna master pours water infused with essential oils onto hot stones, then circulates the steam using towels in a choreographed, immersive performance. These sessions often blend wellness with entertainment: facilitators lead visualization exercises, breathwork, and hot/cold cycles, set to music and storytelling. This interactive approach highlights sauna’s potential as a space for creativity, community, and fun—not just heat.

@saunasociety, Sataman Villu, World Sauna Forum 2025

Nordic Spas: Luxury Meets Wellness

Luxury Nordic spas are rising in popularity, especially in places like Quebec, offering a full-body, multi-sensory ritual. These spaces combine saunas with massages, body treatments, and tranquil pools, often set in stunning natural environments. The message from experts: wellness can be both indulgent and accessible, catering to those seeking deep relaxation and rejuvenation.

Nordik Spa Village Chelsea, wander-mag.com

Design & Architecture: Where Art Meets Heat

We heard about saunas that are as much about art and innovation as they are about heat. Take the TAIYO TSUBOMI sauna at the Osaka 2025 Expo, for example—a translucent, membrane-built structure illuminated by LED lights that shift with the colors of Osaka Bay. These architectural marvels blend technology, storytelling, and atmosphere, turning the sauna into a fully immersive experience where design and emotion are inseparable.

Tour Highlights:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by @sedarsauna

45 Saunas in 9 Days: Lessons from the World Sauna Forum