Denmark's sauna sessions for children are seeing a boom, with 30 seats sold out for a session in Hvidovre as nine-year-old Tove Kjærsgaard Arendt describes falling in love with the experience. A biting wind blows through the courtyard, and Tove squeals loudly, pulling her bathrobe tight. 'I just can't wait to get into the warmth,' she exclaims. This is her third time attending saunagus for kids. After her first try, she told her mother she had fallen in love. Today, she's more reserved, standing outside the sauna by a tub with floating ice chunks. Saunagus alternates between a steaming hot sauna and cold dips in an ice bath. 'I usually go in. But I won't today, it's way too cold,' she declares.
The Rise of Kid-Friendly Saunagus
It's not just in Hvidovre where children's saunagus is happening. Several sauna spots have begun offering saunagus to children, some with participants as young as four years old. Jamie Wøhlk Pedersen, chairman of Dansk Saunaselskab, has observed a minor boom. In saunagus, a gusmaster pours water and fragrant oils onto the sauna stove's stones. The steam is then distributed around the room with a towel or fan. Often, saunagus is combined with bathing in cold water in tubs or in the sea. There are no official requirements for children's saunagus, but typically the temperature is kept lower and the intervals in the sauna are shorter than for adults. 'I've known about children's saunagus as a concept for a couple of years, but there's a clear development in the number of places offering it,' Pedersen says.
Adapting Sessions for Youngsters
Today's gusmaster, Nick Trantel, also experiences an appetite for saunagus for the little ones. He started with a small sauna but has just built a larger one to accommodate the many children and their parents who want a turn in the warmth. It's now in use for the first time, and the 30 seats are sold out. He explains that it's typically parents who enjoy saunagus themselves and want to share the experience with their children. 'Both children and adults come to find peace of mind,' he says. The sauna is filled for the first round, with meditative music providing a backdrop, and the first scent hits the many children's nostrils. 'Wow, it smells like pine tree,' cries nine-year-old Tove Kjærsgaard Arendt.
Inside the Warmth and Cold
The sauna heats up extra, so she instinctively covers her nose and squeezes her eyes shut. 'At the start, it's so hot that it's uncomfortable,' she admits. Steam pours out of the sauna along with the flock of children when the round ends, and several of them head for the ice tub. But not Tove Kjærsgaard Arendt. 'Maybe in the next break,' she says. This mild torture of alternating freezing cold water and intense heat might sound strange, but for Tove and others, it's becoming a cherished routine. Her initial enchantment has evolved into a cautious appreciation, reflecting how children are navigating this new activity.
Parental Involvement and Shared Joy
Nick Trantel notes that the trend is driven by parents seeking to bond with their kids over wellness practices. 'They want to share something they love,' he adds. The sessions are tailored to be family-friendly, with gusmasters like Trantel ensuring a safe and engaging environment. While there are no national regulations, common sense adaptations prevail, such as shorter sauna stays and supervised cold plunges. This approach allows children to participate without overwhelming them, fostering a sense of adventure and relaxation.
Expanding Across Danish Communities
Beyond Hvidovre, other Danish municipalities are noting similar interest. Sauna centers in urban and coastal areas are incorporating children's slots into their schedules. The concept taps into Denmark's longstanding sauna culture, traditionally adult-focused, now evolving to include younger generations. Jamie Wøhlk Pedersen emphasizes that this isn't a fleeting fad but part of a broader shift towards family-oriented wellness. 'We're seeing more venues experiment with it, and the feedback has been positive,' he states.
Personal Stories Highlight the Trend
Tove's journey from love at first sauna to her current hesitant participation illustrates the personal impact. Her mother, alongside other parents, values the opportunity for quality time and health benefits. Children like Tove learn to handle discomfort and find joy in contrast, skills that resonate beyond the sauna. As the sessions end, kids emerge flushed and chatty, already planning their next visit. This human element underscores why the trend is gaining traction, rooted in simple pleasures and family connections.