In this sauna glossary article you will learn the most important sauna words there is to know. Knowing your sauna lingo is key to confidently explore this unique niche of the wellness world and communicate with other sauna lovers. We compiled this list to define essential sauna jargon, from traditional Finnish sauna vocabulary to modern English sauna types and practices.
Sauna terms you need to know
Sauna Types
Dry sauna: Often called a Finnish sauna, it’s a wooden room heated to high temperatures (typically 80-100°C or 176-212°F) with very low humidity (around 10-20%). Water can be thrown on the hot stones to create a brief burst of steam (Finn; löyly). This dry heat causes acute sweating, offering benefits like muscle relaxation and detoxification. If you want, you can read more about sauna’s health benefits.
Infrared Sauna: An infrared sauna uses infrared heaters to emit radiation. It directly warms your body, without significantly heating the surrounding air. This modern method allows for a deeper, more penetrating heat sensation at a lower ambient temperatures. If you find yourself being more sensitive to high heat, infrared can be a more comfortable experience.
Smoke Sauna (Savusauna): Another form of traditional Finnish sauna without a chimney. Smoke first fills the sauna room before being vented out. Known for its distinct aroma and soft, enveloping heat. Heating a smoke sauna usually requires several hours. These can be really hard to find outside of Finland.
Steam Room: A steam room is a heated enclosure with high humidity, different from traditional dry saunas. The pervasive moisture creates a dense, misty atmosphere that can feel deeply cleansing and provides a soothing sensation for the respiratory system. A steam room might not be comfortable to everyone, so see what works for you.
Barrel Sauna: An outdoor sauna built in a cylindrical barrel shape, which improves heat circulation while providing an aesthetically pleasing design. The unique circular interior minimizes wasted space and promotes efficient heating, allowing for quicker warm-up times and consistent temperatures throughout.
Mobile Sauna: A mobile sauna is a transportable sauna that can be easily taken to different locations, often attached to a trailer hitch for easy movement. This makes it ideal for events, retreats, or even bringing the sauna experience directly to your backyard without a permanent installation.
Sauna Tent: A sauna tent is a lightweight, portable sauna setup, ideal for camping and outdoor activities. These tents are designed for easy assembly and transport, offering you a unique way to enjoy a hot sauna session even in remote natural settings or while on the go.
Public Sauna: A sauna facility accessible to the general public, commonly found in gyms, spas, and community centers. These saunas serve as important social hubs in many cultures, offering an accessible way for you to relax, de-stress, and connect with others in a shared wellness space. Always follow the house rules and etiquette.
Private Sauna: Fairly self-explanatory, either a personal sauna installed in a home, or other private facility for exclusive use.
We’ve also compiled a more detailed guide to different types of sauna.
Traditional Finnish Sauna Terms
Löyly: The steam that rises when water is thrown on the hot sauna stones. The term can also describe your overall sauna experience. This intense burst of heat and humidity is central to the traditional Finnish sauna, intensifying the feeling of warmth and promoting a more profuse sweat. How much of this you want, depends on personal preference.
Kiuas; Sauna heater / stove: The heart of the sauna. It’s the heater or stove where stones are heated. Depending on method, the rocks can be heated by burning wood, or by electric resistance coils. On a rare occasion, you might find a gas-powered heater. New in 2025 is the hydrogen sauna, developed by Harvia and Toyota.
Vihta/Vasta; Sauna whisk: A bundle of birch twigs used to gently whip the skin, improving circulation and providing a pleasant aroma. The use of a whisk can really intensify the perception of heat on your skin. Follow your own comfort level, or just forget about a whisk altogether.
Saunatonttu; The Sauna Elf: The mythical “sauna elf”, or spirit, believed to protect the sauna in Finnish folklore. Often depicted as small, old, and benevolent, this guardian is traditionally pleased by respectful behavior and small offerings, ensuring a pleasant and safe sauna experience.
Did you know? The word sauna is the only Finnish word in the English dictionary. You can read more about it in our article on the Finnish sauna.
Sauna Construction and Layout Terms
Benches (Lauteet): The seating platforms in a sauna, typically arranged in tiers. This tiered design allows bathers to choose their preferred heat level, with higher benches offering significantly warmer temperatures and lower benches providing a milder experience closer to the floor.
Sauna Rocks/Stones: Special igneous rocks placed on the sauna heater that store and radiate heat. These dense, non-porous stones, such as olivine diabase or basalt, are chosen for their ability to withstand extreme temperature fluctuations without cracking or releasing harmful substances, while efficiently generating steam (löyly) when water is poured over them.
Ventilation: The system that allows fresh air to enter and stale air to exit the sauna. Proper ventilation is crucial for maintaining good air quality, preventing the buildup of carbon dioxide, and ensuring a comfortable and safe breathing environment during your sauna session.
