At Inland Luxury Sauna, we believe in more than just heat—we believe in healing. Inspired by the traditions of Finland—ranked the happiest country in the world for the 8th year in a row according to the 2025 World Happiness Report—we’re here to share a simple truth: real wellness starts with slowing down, sweating it out, and reconnecting with yourself.

Let’s explore the Finnish sauna tradition, a centuries-old ritual proven to boost your health, elevate your mood, and help you live longer.

The Finnish Happiness Secret: Sauna Culture

There’s something magical about Finland. It's not just the breathtaking lakes or endless forests—it’s the rhythm of life. And at the heart of it? The sauna.

With over 2 million saunas in a country of just 5.5 million people, sauna sessions are a way of life. For most Finns, it’s a weekly (sometimes daily) ritual—20 minutes of peace in 176–212°F heat, followed by a refreshing cold plunge. As Dr. Heikki Junkkari of the Finnish Sauna Society says, the sauna is where people go to relax, connect, and heal.

At Inland Luxury Sauna, we bring that same experience to life—traditional, yet elevated with modern comfort. We’ve created a space where you can leave the world behind and tap into something deeper.

The Science of Sauna: Why It Works

This isn’t just folklore—it’s backed by decades of science.

A 20-year study from the University of Eastern Finland followed over 2,300 men and found that those who used the sauna 4–7 times a week had a 40% lower risk of all-cause mortality. Even 2–3 times a week made a noticeable difference.

Here’s what happens inside your body during a sauna session:

• Heat Shock Proteins (HSPs): These help repair damaged proteins, improve cellular health, and may protect against neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.

• Endorphin Boost: Sauna heat releases endorphins—your body’s natural mood boosters. No wonder it helps with Finland’s long, dark winters.

• Heart & Blood Flow: The heat acts like a mild cardio workout. Blood vessels dilate, your heart rate goes up, and your blood pressure can drop by 8–10 points, according to The Journal of Human Hypertension.

• Mental Clarity: Many people report a calm, focused state after the sauna—almost like meditation.

Even longevity expert Dr. Peter Attia, once a skeptic, became a sauna convert after reviewing this research, as he shared in his interview with Tim Ferriss.

From Fire to Ice: The Power of Contrast Therapy

One of the most invigorating parts of Finnish sauna culture is what comes after: the cold plunge.

It’s called contrast therapy—alternating between high heat and extreme cold—and the benefits are powerful:

• Faster Recovery: Loved by athletes, this method helps reduce muscle soreness and speed up recovery.

• Lower Inflammation: Cold plunges help regulate inflammation and reduce pain.

• Stronger Immunity: The temperature shock gives your immune system a wake-up call.

• Sharper Focus: Neuroscientist Dr. Andrew Huberman says the cold spike increases norepinephrine, improving mood and attention.

Many of our guests describe it as a “rush of energy that turns into peace.” At Inland Luxury Sauna, our custom cold plunge pools are built for this very ritual. You’ll leave feeling deeply alive.

More Than a Sauna: A Cultural Experience

In Finland, saunas aren’t just for wellness—they’re sacred spaces. It’s where families connect, friends unwind, and even business deals get made. Everyone is equal in the sauna. Titles and roles stay at the door. As they say in Finland, “In the sauna, we are all naked and real.”

The tradition even includes the vihta—a bundle of birch branches gently brushed against the skin to improve circulation and release a calming forest scent. And for many Finns, nothing beats retreating to a lakeside mökki (cabin) with a wood-burning sauna to unplug and recharge.

At Inland Luxury Sauna, we’ve taken the best of Finnish tradition and wrapped it in modern luxury. Whether you’re looking to recover after a workout, clear your mind, or spend quality time with someone close, our saunas are your sanctuary.

As the Finnish saying goes, “The sauna is an extremely important way of spending time together.”

We couldn’t agree more.