What started as a small gathering of sauna enthusiasts has grown into one of the most important international meeting points for the global sauna industry.
The very first World Sauna Forum was organized in Jyväskylä, Finland, in 2017. It was a major effort to bring together the international sauna community for the first time. One of the keynote speakers was Professor and cardiologist Jari Laukkanen, who presented his groundbreaking research on the health benefits of sauna — research that later transformed global understanding of sauna and wellbeing.
From the very beginning, the vision was clear:
to bring together sauna professionals, designers, innovators, tourism operators and entrepreneurs who believe in the future of authentic sauna culture.
Over the years, new partnerships have started, businesses have expanded internationally, and the global sauna community has grown stronger.
Sauna connects people
World Sauna Forum has also travelled during its journey.
In 2019 and again in 2022, the event was organized in Tampere – the World Sauna Capital. The fifth World Sauna Forum in 2022 gathered over 300 participants from 16 countries, with more than 30 sauna industry companies presenting their work. International media were also present to explore the Finnish sauna experience.
The year 2020 was exceptional. Due to the global pandemic, the live event planned for Tampere had to be cancelled. But instead of stopping, Sauna from Finland organized the first virtual World Sauna Forum.
The two-day online event welcomed over a thousand participants around the world, and the programme recordings were downloaded more than 4,000 times.
Even in difficult times, the sauna community came together.
Returning to the Sauna Region of the World
In 2024, we decided to return to the Sauna Region of the World – Central Finland and Jyväskylä.
By then, the beautiful Sataman Viilu sauna and restaurant had opened by the lake, offering the perfect setting to continue the story of the forum. The region is also home to many remarkable sauna destinations such as Savutuvan Apaja, Sauna Village, Tupaswilla, and many other unique sauna experiences.
Today the event has found its natural home here.
Recent editions have welcomed over 400 guests from more than 36 countries, and over the years thousands of people have travelled to Finland to experience sauna and the unique atmosphere of World Sauna Forum.
The journey continues
One thing has remained the same since the beginning:
A shared passion for sauna culture and its future.
World Sauna Forum 2026 is coming
9–11 June 2026 · Jyväskylä, Finland
Three days of inspiration, international connections, business opportunities and unforgettable sauna experiences.
And the story continues.
