The sauna scene in Stockholm is about to get a whole lot more accessible. The city is set to open its first publicly run sauna, a move that could revolutionize the way Swedes experience this beloved part of their culture. This new facility, located in Hornstull, promises to bring 'sauna for all' to the Swedish capital, offering a much-needed alternative to the exclusive, membership-only saunas that dominate the landscape.
A Sauna for All?
The idea of a publicly accessible sauna is not entirely new, but it's a concept that has been slow to catch on in Stockholm. The city's existing saunas are often behind lock and key, privately owned, and incredibly difficult to access. This is in stark contrast to its Nordic neighbors, where public saunas are abundant and widely available. For instance, in Oslo, it's relatively easy to get a same-day sauna spot, and in Helsinki, saunas are considered an essential part of daily life.
So, what makes Stockholm different? Well, for one, the city has a unique geographical setup, with its islands and clean water, which makes it ideal for sauna-goers. The Swedish term for bathing and having a sauna, 'bada bastu', has been internationally popularized by Finland's Eurovision entry, 'Bara Bada Bastu'. This new publicly run sauna is a pilot project, with the city hoping to roll out more such facilities across its waterfronts.
A Public Pontoon and Space
The new sauna, designed by architect Dinell Johansson and built by Marinbastun, is a green-colored building that takes inspiration from the city's historic painted wooden water pavilions. It's a public pontoon and space on public land, with the aim of being accessible to everyone. The project manager, Pia Karlsson, emphasizes the city's desire to move away from the 'sauna for the few' model, making it 100% accessible to residents and guests.
A Step Towards Inclusivity
The new sauna's arrival by tugboat and its location on a site once home to a 1930s floating public bathhouse, Liljeholmsbadet, is a symbolic step towards inclusivity. The city is also building a sauna jetty that will be open to non-sauna-goers, further emphasizing the public nature of this facility. While the new booking rules have been criticized by some sauna associations, Karlsson believes that the city and privately-run models can 'complement one another'.
Pricing and Accessibility
However, the cost of the new sauna, at 150 kronor for 90 minutes, could be a barrier for some. Initially, everyone will pay the same rate, but the city plans to look at different pricing structures for students and pensioners once they have a sense of demand. This move could make the sauna more accessible to a wider range of people, but it also raises questions about the sustainability of such a model.
A Step in the Right Direction
Despite the criticism and the challenges, the opening of this publicly run sauna is a significant step towards making sauna culture more inclusive in Stockholm. It's a move that could inspire other cities to follow suit, bringing the benefits of sauna bathing to more people. As Svante Spolander from the Swedish Sauna Academy notes, the interest in sauna has been increasing in Sweden, and more places are needed to accommodate the growing demand.
In conclusion, the new publicly run sauna in Stockholm is a welcome development, offering a glimpse into a future where sauna culture is more accessible and inclusive. It's a step in the right direction, and one that could have a lasting impact on the way Swedes experience this beloved part of their heritage.
