What is International Sauna Congress?
International Sauna Congress has been the most important meeting place for the global sauna community since 1958. Risto Elomaa, president of the International Sauna Association, gives us an insightful introduction to the history of the congress.
The first idea of sauna cooperation between the Nordic countries was proposed in 1938 during the Bathing Congress in Norway. However, due to World War II, the initiative did not progress further until 1946, when Norges Badeforbund revived the proposal.
In 1947, the Nordic Bathing Committee was established, with members including Svenska Förening för Folkbad (Swedish Association for Public Baths), Norges Badeforbund, Dansk Forening for Folkbade (Danish Association for Public Baths), and the Finnish Sauna Friends (now the Finnish Sauna Society). Several meetings were held in different member countries.
The German SaunaBund became active after its founding in 1949, and the first official International Sauna Congress was organized by them in Bielefeld, Germany, in 1956. During this event, it was agreed that the next congress would take place in Helsinki in 1958.
Past International Sauna Congresses
Over the following two years, discussions also took place regarding the establishment of an International Sauna Society. The founding meeting was formally held during the 1958 Helsinki Congress on August 9, 1958.
At that congress, there were four presentations from West Germany, one from Sweden, two from Norway, one from the UK, and ten from Finland. These presentations were also published in printed form, including a notable presentation on saunas in Norway by Axel Flinder.
It was decided that International Sauna Congresses would be held every four years, with the International Sauna Society overseeing their organization. Interest in hosting these congresses grew significantly, as the sauna industry was rapidly developing.
Research on various sauna-related subjects, particularly the effects of saunas on health, was gaining momentum in many sauna-practicing countries. There was a wealth of new findings that needed to be shared, and Germany played a particularly active role in advancing this research.
These congresses have featured more than 500 presentations, with attendance ranging from 200 to 700 participants from 25 to 30 countries.
Typically, the local municipality has hosted the congress, often organizing official receptions and other events. Some congresses have been held alongside major exhibitions, such as Interbad.
On two occasions, the President of Finland has served as the patron of the congress:
• President Urho Kekkonen
• President Martti Ahtisaari
In these cases, the congress participants received a direct message from the Finnish President.
Since Finland is one of the key members of the International Sauna Association (ISA), Finnish embassies have frequently played an important role in congresses, often organizing receptions and events for participants.
The impact of these congresses has been significant, with some presentations becoming fundamental materials for sauna research. A notable example is the 1974 Helsinki Congress, which led to the publication of the book "Sauna Studies", as well as the 1999 Aachen Congress, which also contributed valuable research findings.
Currently, the International Sauna Association (ISA) has over 30 member organizations, representing most major sauna-practicing countries—except Russia, due to the ongoing situation in Ukraine.
By granting Norway the right to host Congress XIX in Oslo, we are confident that it will be one of the most successful congresses yet.
We look forward to meeting you in Oslo!
Risto Elomaa
President
