Smoke Sauna: Then and Now
An introduction to smoke sauna & book review
Introductory note
Savusauna: ennen ja nyt (Smoke Sauna: Then and Now) is written in Finnish, and since I don’t speak or read Finnish this review will be somewhat incomplete. But I am interested in the subject of savusauna (smoke sauna), so hopefully I will be able to share a few interesting observations relevant to both Finnish and English speakers.
What is a savusauna?
Savusauna is the oldest type of Finnish sauna. It is heated with an open kiuas that doesn’t have a chimney pipe. This 360º photosphere is an example of the interior of a savusauna and its kiuas. As fire heats both the large pile of stones and log walls, the sauna fills with smoke. This smoke coats the benches and walls with a layer of black soot. Once the stones and walls are fully heated, the fire is allowed to go out. The remaining coals and ashes are removed, water is then splashed on the rocks creating a fine water vapor (löyly) which helps drive out the smoke and fumes. After the sauna thoroughly airs out, it is finally ready to use. The process is labor intensive, taking several hours longer to heat than a more modern sauna equipped with an electric or wood-burning stove, but the experience is said to be superior to all other saunas.
In North America, savusauna use has almost completely died out. Most of them have either burned down, been retrofitted with wood-stoves, or been relegated to historical exhibits. Only “old-timers” recall what it’s like to use them. But this is not the case in Finland, where savusauna use experienced a revival sometime in the early-to-mid 19th century. The same downward trend was occurring there, then something happened to halt it (possibly the founding of the Finnish Sauna Society, possibly a realization that convenience wasn’t a substitute for the richer experience of savusauna). There are now an estimated 25,000 savusaunas in Finland with modern examples being constructed all the time.
Book review
Savusauna: ennen ja nyt is Risto Vuolle-Apiala’s 6th book on the subject of smoke saunas. Risto, a Finnish architect, has dedicated his life to using, studying, and writing about traditional, Finnish sauna. His books on smoke sauna reveal that there is much more to the subject than what is commonly known here in North America, which usually goes something like, “smoke saunas are the old type of saunas that have all burned down.” Risto begins this book by delineating the history and evolution of savusauna. He then goes on to provide diverse examples, from small to large, rustic to refined. He mentions a few specific categories such as forest saunas (metsäsauna), war saunas (sotasauna), and earth saunas (maasauna). He also explores savusaunas from different regions and includes the works of several architects. The text of the book often delves into the scientific and academic realms with detailed sauna footprints, temperature diagrams, and even an exploration of various types of kiuas. In addition to the informative text of the book, Savusauna: ennen ja nyt also contains many useful illustrations and photos (a few are included in this review). It is an excellent, well-designed, hardcover book for those interested in savusauna — especially Finnish speakers. It is my hope that someday this will be published in English and that savusauna use will be revived here in North America.
Further information
In the meantime, if you are interested in learning more about savusauna, and you don’t speak Finnish, I highly recommend tracking down a copy of Risto’s English language savusauna book. If you can’t find a copy to purchase at a reasonable price, try interlibrary loan. I also highly recommend this Facebook Savusauna group.
I would like to thank Moreeni Publishers for sending me a review copy of Savusauna: ennen ja nyt. I try not to let free swag affect my reviews, but I’m human, so this review is most likely tainted (sorry), which is why you should read the book for yourself.
