Bara bada bastu! 7 delightfully wacky saunas that’ll get you sweating

When sauna devotees finally get their moment on the world stage, it hardly matters whether it’s thanks to Finns, Swedes, or both. This year, sizzling heat and fiery northern thrill will take center stage at Eurovision, as the Finland-Swedish group KAJ has claimed the top spot at Sweden’s Melodifestivalen with “Bara bada bastu” and will now represent Sweden at the contest.

Things are really heating up! Inspired by the Eurovision frenzy and KAJ, we’ve rounded up seven incredibly imaginative saunas from our site—here they are:

1. From whiskey to whisking

You can build a sauna practically anywhere—even in a whiskey barrel! In its previous life, this sauna was a whiskey vat at Finnish alcohol monopoly Alko’s factory, but it later became the warm haven of the Koskenkorva family. Take a peek inside the whiskey barrel sauna!

2. Out on the water

Markus and Jaana have a raft sauna made of a tent that can accommodate up to six bathers. They often tow the raft by motorboat to a spot with a gorgeous sunset, and besides bathing, it’s also great for fishing since you can stand on it to cast a line.

3. Yee-haw!

Terho’s sauna is reminiscent of American pioneer wagons. The sauna has LED lights that are positioned so that they keep the sauna bright. The sauna stands in Terho’s home garden and isn’t taken on any longer journeys.

4. Icy burn

Henri and Soile had previously built igloos, until they got the idea to try building an ice sauna on a frozen lake. They gradually froze slabs of new ice in open water and cut them into blocks with a chainsaw. The blocks stayed firmly in place with icy slush between them. The moisture that evaporates from the walls creates a remarkably gentle sauna experience!

5. Smoke below the ground

This fairytale-like smoke sauna sprouted at the edge of a field. Its concrete structure was built mostly underground. On top sits a turf roof, and the interior is lined with live-edge boards, giving the sauna a timeless feel. Take a peek at this atmospheric smoke sauna!

6. Two dreams in one

Otto loved treehouses as a child and has been a passionate sauna-goer throughout his life. When the right time to build a sauna came, he decided to combine these two interests. Built from two-by-fours, the treehouse sauna weighs about 4,000 kilos and rises a few meters above ground, floating almost in its own world, Otto says.

7. Sauna on the waves

Jari built this charming floating sauna with his sons, and on it, the family can enjoy the humid sauna experience while the scenery drifts by. “A shimmering lake view through the window and an ice-cold drink—what more could you wish for?” Jari says.

Main image of article by: Erik Åhman (band photo) and the A-lehdet photo archive.