Nowhere in Sweden does the bastu tradition run deeper than in Norrbotten. Here, bastu is simply a way of life. But in recent years, the love for bastu has spread far beyond the north – today, bastu is hotter than ever. In every sense of the word.
When KAJ became Sweden’s Eurovision entry in 2025 with the song “Bara bada bastu”, the spotlight was once again on the bastu tradition. But beyond music, what’s really driving the bastu boom is the growing research on all its health benefits.
"For me, bastu is 80 percent about cleansing the mind"
Svante Spolander
Still, for many, the bastu is about much more.
– For me, bastu is 80 percent about cleansing the mind and 20 percent about washing the body. It’s about slowing down, relaxing, and recharging your energy, says Svante Spolander, bastu expert and board member of the Swedish Bastu Academy.
A slow-burning ritual
For Svante, who grew up in the small riverside village of Kukkola, bastu has always been a natural part of life – as natural as eating, sleeping, or breathing. For him, life without bastu isn’t just hard to imagine – it simply wouldn’t feel complete.
Continue reading: 7 spectacular saunas in Swedish Lapland
The ritual begins long before you step inside. Chopping firewood, lighting the stove, and patiently letting the stones heat up – all of this is part of the build-up to the moment that truly matters: the embrace of the steam.
– When that soft, warm steam rises and wraps around you – that’s when you know you’re having a true bastu experience, says Svante.
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Frozen moments, warm soulsSvantes top tips for the ultimate bastu experience
1. Slow down
“Don’t rush in, sweat for a minute, and rush out again. A real bastu is about taking your time.”
2. Respect the steam
“Don’t overheat the room too much before adding water to the stones. Keep windows or doors open while heating, then close everything when it’s time for steam. The steam will build gradually and feel amazing.”
3. Challenge yourself — gently
“Find your personal limits. Expand them little by little. Bastu is never a competition — it’s a personal journey.”
The ideal spot
Svante sees more and more people discovering bastu – especially younger families.
– It becomes a little family ritual. Time together, with no distractions. Just talking, relaxing, and sharing the experience, he says.
Northern Sweden is the heart of bastu culture. If you want to try a truly authentic bastu, this is the place – maybe under the northern lights in winter, or in the glow of the midnight sun in summer.
Places like Kukkolaforsen, home to the Swedish Bastu Academy, offer both beautiful settings and expert knowledge but throughout Swedish Lapland, bastu experiences are everywhere. From rustic riverside huts to luxurious spa facilities — there’s a bastu for everyone.
There are many kinds of bastu, each with its own charm – from the gentle warmth of an electric sauna to the deep, comforting heat of a wood-fired one, and the timeless atmosphere of a smoke bastu. Each offers a unique experience, inviting you to find the one that speaks to you.
Bastu etiquette: Good to know
Do I have to be naked in the bastu?
No. In private bastus, do whatever feels comfortable. In public bastus, swimwear or towels are often recommended.
Can I bring a towel?
Absolutely. Most people do — for hygiene, comfort, or modesty.
Feeling sick — should you skip the bastu?
If you have a fever, avoid it. But for a simple cold, bastu can sometimes help clear your sinuses.
Can I safely enjoy a bastu every day?
Sure, it depends on how your body feels. Some people do it several times a week, others less often.
How long should I stay in the bastu?
Start small. Five to ten minutes at a time is perfect for beginners. Cool off between rounds. Drink plenty of water. With experience, you’ll naturally want to stay longer.
"When I step out, I’m completely relaxed – like all my worries and troubles have just vanished"
Svante Spolander
Svante Spolander suggests stepping in and out of the bastu a few times during your session, giving your body the chance to cool down in between. The perfect way to do this, he says, is to sit outside afterwards – ideally by the water, where you can enjoy a refreshing dip.
And when it’s time for his final round in the bastu, he always adds extra water to the hot stones, filling the room with a rich, soothing steam.
– When I step out, I’m completely relaxed – like all my worries and troubles have just vanished. You feel absolutely amazing, says Svante Spolander.
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