"Bastu tent vs traditional sauna - What is best for you?"

Bathing in a sauna is a beloved tradition for many, but when it comes to choosing between a sauna tent and a traditional sauna, it can be difficult to know what suits you best. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and what is right for you depends on your lifestyle, budget, and how you want to use your sauna. In this post, we compare sauna tents and traditional saunas to help you make the right decision – and we conclude with why a sauna tent from Hott Sauna might be the perfect choice for you.

Cost – What do you get for the money?

One of the biggest differences between a sauna tent and a traditional sauna is the price. A traditional sauna, whether you build it yourself or buy a ready-made one, often costs from 50,000 kronor and up – and it can get significantly more expensive if you factor in installation, electricity, groundwork, and building permits. It is a substantial investment, both in money and time.

A sauna tent, on the other hand, is much more wallet-friendly. A complete sauna tent often costs between 15,000 and 30,000 kronor, depending on the model and accessories such as a stove, benches, thermometer, and more. For that price, you get a full sauna experience without extra costs for installation or permits. For those who want to enjoy sauna bathing without making a large financial investment, a sauna tent is a smart choice.

Installation and building permit – How much work is it?

Building a traditional sauna is a project that requires both time and planning. You need a place to build on, you may need a foundation to pour, and in many cases, a building permit from the municipality – especially if the sauna is larger than 15 square meters or is placed near a property boundary. The actual construction can take several weeks, and if you are not handy yourself, you may need to hire craftsmen, which drives up the cost even more. All this planning and administration can make the process both stressful and time-consuming.

With a sauna tent, you can avoid all that. Sauna tents require neither building permits nor planning – you can set it up exactly where you want, when you want, in just a few minutes. It's somewhat like setting up a regular camping tent, but often even easier depending on the type of sauna tent you have. For those who want to skip all the work of planning and building a sauna and want to start enjoying sauna bathing right away, a sauna tent is unbeatable.

Flexibility and portability – Where can you take a sauna?

A traditional sauna is stationary – once it is built, it stays where it is. This can be fantastic if you have a fixed location, such as at the cabin or in the garden, and want a permanent solution. But if you move, or if you want to sauna in different places, it becomes complicated.

A sauna tent, on the other hand, is made to be mobile. Complete with a stove, it usually weighs less than 50 kilos and can be packed into bags, making it easy to take to the campsite, the forest, the lake, or the mountains. Do you want to sauna with friends by a lake one weekend and in the garden the next? No problem – a sauna tent gives you the freedom to choose the location based on your mood and occasion.

The Experience – What does it feel like to sauna?

"When it comes to the sauna experience itself, both sauna tents and traditional saunas can deliver that pleasant warmth and relaxation. A traditional sauna, especially if it is wood-fired, often provides a more "classic" feel with its sturdy wooden construction and the ability to maintain a consistent temperature for a long time. Many also appreciate that it can be built with extra amenities, such as a changing room or a small porch."

A sauna tent provides a more adventurous feeling. There is something special about sitting in a tent in the middle of nature, hearing the wind outside and feeling the warmth from the wood-fired stove. The temperature can vary a bit more than in a traditional sauna, but with a good stove, you quickly reach 80–100 degrees, which is perfect for a nice sauna bath. It is also easy to create steam by pouring water on the stove, just like in a classic sauna. For many, it is precisely the simplicity and closeness to nature that makes the sauna tent so charming.

Maintenance and sustainability – What is required?

A traditional sauna requires some maintenance. You need to maintain the wood, clean the inside regularly, and possibly fix the electricity or ventilation if something breaks. If the sauna is left unused during the winter, the cold can cause damage, which means you may need to drain the water pipes and protect it from the elements.

A sauna tent is significantly easier to take care of. After use, you let it dry properly to avoid mold, and then you pack it away in the storage bag. They are made of durable, weather-resistant materials that withstand both rain and snow, but you should still be careful to ensure that the tent is not damaged or worn unnecessarily by the elements. With minimal maintenance and if you take good care of it, a sauna tent can last for several years.

Who is passing the different options for?

So, what is best for you? Here is a quick summary:

• Traditional sauna suits you like...
  • "Have a fixed place where you want a permanent sauna." 
  • "Ready to invest time and money in a long-term project." 
  • Want a classic sauna experience with extra comforts
• "Sauna tents are suitable for you who..."    
  • Loves adventure and wants to bathe in a sauna in different places. 
  • Want an affordable and simple solution without building permits or planning. 
  • Appreciate the flexibility and proximity to nature.

Why choose a sauna tent from Hott Sauna?
If you are leaning towards a sauna tent, Hott Sauna is a name to trust. Our sauna tents are designed for the Nordic climate, with durable materials that withstand both cold and moisture.

"They are easy to set up, have efficient wood-burning stoves for quick heating, and give you the freedom to sauna anywhere – from the garden to the mountain."

"With good prices on complete sauna packages, you get a high-quality product that provides you with a genuine sauna experience without breaking the budget!"

With Hott Sauna, you get quality that lasts, no matter where you use your sauna tent.

Make your choice and enjoy sauna bathing on your terms.

"Whether you choose a sauna tent or a traditional sauna, it’s about what suits your lifestyle best. If you want flexibility, simplicity, and a more adventurous experience, a sauna tent is unbeatable – and with Hott Sauna, you get quality that lasts."

Are you ready to take the step? Check out our selection of sauna tents and find the perfect option for you!