From 10 to 15 June 2025, the city of Jyväskylä in Finland became the beating heart of the global sauna community as it hosted the World Sauna Forum. Bringing together enthusiasts, professionals and partners from around the world, the event also marked a major milestone for Harvia, one of the world's leading sauna brands, celebrating 75 years of "Healing with Heat".
A week of celebration, innovation and sauna tradition in Jyväskylä, Finland
More than 50 international guests took part in a week packed with keynote talks, demonstrations and hands-on sauna experiences. The programme celebrated sauna traditions in all their diversity - from sauna yoga and sensory infusions to traditional vihta binding - offering visitors an authentic insight into the Finnish art of wellness and relaxation.
Project presentation meeting at Harvia headquarters
The highlight of the week was an exclusive visit to Harvia's headquarters in Muurame. Attendees enjoyed a behind-the-scenes tour of the production facilities, met with descendants of founder Tapani Harvia - some of whom still work at the company - and explored upcoming innovations in development.
The Harvia sauna experience at the 2025 World Sauna Forum
A world-first hydrogen-powered sauna from Harvia and Toyota
Looking firmly to the future, Harvia took the opportunity to unveil a pioneering innovation in partnership with Toyota: what is believed to be the world's first hydrogen-powered sauna.
Based on clean combustion technology, the system produces only heat and steam - with no CO? emissions - offering a sauna experience that is both sustainable and deeply relaxing, without compromising on quality.
This collaboration with Toyota allows us to push the boundaries of sauna innovation and demonstrate our dedication to environmental responsibility. (...) We are also creating a new kind of sauna experience that honors tradition while embracing the future. Timo Harvia, Head of Innovation and Technology at Harvia
The week concluded with a warm and convivial evening at Savutuvan Apaja, where guests dined aboard a restored heritage boat and enjoyed traditional saunas beneath the glow of the midsummer sunset - a perfect ending to a week of connection, discovery and inspiration.
Harvia extends its heartfelt thanks to all participants, partners and team members who made this event truly special - and reaffirms its commitment to shaping the future of sauna culture, where cutting-edge technology meets authentic heritage.
