Sauna history
The History of Sauna
Definition of Sauna
A sauna is a room or a small wooden hut that is heated to allow people to sweat for relaxation purposes. Often—but not necessarily—steam is created by pouring water over hot stones, and washing may also be part of the experience.
History of Sauna
The history of the sauna spans several thousand years, primarily among northern peoples. Over time, different types of saunas developed among various ethnic groups. This diversity means that defining a "sauna" is not straightforward, and various intermediate forms have also emerged, especially among sauna-using cultures. In the following sections, unless otherwise noted, the most well-known form, the Finnish sauna, is discussed.
Northern peoples have likely been aware of the effects of sauna for around two thousand years, though the first written references to saunas date back roughly a thousand years. Originally, the sauna was a place for washing and bathing. Because it provided access to clean water and was generally kept sanitary, it was also used for childbirth and healing. Older Finnish people can still say they were born in a sauna.
Pinpointing the first appearance of saunas is challenging due to the broad definition and the many transitional forms. Is a hot room sufficient, or are hot stones and steam also essential? If we only accept the latter, even many currently used sauna types would not fit the category.
The nomadic northern peoples had primitive sauna-like spaces. They would dig a pit in the ground, light a fire in it, and cover it from above to create a warm, bath-ready space. The fire was likely open, and bathers had to wait until the fire went out or only embers remained before using the sauna. The Native American sweat lodge, or "inipi," is very similar to this.
In the past, the sauna served multiple functions. People not only bathed there but also dried meat and performed other agricultural activities. The sauna was also a place of healing, used for both natural remedies and traditional healing practices. The dimly lit sauna contributed to a mystical atmosphere, particularly for healing rituals conducted by a healer or shaman. Saunas thus became ritual spaces; for example, on midsummer night (Juhannus in Finland), young women would undergo special sauna experiences with a local elder chanting spells, surrounded by the fragrance of birch and other plants to increase their appeal.
Sauna in Modern Times
iSauna Design Ltd. was founded with the mission of popularizing the lifestyle and ethos associated with the daily use of a premium home sauna.
Our initial focus was on the production of Finnish saunas and infrared cabins. Today, we proudly contribute to spreading sauna culture in Hungary through the custom design, manufacturing, and complete implementation of unique Finnish saunas, infrared saunas, combined saunas, Himalayan salt cabins, wellness rooms, and premium-quality outdoor saunas and sauna houses.
Our Business Policy
We offer exclusive, customized solutions in sauna construction and manufacturing. With our professional expertise, experience, and a consulting and design team with extensive sauna manufacturing experience, we create sauna cabins that meet all your needs, maximizing both functionality and design. We ensure that materials and manufacturing technologies are in harmony with nature.
Our company, factory in Dunaszeg, and professional team were established and work continuously with the aim that our discerning clients can unwind in saunas tailored to their dreams and unique requirements, preserving their own and their family’s health.
We are proud that our saunas are made exclusively in Hungary, using only first-class materials, modern machinery, and skilled Hungarian professionals. We can also boast years of successful partnerships abroad. Our ever-evolving sauna designs, unique concepts, and premium-quality, professionally crafted saunas can adorn homes, gardens, wellness hotels, and fitness centers as valuable additions to their services.
A unique premium sauna can only be produced from high-quality materials and with a high level of expertise. This is validated by our TÜV international certification, which only iSauna Design Ltd. in Hungary holds. In the field of combined outdoor saunas, our company is the only one in Europe to have received this international TÜV certification.
