Too cold for run clubs, Danes turn to social saunas

Run clubs and social rides have dominated Danish wellness culture for years. However, the pursuit for a better life without illness, stress and worries is constantly evolving. Now, Danes fiend for a sweat, bringing many to try out sauna clubs. 

Sydhavn, just five minutes from the center of Copenhagen, you can find Plugin Heat Club. Located in the middle of industrial buildings, there is an oasis of hygge. A place away from the bustle of the capital, where everyday life is put on pause for a while. Warm lights and steam break through the winter cold leading to come inside and break away from the real world.

Sheltering from the cold, Lili Routledge sits in the club’s reception welcoming the members. 

“Saunas are very therapeutic, it’s meditative. It's very good for a midday break or after work, and just all the benefits of calming your nervous system,” says Routledge. 

In true Danish fashion, Plugin Heat Club, among other sauna clubs, is a classic example of how Danes manage to incorporate the eternal pursuit of a more peaceful life into everyday life without compromising social interaction.

“It’s very community based and people can connect with each other. It's become a big trend and it's a big thing about coming to Copenhagen,” says Routledge. 

Saunas have simply become a part of everyday life, not an occasional luxury.

 This article is intended for an audience in the UK. It could be published in The Telegraph.