Is Sauna When You Sweat in the Heatwave?
The Real Origins of Sauna Explained
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The word “sauna” is the best-known Finnish word in many languages, and the misconception is that the sauna was invented in Finland―many countries near the Polar Circle developed sauna-like traditions over the centuries, even millennia.
The history of saunas spans several millennia, with some of the oldest structures found in the Orkney Islands.
The sauna tradition has strong connections to Estonia too, especially the smoke sauna of Võromaa, known for its unique, ancient practices. Originally, these saunas were used for cleansing, healing, and social gatherings. Today, the smoke sauna tradition in Võromaa is recognized by UNESCO for its cultural significance.
If you still haven’t read about my recent trip to the capital of Estonia, you can find it here: