Traditional Saunas: Finnish, Dry, and Steam Sauna Guide

Traditional saunas have been used for centuries for relaxation, recovery, and health benefits. Unlike infrared saunas, which heat the body using infrared light, traditional saunas heat the air around you to create a high-temperature environment that promotes sweating and circulation.

The two main types of traditional saunas are Finnish (dry) saunas and steam saunas (steam rooms). While both provide similar wellness benefits, they differ in temperature, humidity, and overall experience.

This guide explains how traditional saunas work, the different types available, and how they compare to modern infrared saunas.

What Are Traditional Saunas?

A traditional sauna heats the surrounding air using a stove or heater, typically reaching temperatures between 150°F and 195°F, possibly more. The heat causes the body to sweat, which many people use for relaxation, muscle recovery, and cardiovascular benefits.

Traditional saunas have been part of wellness culture for hundreds of years, especially in Nordic countries where the Finnish sauna originated.

Compared to infrared saunas, traditional saunas rely on ambient heat and humidity rather than light waves to warm the body.

The interior of a traditional sauna is usually made of a strong hardwood and will have bench seating where you can relax and unwind. Most people relax in a sauna for no more than twenty minutes, then take a cool shower or go for a dip in a swimming pool. Many people repeat this cycle of relaxing in the steam and getting a brisk rinse-off three or four times for maximum effect.

Types of Traditional Saunas

There are two main categories of traditional saunas commonly found in homes, gyms, and spas.

Finnish Saunas (Dry Saunas)

Finnish saunas are the classic form of traditional sauna. They use a wood-burning or electric heater to warm rocks that heat the air inside the sauna room.

Typical characteristics include:

• Temperatures between 170°F and 195°F
• Low humidity (unless water is poured over the rocks)
• Wood-lined sauna rooms
• Electric or wood-burning heaters

Many people refer to these as dry saunas, although humidity can be increased slightly by pouring water over the heated stones.

For a deeper look at how they work and their benefits, see our full guide to Finnish saunas and dry saunas.

Steam Saunas (Steam Rooms)

Steam saunas, more commonly called steam rooms, create heat through a steam generator that fills the room with warm, moist air.

Key characteristics include:

• Lower temperatures (usually 110°F–120°F)
• Nearly 100% humidity
• Moist heat environment
• Often tiled rather than wood interiors

Because of the humidity, steam rooms feel very different from Finnish saunas even though both promote sweating and relaxation.

Learn more in our guide to steam saunas and steam rooms.

Indoor vs Outdoor Traditional Saunas

Traditional saunas can be installed indoors or outdoors, and both options are popular for home sauna installations. The best choice usually depends on available space, ventilation, and how you plan to use the sauna.

Indoor Traditional Saunas

Indoor saunas are often installed in:

• Basements
• Home gyms
• Bathrooms
• Dedicated wellness rooms

Indoor installations are convenient because they are easily accessible year-round and typically connect to the home’s electrical system.

Most indoor traditional saunas use electric heaters, which are simple to operate and maintain.

Outdoor Traditional Saunas

Outdoor saunas are becoming increasingly popular, especially in colder climates where the contrast between the hot sauna and cool outdoor air enhances the experience.

Common outdoor sauna styles include:

• Barrel saunas
• Cabin-style saunas
• Garden sauna rooms

Outdoor saunas are often wood-burning or electric, and they allow for features like cold plunges, outdoor showers, or relaxation areas nearby.

Traditional Sauna vs Infrared Sauna

Many people researching traditional saunas are also considering infrared saunas, which heat the body differently.

Infrared saunas use infrared heaters that warm the body directly rather than heating the surrounding air. They typically operate at lower temperatures but can still produce significant sweating.

If you're deciding between the two, see our complete infrared sauna guide, where we cover how infrared saunas work, their health benefits, and the best models available.

Traditional Sauna Benefits

Both Finnish saunas and steam rooms are used for a variety of health and wellness purposes, including:

• Muscle relaxation and recovery
• Improved circulation
• Stress relief
• Cardiovascular conditioning
• Detoxification through sweating

Many athletes and wellness enthusiasts incorporate sauna sessions into their regular routine for recovery and relaxation.

You can check out our sauna benefits page to learn more.

Choosing the Right Traditional Sauna

The best type of traditional sauna depends on your preferences and how you plan to use it.

Choose a Finnish sauna if you want:

• Higher temperatures
• A classic sauna experience
• Adjustable humidity levels
• A traditional wood sauna environment

Choose a steam sauna if you prefer:

• Lower temperatures
• High humidity
• Respiratory benefits from moist heat
• Spa-like steam room environments

Both styles can be used regularly and provide similar wellness benefits.

Explore More Sauna Guides

If you're researching home saunas or trying to decide which type is right for you, these guides may also help:

• Finnish sauna guide
• Steam sauna guide
• Infrared sauna guide
• Best home infrared saunas
• Best outdoor saunas
• Sauna vs steam room comparison