Today, there are countless sauna accessories to choose from – sauna scents, textiles, buckets and ladles, massage brushes, thermometers, hourglasses, pillows and much more. If you've just built your first sauna, it can be difficult to know which accessories are truly essential and which ones can wait.
Because sauna is part of our everyday life, and we personally use every product we offer, we've put together five accessories that, in our opinion, are the foundation of a complete sauna experience.
1. Sauna bucket & ladle
As we like to say – this is the set that makes you the master of your sauna session.
No sauna is complete without a bucket and ladle. By pouring water onto the hot stones, you control the sauna climate – whether you prefer dry, intense heat or a softer, more humid steam. This is where you can truly tailor the sauna to your own preferences.
Our collection includes buckets and ladles in a variety of designs, so they not only serve a practical purpose but also complement your sauna interior. If you're looking for something especially durable, we recommend aluminium buckets – they're lightweight, long-lasting and ideal for regular use.
💡 Nordic sauna tip: Always pour warm water onto the stones to avoid cooling them down too quickly. For a softer, steamier sauna, pour water onto the same area of the stones. If you prefer a sharper, more intense steam, pour onto stones that haven't been wetted yet.
2. Sauna scents
Sauna scents can completely transform the atmosphere of your sauna. They can refresh, relax or create a special mood. Sometimes a single breath of birch bud aroma is enough to bring back memories of a warm summer day or a peaceful walk through a spring forest.
Always use scents specifically made for saunas and dilute them with warm water before use. In our collection you'll find both 100% natural essential oils and specially crafted sauna fragrance blends – from classic forest aromas to seasonal favourites like gingerbread.
💡 Nordic sauna tip: We recommend adding the fragrance to your ladle, not to the entire bucket of water. This allows you to alternate between scented and plain water throughout your sauna session. Our favourite ratio is one ladle of scented water followed by two or three ladles of plain warm water. This creates a balanced aroma that enhances the experience without becoming overpowering.
3. Sauna textiles
Many people think a towel is all they need in the sauna, but purpose-made sauna textiles make the experience significantly more comfortable.
If we had to choose just one sauna textile, it would definitely be a sauna hat. It protects your head from overheating, allows you to stay in the sauna longer and makes every session more enjoyable, especially at higher temperatures.
Our collection also includes sauna towels, wraps, ponchos and bathrobes made from natural materials. They absorb moisture well, allow the skin to breathe, dry quickly and are designed for regular use in sauna conditions.
Our favourite? The Luhta Home sauna poncho. It's one of those things you buy because it looks beautiful, and then wonder how you ever managed without it. There's nothing quite like wrapping yourself in soft, cosy fabric after a sauna and taking a few extra moments to enjoy that wonderful feeling of calm.
💡 Nordic sauna tip: One of the most underrated sauna textiles is a bench towel. It makes your sauna experience more hygienic by protecting the bench from sweat while also making it much more comfortable to sit on a hot wooden bench.
4. Thermometer & Hygrometer
A great sauna experience isn't determined by temperature alone. Humidity plays an equally important role. It's the combination of these two factors that defines whether your sauna feels gentle, intense or rich with steam.
A thermometer and hygrometer help you understand your sauna and find the climate that feels best for you.
🔥 High °C / Low % – dry, intense heat.
💨 Medium °C / Medium % – balanced warmth with gentle steam.
💧 Medium °C / High % – rich, humid steam with a softer heat sensation.
💡 Nordic sauna tip: There is no single "perfect" sauna temperature or humidity. Experiment with the amount of water you pour onto the stones and discover the combination that suits you best. That's exactly why a thermometer and hygrometer are among the most valuable sauna accessories.
5. Sauna bag or storage basket
It might not be the first accessory that comes to mind, but it's certainly one of the most practical.
Sauna textiles, your hat, fragrances, water bottle and skincare products are much easier to keep in one dedicated place. That way, before every sauna session, everything you need is already waiting for you.
If you visit a public sauna or enjoy sauna evenings with friends, a sauna bag keeps all your essentials neatly packed in one place. At home, a storage basket helps keep things organised and provides an easy place to collect used towels and textiles before taking them to the laundry.
💡 Nordic sauna tip: Create your own sauna kit that's always ready to go. Keep your towel, sauna hat, favourite scents and other essentials together in one basket or bag, so every sauna session begins effortlessly.
What to Add Next?
Once you've covered the essentials, you can gradually expand your sauna collection with accessories that make every session even more enjoyable:
- Sauna pillow
- Sauna hourglass
- Sauna whisk (vihta/pirts slota)
- Massage brush
- Sauna skincare products
None of these are essential, but over time you'll discover your own favourite sauna rituals and the accessories that make them even more special.
A great sauna isn't about having more things
A truly great sauna isn't the one with the most accessories. It's the one where everything you need is within reach and every item has its purpose.
Start with these five essentials and let your sauna collection grow alongside your sauna journey. Over time you'll discover which scents become your favourites, which sauna hat you'll never want to be without, and which little rituals turn every sauna session into something special.
Add the rest gradually as your experience grows, your preferences evolve, and your own sauna story unfolds 🖤