Dressing Room: Fairly self-explanatory, the area adjacent to the sauna where users change clothes. Depending on the chosen sauna/facility, make sure what the house rules are. Namely, whether to change into a swim attire, and you’ll likely find seat covers in there as well.
Washing Room: The space for washing before and after sauna use. Again, go by the house/facility rules. Wash up a bit before hitting the actual sauna room.
Sauna Accessories and Equipment
Sauna Bucket (Kiulu): Container used to hold water for creating löyly. Traditionally crafted from wood, but it’s just a bucket for the water.
Sauna Ladle (Kauha): Use this to scoop water onto the stones. Often made of wood or metal, its long reach and scoop design allow precise control over the amount of water applied, to customize the intensity of your löyly.
Sauna thermometer: A specialized device designed to measure the air temperature inside a sauna room. Ensure the sauna reaches and maintains a safe and comfortable temperature. You can usually see the temperature in both Celsius and Fahrenheit. These things are built with materials that can withstand the high heat and humidity.
Hygrometer: An instrument specifically designed to measure the relative humidity (the amount of moisture) in the air within a sauna. Perhaps not that commonly monitored, but can be used to further control the interplay between temperature and humidity. This relation impacts how you perceive the heat, affecting your overall comfort level.
Seat cover: These might be either disposable or non-disposable, made of linen/cotton. They help protect the benches, provide comfort against the hot bench material, and add a level of hygiene, especially in public saunas. Depending on where you are, make sure if you’re supposed to be using one. Always follow the house rules and proper etiquette.
Sauna Hat: A wool or felt hat worn to protect the head from excessive heat. This often overlooked accessory helps to insulate your head and hair, keeping them cooler than the rest of the body, which can significantly extend the comfort and duration of your sauna session.
Sauna Pillow: A wooden or fabric headrest used for comfort during sauna sessions. Often crafted from heat-resistant wood like aspen or even specially designed fabric, these things provide ergonomic support for your head and neck, enhancing relaxation while you’re lying down in the sauna.
Sauna Bathing Techniques and Practices
Sauna Round: One complete cycle of heating in the sauna followed by cooling off. A typical sauna session often consists of multiple “rounds”. Cooling off doesn’t have to mean jumping in freezing water, you can just as well sit outside of the sauna room and relax. Remember to rehydrate and take it easy with alcoholic beverages.
To learn more, you can read our Sauna best practices guide.
Cold Plunge: Immerse yourself in cold water after sauna bathing, or in between sauna rounds. This creates a powerful thermal contrast, which can stimulate circulation, boost your immune system, and provide an exhilarating mental refresh after the intense heat. You can imagine the feeling even without trying it for real.
Winter Swimming: Same as above, but done by cutting a hole in ice-covered lakes or entering frigid sea waters. It’s a cherished tradition in colder climates (especially Finland), providing a bit more extreme thermal contrast. If your sauna is not by a lake, one level up is to go roll around in the snow. Note; we do not recommend this for newbies!
International Sauna Terminology
Banya: A Russian steam bath similar to a sauna, but typically with higher humidity. More than just a hot room, the banya experience is often a communal ritual involving vigorous whisking with leafy branches (venik) and frequent applications of steam, leading to an intense and purifying sweat.
Aufguss: A German sauna ritual where an attendant (Saunameister / Sauna Master) pours water mixed with essential oils on hot stones and circulates the aromatic steam using a towel. You might find it a bit theatrical, but it aims to intensify the perceived heat, enhance relaxation through aromatherapy, and promote a deeper sweat, sometimes accompanied by music or even storytelling.
Hammam: Middle Eastern steam bath with a focus on cleansing rituals. Unlike a typical Western sauna, the hammam experience often involves multiple rooms of varying temperatures. In addition, you’ll find a full-body exfoliation with a Kessa glove, soaping, and creating a profoundly relaxing ritual.
Jjimjilbang: Korean bathhouse that includes various heated rooms. These expansive facilities offer a selection of themed saunas and steam rooms. You might see some unique materials like jade, salt, or charcoal, alongside communal resting areas, restaurants, and entertainment. It can be an all-day wellness experience.
Sentō: Japanese public bath facility. It is different from a sauna. A sentō focuses on communal bathing in shared hot water tubs. This is a long-standing tradition for daily hygiene and relaxation. It also provides social interaction within local communities.
Temazcal: Traditional Mexican sweat lodge used for healing ceremonies. This dome-shaped structure is often made of natural materials. It symbolizes the womb of Mother Earth. It is used for spiritual cleansing and physical purification. Steam is created by pouring water over hot volcanic rocks.
Sauna Health and Wellness Terms
Thermotherapy / Heat therapy: The therapeutic use of heat. It helps to increase blood flow and relax your muscles. It often relieves pain and stiffness. Heat therapy also promotes sweating for detoxification.
