HEKLA SAUNAS · POSH SPAS GUIDE

What is a traditional Finnish sauna?

A traditional sauna is a timber room heated by a stove and a bed of stones. The air is hot and relatively dry until water is ladled onto the stones to create a brief wave of steam known as löyly.

How it works

The heater raises the cabin temperature, typically into the 70–90°C range for home use. The stones store and radiate heat. When a small amount of water hits the stones it flashes into steam, temporarily increasing humidity and the felt intensity of the heat.

Electric heating

Electric heaters are predictable and convenient. HEKLA uses Harvia equipment, with The Wall specified for indoor models and Cilindro used across compatible outdoor models. Digital/Wi-Fi setups can add remote starting, scheduling and temperature control.

Wood-fired heating

Compatible outdoor Cube and Barrel cabins can use the Harvia Linear 18 wood stove. It needs more involvement: fuel, lighting time, ash removal and correct flue installation. For some owners, that extra ritual is exactly the appeal.

How long is a session?

There is no universal target. Many people prefer shorter rounds in a traditional sauna, cooling down between them. New users should start conservatively, hydrate and leave the sauna if they feel dizzy, unwell or excessively uncomfortable.

Traditional vs infrared

Traditional sauna heats the air and offers löyly. Infrared warms the body more directly at a lower air temperature and is quicker to start. Neither experience is inherently “better”; the right choice depends on the heat you enjoy and the installation you want.