What is löyly in a Finnish sauna?
In Finnish sauna culture, löyly describes the soft wave of heat and steam created when water meets hot stones.
Water on hot stones. Steam rising through the sauna.
That moment is called löyly.
The word comes from Finnish sauna culture and is used to describe a brief change in heat and air inside the sauna.
In practice, it is not a separate feature. It happens naturally during sauna use.
Water is added. Steam lifts. The heat changes, then drops back.
Löyly in traditional sauna use
Water is used carefully.
Small amounts of water are added and then left to fade. It doesn’t need repeating straight away.
If the heat feels uncomfortable, too much water has gone on. The aim is controlled heat, not constant steam.
Löyly should never feel sharp or overwhelming. It is widely referenced in sauna culture and practice and is recognised by organisations such as the
British Sauna Society
How löyly feels
Steam changes how heat behaves inside the sauna.
The air feels warmer for a short time.
Heat spreads more evenly.
The temperature drops back again.
Each sauna and stove behaves slightly differently, depending on stone temperature and airflow.
Using steam responsibly
At Sauna Hus, löyly is used in a controlled and traditional way.
Water is added slowly.
Only small amounts are used.
Time is allowed between pours.
Guests are encouraged to stand clear of the stove.
Anyone unfamiliar with sauna use can ask staff for guidance at any time.
Löyly at Sauna Hus
Sauna Hus uses a traditional wood-fired stove with heated stones.
The stove is brought up to temperature gradually. This allows löyly to behave as it should. Short bursts of steam followed by calmer heat.
Nothing rushed. Nothing forced.
More detailed guidance is available in our
sauna use guidelines
A simple rule
If the sauna feels uncomfortable, step outside and cool down, it should always feel manageable.
General safety information is available in our
health and safety guidance