What is the difference between a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna?

The main difference between saunas lies in the way they heat the body. In a Finnish sauna, heat flows from hot sauna stones through the air and moisture. The hot air spreads throughout the room and gradually warms the skin. In contrast, an infrared sauna heats the body using infrared heating panels that act directly deep into the tissues without significantly heating the surrounding air.

Finnish sauna

In a Finnish sauna, the air temperature ranges between 90 °C and 110 °C. The air is dry, with humidity around 2–5%, which can be briefly increased by pouring water over the heated stones. Ideally, however, the air should remain mostly dry, so it is recommended to use water on the stones sparingly.

The Finnish sauna excellently supports the immune system, serves as prevention against colds, speeds up blood circulation, and dilates blood vessels. Many people also use it as support for weight loss or in the fight against cellulite. The body releases endorphins – happiness hormones – during sauna sessions, which is why it also helps with fatigue or depressive moods.

However, people with epilepsy, high blood pressure, and pregnant women in the first trimester should avoid the Finnish sauna.

Infrared sauna

An infrared sauna works on the principle of infrared radiation from ceramic emitters. The air here heats up much less – the temperature ranges between 20 °C and 55 °C. This makes the infrared sauna gentler on the body, while still effectively warming the muscles and deeper tissue layers. The session duration can be longer – comfortably 20 to 45 minutes.

The infrared sauna is often sought by people who cannot tolerate high temperatures, as well as athletes – before exercise it helps warm up muscles and improve their flexibility, and after exercise it relieves pain and supports recovery. It relaxes the back, joints, soothes the airways, and helps with insomnia.

After consulting a doctor, it can also be used by people with certain health conditions – for example asthmatics, allergy sufferers, or those with milder heart problems. On the other hand, it is unsuitable for acute joint inflammation, infectious diseases, or during the first trimester of pregnancy.

Herbal sauna – a natural alternative between classic saunas

In our wellness centre you will also find a herbal sauna, which offers a gentler experience. The temperature here is around 70–75 °C and the space is scented with dried herbs and natural essential oils. The herbal sauna relieves stress, improves airway permeability, and is a pleasant alternative for those looking for something between a Finnish sauna and an infrared sauna.

Try both – each sauna offers something different

Both the Finnish sauna and the infrared sauna have their charm. While one acts strongly on the surface of the body and offers intense warmth, the other heats you deep inside and is gentler on the body. Each brings different benefits – and that is precisely their strength. Try both, discover the differences for yourself, and find out which suits you better. Or treat yourself to both options depending on how you feel at the moment. Your body will clearly tell you what it needs – you just have to listen.