Bast Sauna: How a Portable Sauna Tent is Bringing Nordic Wellness to the world
For centuries, the sauna has been a cornerstone of Nordic life. In Sweden, Finland, and across Scandinavia, stepping into the intense heat of a wooden sauna is as much about community as it is about well-being. It is a ritual—one that spans generations, seasons, and social occasions. Yet for many outside the Nordic region, the practice remains a luxury, often confined to high-end spas, gym facilities, or rural retreats.
Bast, a Swedish company founded by three childhood friends from Luleå, is challenging that. Their solution? A portable sauna tent—a lightweight, easy-to-assemble structure that allows anyone to create an authentic sauna experience in their own back garden, at a campsite, or even by the sea. Without the need for building permits, expensive installations, or dedicated indoor space, Bast is making sauna culture more accessible than ever.
A Tradition Reimagined
In Sweden, saunas are a way of life. The Bast founders grew up in a city where taking a sauna after football training, before dinner, or as a way to socialise with friends was the norm. But when they moved to Stockholm, they found that access to saunas was limited, expensive, and often overcrowded. Public saunas had lost their sense of intimacy, while private installations remained out of reach for most. It was this absence that led to the creation of Bast.
The concept is simple but effective. A sauna tent—durable, weather-resistant, and capable of reaching temperatures above 100°C—combined with a powerful stove, offers the same heat intensity and deep relaxation as a traditional wooden sauna. Yet, unlike conventional sauna cabins, it is affordable, transportable, and quick to set up.
The Appeal of the Sauna Tent
While the Bast sauna tent was born from necessity, it has resonated far beyond its founders’ original intentions. Across Europe, interest in home wellness solutions has surged in recent years, as people look for ways to enhance their physical and mental well-being without the cost or constraints of traditional spa facilities.
For those considering a sauna for home use, the Bast tent offers a compelling alternative:
• Affordability – A fraction of the cost of a permanent sauna, making it one of the most accessible sauna solutionsavailable.
• No construction required – Unlike wooden sauna cabins, it does not require planning permission or dedicated space.
• Portability – Lightweight and easy to assemble, it can be used at home or taken to a beach, a festival, or a remote cabin retreat.
• Authenticity – Heated by a powerful stove, it delivers a true Nordic sauna experience without compromise.
• A communal experience – Unlike traditional solitary wellness routines, saunas are inherently social, offering a place for conversation, relaxation, and connection.
Bringing Sauna Culture to the UK
In the UK, the wellness landscape has shifted significantly in recent years. From the rise of cold-water swimming to an increasing focus on mental health and recovery, more people are turning to Scandinavian-inspired wellness rituals. The sauna, once considered a luxury, is now being recognised for its health benefits, including improved circulation, stress relief, and muscle recovery.
At Compendia, we first encountered Bast about a year ago. We were drawn not just to the innovation of the design, but to the philosophy behind it—a commitment to making sauna culture accessible to all. Since then, we have incorporated Bast sauna tents into our own events, using them for team gatherings, wellness retreats, and community-driven experiences that centre around connection, collaboration, and well-being.
An Accessible Path to Sauna Ownership
For those who have long considered adding a sauna to their home but have been deterred by cost, space, or installation challenges, the Bast sauna tent presents an alternative. And for those who are curious but unsure, there is an opportunity to try before committing—at one of our upcoming events.
If a permanent sauna has always seemed out of reach, this might be the simplest, most cost-effective way to start. And as the UK embraces a more communal, outdoor-focused approach to well-being, the question may no longer be whether sauna culture will take hold—but when.
Compendia Club Members Save £75
For those looking to invest in their own sauna, Compendia Club members have access to an exclusive £75 discount, making it even more affordable to bring Nordic wellness into daily life.
Join Compendia Club here.
