what is sauna?

a sauna is an unnaturally hot space where one bathes or relaxes, characterized by its ability to produce löyly (pronounced in English something akin to lo-lu).

necessary elements for authentic sauna in the nordic tradition: an enclosed space, a relaxing space, a heat source, rocks, water

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unnatural heat should induce sweating and is artificially created. usually this is by means of a sauna stove but other methods, such as heating up hot rocks outside and rolling them into the hot space, can create unnaturally high heat

the hot space is where löyly is produced. usually this is a room constructed from wood paneling, timbers, or logs, although rooms of differing materials, tents, underground spaces, and other spaces can be used for sauna

the relaxing space is an area to relax and cool down in between rounds spent in the hot room. ideally this includes an outdoor space and the lucky will have a cold lake waiting for them. generally, this space includes lounge furniture, a water element – e.g., shower or cold plunge – and possibly light snacks

löyly is the water vapor [‘steam’] created when one tosses water on rocks which have been super-heated using a sauna stove or fire