Cryotherapy: The therapeutic use of cold, often paired with sauna use. It involves exposing the body to very low temperatures. This can reduce inflammation. It may also aid in muscle recovery. It creates a stimulating thermal contrast with heat.
Detoxification: The process of removing toxins from the body through sweating. When you sweat, your body expels waste products. This includes heavy metals and other impurities. Saunas enhance this natural process. They create intense perspiration.
Cardiovascular Conditioning: Improvement of heart function through regular sauna use. The heat from a sauna increases your heart rate. Your blood vessels also dilate. This mimics the effects of mild exercise. It helps strengthen your heart over time.
Heat Shock Proteins: Proteins produced by the body in response to heat stress, that may have protective effects. Saunas trigger their production. These proteins help repair damaged cells. They also protect healthy cells. This can improve cellular resilience.
Sauna Etiquette Terms
Sauna etiquette: First things first: this is actually a thing. Follow the house/facility rules. Know where you are and who you’re with. If you’re new, follow the example of people around you. When in doubt, ask.
Mixed sauna: A mixed sauna welcomes both men and women in the same session or sauna room. Sometimes facilities might have specific hours for separate genders. Public mixed saunas generally recommend wearing swimwear. Follow the house rules.
Textile-Free: Go nude all the way. It can be considered the traditional Finnish way to go. But, when visiting a new place, make sure to follow the house etiquette.
Sauna Master: Person who guides the sauna experience, especially during special ceremonies. You might find them in Germany. Somewhat a similar term in Finland, “Löyly Master”, can refer to who ever is in charge of throwing water onto the sauna rocks.
Measurement and Technical Terms
Celsius/Fahrenheit: Temperature measurement scales used for sauna settings. Most sauna thermometers show both. Celsius is common in Europe, including Finland. Fahrenheit is widely used in the United States. Knowing both helps understand sauna temperature recommendations globally.
Relative Humidity: The amount of water vapor in the air compared to the maximum possible. In a sauna, it greatly affects how hot you feel. Higher humidity, created by the steam, makes the heat more intense. It adds a crucial sensory element to the experience.
kW (Kilowatt): Measurement of electrical power consumption for electric sauna heaters. This rating shows how powerful your heater is. It indicates how much electricity the heater uses per hour. Selecting the right kW amount is crucial for your sauna size.
BTU (British Thermal Unit): Sometimes used as a measurement of heat output for some sauna heaters, oftentimes gas-powered ones.
FAQ: Sauna Terminology and Definitions
What is löyly and why is it important in sauna culture?
Löyly refers to the steam created when water is thrown on hot sauna stones. It’s central to Finnish sauna culture as it creates the distinctive sauna atmosphere, increases humidity, and intensifies the heat sensation. The perceived quality of löyly is often used to judge a good sauna experience.
What’s the difference between a smoke sauna and an electric sauna?
A smoke sauna (savusauna) has no chimney and is heated by burning wood, with smoke filling the room before being vented out. This creates a soft heat and distinct aroma. Electric saunas use heating elements for convenience, offer precise temperature control, and require minimal preparation compared to the several hours needed for a smoke sauna.
What are the main types of portable saunas?
The main portable sauna options include mobile saunas (attached to trailers), and sauna tents (lightweight setups for camping). These options allow sauna enthusiasts to enjoy sauna while traveling or in outdoor settings.
How do Finnish sauna traditions differ from Russian banya practices?
While both involve heat bathing, Finnish saunas traditionally use dry heat with occasional water thrown on stones, while Russian banyas typically maintain higher humidity levels. Banyas often involve the use of veniks (similar to the traditional sauna whisk) for massage, and social interaction is more common in banyas compared to the often quiet Finnish sauna tradition.
What sauna accessories are essential for beginners?
Essential sauna accessories include a sauna bucket and ladle for creating löyly, a thermometer to monitor temperature, a timer for safety, a proper sauna towel or seat cover, and a water bottle for hydration. Optional items include a sauna hat to protect from excessive heat and aromatherapy essences for enhancing the experience.
What temperature range is considered safe for sauna bathing?
Safe sauna temperatures typically range from 70°C to 100°C (158°F to 212°F) for traditional Finnish saunas. Infrared saunas operate at lower temperatures, usually between 45°C and 60°C (113°F to 140°F). Beginners should start at lower temperatures and shorter durations, gradually increasing as they become accustomed to heat bathing.
What is the meaning of “sauna round” in sauna bathing practice?
A sauna round refers to one complete cycle of sauna bathing, which typically includes time spent in the hot sauna (usually 10-15 minutes) followed by a cooling-off period (cold shower, plunge, or rest at room temperature). Most sauna sessions consist of 2-4 rounds, with breaks for hydration between rounds.
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