EAGAN, Minn. — Ed Kranz positioned his mobile sauna near a frigid beach at Lebanon Hills Regional Park in Eagan, Minnesota, during a particularly cold Sunday morning this weekend. Ed and his wife Colleen operate Saunable, which offers a unique “wood-fired sauna experience on wheels.” After spending approximately 8 to 12 minutes in the sauna, which reached a steamy 185 degrees Fahrenheit (85 degrees Celsius), participants ventured outside into the chilly 15-degree Fahrenheit (9 degrees Celsius) air. Clad in bathing suits, they gathered around a fire to gently cool off before repeating the experience three or four times. One particularly daring individual took a plunge into a hole carved through the ice of the nearby lake.

This gathering was part of a broader trend in Minnesota, where locals are increasingly turning to sauna culture as both a source of warmth and a means to build community. Many enthusiasts assert that this growing sauna movement transcends mere bathing; it reflects the blending of historical customs with modern online communities, alongside a yearning for social interaction in an often isolating world.

### Understanding Sauna Culture
Sauna and cold plunges are often seen as complementary practices, akin to peanut butter and jelly, according to Glenn Auerbach, a passionate advocate for sauna culture and the founder of SaunaTimes. Incepted in 2008, his website serves as a hub for sharing research, ideas, and discussions about various aspects of sauna culture, such as construction techniques and the best practices for creating an ideal sauna atmosphere. Auerbach indicates that to achieve the optimal sauna experience—the ideal balance of heat, steam, and ventilation—a temperature of 180 to 200 degrees Fahrenheit (82-93 degrees Celsius) is typically maintained, which is a stark contrast to the wintry conditions outside.

According to Auerbach, while certain truths about sauna construction offer a guideline, personal preferences can vary significantly among enthusiasts. Aspiring sauna builders may expect to invest around $10,000 for a DIY project, although those who prefer a more hands-off approach can hire professionals, with prices for ready-made saunas ranging between $30,000 and $40,000. The interest in sauna culture has evidently surged after the COVID-19 pandemic, leading to an uptick in demand for these heated spaces, although their roots run deep in tradition even before the rise of social media’s influence on their popularity.

### Cultural Significance
The aroma of cedar wood takes Justin Juntunen back to his childhood, when he first entered his family’s sauna. As the founder of Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna, Juntunen carries a legacy from his Finnish immigrant ancestors who arrived in the United States in the 1880s, bringing with them their passion for saunas and the sense of community these spaces fostered. He shared that in Finland, the number of saunas often exceeds the number of cars, and when his grandfather immigrated to Minnesota for work in various industries, he prioritized building a sauna before starting on a farmhouse. These early saunas frequently served as social hubs in the community, where significant moments unfolded—gossip was exchanged, children were born, and even end-of-life gatherings took place, mirroring the egalitarian values of Nordic society.

“This tradition is truly inclusive,” Juntunen remarked, adding, “My favorite Nordic saying is that while all people are created equal, it is in the sauna that this equality is most genuinely felt.”

### Health Benefits and Digital Influence
With a growing interest in sauna use spurred by the need for real-world interactions post-pandemic, enthusiasts point to a pivotal study from 2016 by Dr. Jari Laukkanen, a cardiologist from the University of Eastern Finland. His research suggested a connection between regular sauna use and reduced risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease among men. Sauna proponents not only cite scientific findings but also report tangible wellness benefits, as Ed Kranz argued, “It just makes you feel good; after a sauna session, sleep comes easily.”

Notable figures, including popular podcasters like Joe Rogan and Andrew Huberman, have amplified the health advantages associated with saunas, contributing to their mainstream appeal. Juntunen noted that the digital realm played a unique role in promoting sauna culture, showcasing it as an escape from the overwhelming presence of technology in everyday life while simultaneously facilitating its growth online.

### A Desire for Connection
A significant aspect of the resurgence in sauna culture is tied to a collective yearning for community. Individuals committed to constructing their own saunas have created inviting spaces for friends, neighbors, and former teammates to gather, sharing what Auerbach describes as “good heat.” This vibrant footprint of communal experience spans generations; for many, stepping into the sauna was an after-work tradition where stories were shared and connections forged.

“It’s where storytelling unfolds, where relationships develop, or even where quiet reflection takes place,” Juntunen explained. “This encapsulates the true essence of what a sauna represents.”