Jalasjaa becomes only the third non-Finn and first-ever Canadian to receive the distinction for his efforts promoting authentic Finnish sauna experiences around the globe
Alan Jalasjaa, a Canadian sauna expert and sauna podcast host, has been named as the new Sauna Ambassador for Sauna from Finland, in recognition of his work promoting authentic Finnish sauna experiences in Canada and around the globe.
Sauna from Finland is a Finnish-based organization on a mission to boost the global recognition of authentic Finnish sauna, which itself was added to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List in 2020.
Jalasjaa received the title of Sauna Ambassador at the World Sauna Forum in Finland in June, where his predecessor, Jake Newport of Finnmark, ceremoniously “passed him the ladle” to make it official.
“Alan is a passionate advocate for authentic Finnish sauna experiences, and a wonderful ambassador for sauna on the world stage,” said Carita Harju, executive director of Sauna from Finland. “Through his popular sauna podcast, his writings, presentations, and his travels around the globe, he has educated so many people on the joys of sauna and sauna culture — in Canada and beyond — and creates a sense of community and connection wherever he goes.”
Jalasjaa, who was born to a Canadian mother and Finnish father, grew up in Southern Ontario and had his first sauna as a baby at his grandparents’ cottage in the Kawarthas.
Today, he builds saunas for a range of clients, hosts the popular podcast, Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna, and has travelled to some of the top sauna destinations around the globe.
In the past few years alone, he’s visited saunas across Canada, in Finland, Estonia, Germany, Austria, Romania, the Netherlands, Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States and more.
“I am deeply honoured to have been selected for the role of Sauna Ambassador for Sauna from Finland,” said Jalasjaa. “As a Finnish-Canadian, I am immensely proud of my Finnish heritage. I was fortunate enough to have been introduced to sauna at a very young age by my Finnish grandparents, and quickly grew to love its many splendours.”
“As the new Ambassador, I will seek to carry on the outstanding work started by Carita Harju and the team from Sauna from Finland by representing them on the global stage, meeting with the world’s sauna enthusiasts and those that aspire to be one, and promoting the authentic Finnish sauna experience at every opportunity.”
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About Sauna from Finland
Sauna from Finland was born from the idea that everyone around the world should be able to experience a great, authentic Finnish sauna. Now, we are on a mission to boost the global recognition of authentic Finnish sauna solutions, helping individuals and companies to connect with each other and consulting sauna service providers in finding the best elements for their sauna service. saunafromfinland.com
About Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna Podcast
Now in its third season, Kivia: The Spirit of Sauna is a go-to podcast for both sauna newbies and experts alike. Hosted by Alan Jalasjaa with Elissa Lansdell, each episode delves into a unique aspect of sauna culture — from sauna etiquette and cold plunging to tales of Alan’s sauna adventures around the globe. Available to stream on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen to podcasts. kivia.ca
Listen and learn about the sauna culture