The authentic Finnish sauna experience is gaining traction across North America. From California to Oregon and all the way to Ontario, companies are stepping up to create sauna experiences that reflect true Finnish tradition. Not just in name, but in quality, atmosphere, and values. Among these pioneers, The Sweat Shack, Vettä, and SaunaGlo have received the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Certificate from Sauna from Finland, signaling that their saunas meet the highest international standards for authenticity.
The Sweat Shack: Certified in the “Finnish Way”
The Sweat Shack, with boutiques in California and Tennessee, is described as a sauna and cold plunge boutique modeled after the Finnish sauna experience. They’ve proudly announced their certification from Sauna from Finland and have been preparing for it since 2018. Each location is designed to reflect what they call the “True Art of Sauna Bathing,” mirroring Finnish sauna culture with intention and care. Their private sauna suites offer moments of peace, while their social sauna setting, aptly named Finland in Franklin, brings people together in the spirit of Finnish community and calm. The certification is proudly displayed in their saunas and explained to guests, reinforcing their belief that when it comes to wellness, the Finnish Way is the only way.
“Our American boutiques reflect the True Art of Sauna Bathing, authentically replicating the Finnish culture. We serve our guests daily in a private setting, BUT really enjoy sharing what we have learned from our Finnish friends in a social sauna setting, which we have named Finland in Franklin. :)” – Jenifer Felan, CWO The Sweat Shack
Vettä: Award-Winning Finnish Saunas in Ontario
Vettä, a Nordic day spa in Ontario, Canada, is fully committed to celebrating Finnish lifestyle and sauna culture. Their mission? Help guests relax, recharge, and reconnect: just like in Finland. Vettä was honored at the World Sauna Forum in Jyväskylä for their Harmonia and Sisu saunas, receiving an award from Sauna from Finland for delivering a truly authentic Finnish sauna experience. With design, atmosphere, and sauna etiquette all carefully curated, Vettä offers more than just a spa day, it offers a passport to Finland.
“We’re proud to offer a relaxing escape to all our guests, while introducing you to the very best that Finnish culture has to offer – all here in beautiful Ontario!” – Eric Harkonen, Founder/ President, Vettä Spa
SaunaGlo: Certified Sauna Culture for All in Portland
SaunaGlo, a community sauna in Portland, Oregon, was founded with a clear mission: good sauna for all. Owner Katie Calcagno recognized that in the U.S., many sauna experiences are either overpriced or stripped of their cultural roots. SaunaGlo flips that script. With affordable pricing, family-friendly policies, and a welcoming space, the sauna is both inclusive and deeply Finnish in spirit. The 18-person sauna, powered by twin Harvia stoves and built to Finnish design standards, has now earned the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Certificate, officially putting SaunaGlo on the global map of certified authentic sauna destinations.
“Rooted in our hearts is a simple idea: good sauna for all. Our sauna offers an admission fee most anyone can afford regularly, without lacking good löyly, with an intentional design that accommodates sauna bathers with most any degree of physical mobility.” Katie Calcagno, Owner SaunaGlo
Are you interested in pursuing the Authentic Finnish Sauna Experience Quality Certificate for your sauna facility? Don´t hesitate to contact us!
