Located next to the Pallas-Ylläs National Park on the shores of Lake Jerisjärvi in Finnish Lapland, Arctic Elements Sauna World is the latest innovation from our good friends the Pietikäinen family.
With the first phase opened in January 2020, Arctic Elements Sauna World offers guests the chance to experience five different types of sauna alongside wellness showers, relaxation areas and even the opportunity to take a dip in an ice hole swimming area.
As well as being the only one of its kind in Finland and Northern Europe, Arctic Elements Sauna World is also environmentally friendly.
The electricity used throughout the building is generated by either wind, water or solar energy and a local underground spring provides the water in all the showers and taps. Waste warm water is in turn collected and used alongside water from the lake to heat the premises.
Taking inspiration from the elements and mythology and situated in an unbelievable landscape overlooking Lake Jerisjärvi, it won’t take long to truly unwind in exceptional Finnish style.
Scroll to learn more about the five fantastic saunas available.
Based around the four elements, earth, water, air and fire, the saunas at Arctic Elements Sauna World are named after ancient gods from Finnish mythology and designed to give a sauna experience like no other.
For Finns, the sauna is a place of relaxation, meditation and mental and physical cleanliness and, at Arctic Elements Sauna World, it is where those four natural elements combine to create the fifth element – löyly, or sauna steam, the spirit of the sauna.
Here are the four natural elements recreated in the sauna;
The Earth sauna, or sauna of Tapio (the god of the forest and protector of the animals) is electrically heated and the largest of the saunas. Inside the sauna is split into four sections each representing the four directions, North, South, East and West, with each section of the steam room set to a different temperature.
The Fire sauna or sauna of Ukko (the king of all gods and master of lightning, fire, and air) is a smoke sauna and the most traditional sauna in Arctic Elements Sauna World, with the heating process causing the whole sauna to be coloured black, creating a dark and atmospheric experience.
The Water sauna, or sauna of Vellamo (the goddess of water, lakes and rivers) features a panoramic window overlooking Lake Jerisjärvi to create a peaceful atmosphere as well as having a more mild, humid temperature encouraging guests to stay and relax for longer.
The Air sauna or sauna of Ilmatar (the goddess of wind and air) is a unique sauna featuring infrared heaters built inside a traditional Lappish Kota or tepee to create a soft and gentle heat. The Air sauna is half sauna and half relaxing room, with the bright lights and sounds of nature giving guests the felling of the Lappish summer even in the depths of winter.
As well as the four elemental saunas, Arctic Elements Sauna World also includes a fifth sauna dedicated to helping guests catch a glimpse of the elusive Aurora Borealis.
The Private Northern Lights sauna or sauna of Repo (the mystical Fire Fox of Lappish mythology responsible for creating the Aurora) is a two-storey sauna with some incredible features. The ground floor houses a steam room with 180-degree views over Lake Jerisjärvi, whilst the upstairs floor includes a relaxation room built completely of glass. Designed in the style of a traditional Lappish Kota or tepee the upstairs room provides guests with a stunning 360-degree panorama view of the night sky, perfect for catching a glimpse of the Northern Lights.
The sauna also includes private toilets, showers and changing rooms, making it the perfect spot for some private relaxation.
