Exploring Sauna Culture: Embracing Nordic Warmth in Your Everyday Life

Winter in Norway is more than just a season of cold; it’s an opportunity to embrace the warmth, coziness, and traditions that transform the chill into a celebration of life. The biting cold outside is met with a deep-rooted tradition of warmth inside, and at the heart of this tradition lies the sauna. A place of quiet reflection, shared connection, and renewal, the sauna is not merely a retreat from the chill but a celebration of the season. This culture of warmth, discovered by the founders of glør Design, Jan and Sven, during their journey to Norway, inspired the essence of their fireplaces—bringing a touch of Nordic comfort and simplicity into modern homes.

A Journey to the Heart of Norwegian Winter

The story of glør Design began in Berlin, where the founders sought to recreate the calm and connection of nature within the fast-paced rhythm of city life. On their visit to Norway, they experienced the country’s unique celebration of winter—a time for cozy evenings, togetherness, and the warmth of fire. Their exploration of sauna culture was a pivotal moment, revealing how Norwegians embrace the season not with resistance but with ritual.

Guided by a local named Thor in Larvik, the founders were introduced to saunas not just as functional spaces but as sanctuaries. Thor, embodying the warmth and openness of Scandinavian values, shared the cultural significance of saunas—a place to detoxify, reflect, and reconnect with the natural elements. Thor showed them his small portable saunas, hidden gems scattered throughout Larvik and nearby cities. What struck Jan and Sven the most was the community spirit and kindness they encountered—especially the way Thor greeted younger men with an affectionate, “Hej Son,” always with a warmth and friendliness that left a lasting impression.

On Thor’s recommendation, Jan and Sven visited SALT, one of Oslo’s most famous saunas, on their journey back to Berlin. Sitting there, overlooking the water and reflecting on their discoveries, they realized they were at the very beginning of glør. The contrast of heat and cold, fire and ice, was more than inspiring; it was the foundation of what they wanted to bring into the lives of others.

The connection to nature continued when they visited the quarries of Larvik. Handpicking the first stones themselves, they felt an indescribable connection to the land, to the craftsmanship, and to the timeless beauty of the Larvikite stone that would later become central to LA\VIK’s design.

The Beauty of Sauna Culture

At its core, sauna culture is about more than physical warmth. It’s an emotional and communal experience. The soft hiss of water hitting hot stones, the wood-scented air, and the shared silence create a moment that transcends the everyday. It’s a celebration of simplicity and mindfulness, values deeply embedded in Nordic life.

For Norwegians, the sauna is a bridge to nature. It’s about grounding yourself in the elements, embracing contrasts, and letting go of life’s excesses. This ethos aligns perfectly with glør’s vision—to simplify and modernize the way we experience fire, bringing a little slice of Scandinavian calm into urban homes.

Four Ways to Experience Sauna Culture Yourself

While you may not have a traditional sauna in your home, you can still embrace the spirit of sauna culture in your daily life. Here are four ways to connect with this timeless tradition:

• Visit Vabali Spa in Germany

Escape to relaxation at Vabali Spa, located in Berlin, Hamburg and Düsseldorf, and immerse yourself in a selection of saunas and heated pools for ultimate tranquility.

• Add essential oils to your LA\VIK fireplace:

Infuse your home with sauna-inspired aromas by sprinkling essential oils like eucalyptus or pine onto the stones in your LA\VIK tabletop fireplace for cozy, calming vibes.

• Try cold water swimming:

Join cold water groups like Berlin’s Ice Dippers for an invigorating swim, then warm up by lighting your LA\VIK fireplace for the ultimate hot-and-cold ritual.

• Create a DIY sauna at home:

Tie a fresh bouquet of eucalyptus branches (or any other scented, woody stems like rosemary or pine) to your shower head. Run a hot shower to fill the space with steam, dim the lights and enjoy the release of the natural scented oils as you shower.

Bringing Nordic Warmth into Your Life

At glør Design, we believe in creating moments of calm and connection, inspired by the beauty of Scandinavian traditions. Sauna culture isn’t just about heat; it’s about balance, simplicity, and a reverence for nature’s elements. Whether you’re visiting a spa, enhancing your home with the LA\VIK fireplace, or embracing hot-and-cold rituals, you can experience the magic of this timeless tradition.

This winter, let the warmth of a real flame and the wisdom of sauna culture elevate your everyday life.