LONDON — As the winter chill grips the outside world, a group of individuals finds solace in the heat, packed into a small sauna in east London, donning only their swimwear. The temperature inside the sauna soars past 90 degrees Celsius (194 Fahrenheit) and is about to climb even higher.
Lavender-infused ice blocks melt over the scorching stones, releasing aromatic steam, as “sauna master” Oliver Beryl orchestrates an ambient atmosphere with music. With a swift circular motion, he expertly waves a towel to disperse intense waves of dry heat throughout the room.
Beryl then suggests, “Now try sitting back to back with someone, or maintain eye contact with the person next to you.” Although some hesitate momentarily, most bold participants embrace the experience for a few minutes.
The allure of sauna-bathing is sweeping across London and the rest of the U.K., captivating the younger crowd, particularly those in their 20s and 30s. It’s becoming a go-to activity, offering a healthier alternative to nights spent in pubs.
Communal sweating sessions have been a hallmark of numerous cultures worldwide, from the Finnish saunas to the native American sweat lodges, Japanese onsens, and Turkish baths. But today’s most popular saunas emphasize community and connectedness or provide a fresh twist, such as sauna club nights with DJs or uniquely themed experiences like the “aufguss” rituals — a combination of heat therapy, music, and aromatic scents.
Outdoor ice baths accompany many of these saunas, allowing enthusiasts to alternate between extreme temperatures for an invigorating experience.
“It’s exhilarating,” says Jess Carmichael after experiencing her first “aufguss” at the Community Sauna Baths in east London. She describes the sensation as comparable to an annual New Year’s Day plunge into the icy sea.
The Community Sauna Baths, co-founded by Charlie Duckworth, began as a small initiative in a vacant parking lot in Hackney with just two small saunas. Its not-for-profit model quickly gained traction, leading to expansion across the city, with additional locations opening soon.
Duckworth likens the sauna to a communal space akin to pubs or churches, offering a similar social experience — minus the alcohol. “Saunas lower inhibitions and provide a mild euphoria,” says Duckworth. With 147 public sauna sites across the U.K., up from 45 in 2023, the trend reflects a growing fascination with sauna culture.
Compared to countries where sauna traditions run deep, the U.K.’s emerging sauna culture allows for creativity and a more playful approach, according to Duckworth.
In Peckham, south London, the Peckham Sauna Social features relaxed sauna nights with DJs, complete with a non-alcoholic cocktail bar. The “creative writing sauna,” a popular monthly event, combines poetry readings with chai tea and a writing workshop, offering a unique twist to the traditional sauna experience.
Caroline Druitt, a writer and workshop leader, reflects on the challenge of writing in the hot, steamy environment. Yet, she notes the openness participants feel when sharing ideas in the semi-clothed setting of the sauna.
In addition to fostering creativity and relaxation, saunas are lauded for potential health benefits like soothing joint inflammation, improving heart health, and enhancing sleep quality. Regular sauna sessions may even help reduce stress and protect against mental health issues, according to some studies.
While the health claims continue to be explored, with health and safety precautions advised for some, regular sauna-goers often return for the mental and emotional boost. For Callum Heinrich, who frequents the saunas twice a week, it’s a mental reset like no other. “For your mental health, it is the best thing in the world,” he shares.
