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

Taking a sauna bath is a beloved tradition for many, but when it comes to choosing between a sauna tent and a traditional sauna, it can be hard to know what suits you best. Both options have their advantages and disadvantages, and what’s 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 finish with why a sauna tent from Hott Sauna might be the perfect choice for you.

Cost – What do you get for your 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 SEK and up – and it can become significantly more expensive if you factor in installation, electricity, foundation work, and building permits. It's a substantial investment, both in money and time.

A sauna tent, on the other hand, is much more budget-friendly. A complete sauna tent often costs between 15,000 and 30,000 SEK, depending on the model and accessories like 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 big financial investment, a sauna tent is a smart choice.

Installation and building permits – How much work is it?

Building a traditional sauna is a project that requires both time and planning. You need a place to build, maybe 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 placed near a property boundary. The construction itself can take several weeks, and if you're not handy yourself, you may need to hire craftsmen, which drives the cost even higher. All this planning and administration can make the process both stressful and time-consuming.

With a sauna tent, you avoid all that. Sauna tents require neither building permits nor planning – you can set it up exactly where you want, whenever you want, in just a few minutes. It's kind of 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 avoid all the work of planning and building a sauna and want to get started with sauna bathing right away, a sauna tent is unbeatable.

Flexibility and portability – Where can you sauna?

A traditional sauna is stationary – once built, it stays where it is. This can be fantastic if you have a fixed place, like 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 bring to the campsite, forest, lake, or mountain. 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" feeling with its sturdy wooden construction and the ability to maintain an even temperature for a long time. Many also appreciate that it can be built with extra comforts, like a changing room or a small porch.

A sauna tent gives 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.

How hot does a sauna tent get?

A sauna tent with an efficient stove can reach temperatures of 80 to 100 °C just like a classic sauna. Thanks to the compact space, the tent heats up quickly, often in just 15 to 20 minutes, so you don't have to wait long to start sauna bathing. If you also have good insulation, the heat stays longer and the sauna feeling becomes even better. Steam is easily created by pouring water on the stones on the stove just like in a traditional sauna. Many experience that the sauna tent offers a more direct and stripped-down sauna experience right in the middle of nature. Fast heating, high temperature, no need for building permits, and complete freedom – that's why more and more people are discovering sauna tents.

Maintenance and durability – What does it take?

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

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

Who are the different options suitable for?

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

• Traditional sauna suits you who…
  • Have a fixed place where you want a permanent sauna. 
  • Are ready to invest time and money in a long-term project. 
  • Want a classic sauna experience with extra comforts
• Sauna tents suit you who…    
  • Love adventure and want to sauna in different places. 
  • Want an affordable and simple solution without building permits or planning. 
  • Appreciate flexibility and closeness to nature.

Why choose a sauna tent from Hott Sauna?

If you're 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-fired stoves for quick heating, and give you the freedom to sauna anywhere - from the garden to the mountain.

With great prices on complete sauna packages, you get a product of the highest quality that gives you an authentic 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 range of sauna tents and find the perfect option for you!