This spring, the hot sauna culture takes center stage for all of Europe. With the song Just take a sauna The group KAJ offers a captivating tribute to the warmth, community and cooling dip of the sauna. At the same time, interest in saunas and cold baths is growing both at home in Sweden and internationally. Here are some of Sweden's wonderful sauna experiences - perfect for those who want to live out the feeling of the year's most sauna-friendly chorus. 

Jubileumsparken, Photo: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se 

In May, sauna culture will gain extra momentum when Sweden's entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 shines a spotlight on the beloved Swedish tradition. With the song Just take a sauna invites the Finnish-Swedish group QUAY on a captivating tribute that has made both sauna lovers and schlager fans join in the chorus. 

And interest in sauna bathing has increased in recent years – something that could be linked to the growing focus on health, well-being and relaxation. Between April 2021 and March 2025, global interest in sauna increased by a whopping 108 percent according to the MyTelecope Index* and searches such as ”sauna benefits”"and"”sauna” has skyrocketed.  

The sauna boom is also noticeable in Sweden. In 2024, international search interest increased for sauna in Sweden by 47 percent compared to the previous year**. The largest increase was accounted for by the Swedes themselves at +112 percent, followed by Finland (+72%), the UK and Norway (+63%) and the USA (+60%). The trend is also visible in travel habits – a full 37 percent of Swedish travelers would like to combine their Sweden holiday with spa, wellness or retreat experiences***. 

Sauna and cold bath part of Swedish cultural heritage  
Sauna bathing has been a natural part of Swedish culture for generations, where the sauna is a place for community, recovery and time in nature. This tradition is so important that Sweden even has its own sauna. national sauna day when sauna bathing is celebrated as an annual reminder of the sauna's obvious place in both everyday life and celebrations. And where the health-promoting sauna warms, there is often a refreshing cold bath – a valued tradition in itself. Sweden's first cold bathhouse opened as early as the 19th century and the cold bath is today so deeply rooted in the Swedish lifestyle that it is inscribed on Sweden's list of intangible cultural heritage. cultural heritage.  

Health benefits that can be linked to sauna bathing 

• Increase blood circulation: The heat from the sauna can dilate blood vessels, which can increase blood flow and improve cardiovascular health.  
• Promote recovery: The heat of the sauna helps muscles relax, which can reduce muscle soreness after exercise. 
• Strengthen the immune system: Regular sauna baths can increase the production of white blood cells, which can strengthen the body's defenses against infections.   
• Reduce stress and improve sleep: Sauna bathing promotes relaxation and can lead to better sleep quality. 

Here you will find some of Sweden's most wonderful sauna and cold bath experiences. 
Are you looking to sweat, cool off and enjoy yourself according to Swedish tradition? In Sweden, a range of spectacular sauna and cold bath adventures await, ranging from simple wood-fired variants to stylish designer oases by the sea and lakes.  

 
Jubileumsparken, Photo: Peter Kvarnström/Göteborg & Co 

The sauna in Jubileumsparken, Gothenburg 
Overlooking the Göta River, this architectural gem is located in Gothenburg's Free Harbor. This award-winning sauna is built from recycled materials where corrugated iron and colorful glass create a unique expression. Right next door is Hamnbadet with three pools, one of which is open year-round for those who like a refreshing cold bath. The sauna is free but requires advance booking online. 

Solar Egg in Kiruna 
This golden, egg-shaped sauna and artwork has traveled the world for seven years, but has now returned to its original home in Kiruna. Solar Egg is designed by Swedish artists Bigert & Bergström and symbolizes rebirth and creativity. There is no cold bath nearby, but Kiruna offers snow for much of the year – perfect for a classic snow roll to cool off after the sauna. 

Landskrona Kallbadhus, Photo Oskar Fäldt 

Landskrona Kallabdhus  
In March, it was inaugurated Landskronalong-awaited new cold bathhouses inSkane. Through large glass walls, visitors can enjoy a magnificent view of the Öresund and Copenhagen. Swedishcold bathhouse, inspired by 19th century continental spas, began to appear in Sweden in the late 19th century and is still a valued tradition today. For press photos clickHERE  

Cold bath at Arctic Bath, Photo: Ted Logart

Arctic Bath in Harads 
A floating spa hotel with a circular outdoor pool for cold baths in the center – Arctic Bath combines luxury with magnificent nature. Located on the Lule River, this unique building offers waterside experiences in the summer and is surrounded by ice in the winter – perfect for those looking for a combination of warmth and cold. For an extra memorable stay, Arctic Bath organizes the event Fire and Ice, where sauna baths, cold baths and carefully selected culinary experiences merge. 

Kukkola rapids outside Haparanda 
In the kingdom of sauna and whitefish at Kukkola Falls celebrates the shared sauna tradition between Sweden and Finland. Here you will find 13 different saunas – from classic wood-fired variants to a traditional smoke sauna. And with a view of the mighty Torne River, there are good opportunities for a quick dip in the flowing water. Guided sauna experiences are also offered on site where you can learn more about the history of sauna culture and enjoy local culinary specialties. If you are here on June 13-15, you can also celebrate National Sauna Day. 

Adventure Mine Sauna, Credit: Visit Dalarna

The Adventure Mine in Dalarna 
In an old mine 80 meters underground, an extraordinary sauna experience awaits you. Here you can enjoy a sauna experience in steamy heat and crystal clear cold water surrounded by mighty rock walls. If you're feeling energetic, the adventure can be complemented with a good food and drink experience. 

Varberg's Kallbadhus, Photo: Anna Hållams/imagebank.sweden.se

Varberg Cold Bath House in Varberg 
One of Sweden's most beautiful cold bathhouses, Cold bath house Varberg, is a Moorish-style wooden palace resting on stilts out in the sea. Since 1903, this historic gem has offered classic sauna baths combined with a refreshing dip in the sea. With magnificent views of the Kattegat and nearby Varberg Fortress, Kallbadhuset offers an idyllic coastal experience filled with tradition and charm. 

Underwater sauna at Ästad Vineyard 
At one of Sweden's vineyards, Ästad Vineyard, An extraordinary sauna experience awaits. The wood-fired underwater sauna offers a unique view where you can relax in the warmth while rainbow trout swim by and crayfish move along the lakebed outside the sunken windows. 

According to the press release.