Two brothers have created the world's first hot-air balloon sauna.
Ari and Jari Lehtinen, 57-year-old twins known for their unconventional designs, have successfully launched their latest creation, which combines Finland's love for saunas with .
The innovative flying sauna, weighing just 170 kg, ascended to an altitude of 2,300 metres during its inaugural flight, allowing its occupants to experience temperatures of 80 degrees Celsius while floating above the Finnish landscape. The flight lasted approximately one hour, with two sauna enthusiasts and two crew members on board.
Ari explained the motivation behind the project. "It's always about attempting something that others don't do. And sauna is always fun. People are usually in high spirits when saunas are involved. This is an incredibly good counterbalance for work," he said.
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The brothers began preparations early in the morning on launch day, carefully monitoring weather conditions to ensure a safe flight. "We began preparing the equipment after six in the morning, and by seven, we were ready to take off. We loaded our gear, put on our sauna hats, and aimed for the skies," Ari said.
To keep with Finnish traditions, the brothers brought along vihta or vasta - which are bundles of birch twigs used in traditional sauna practices - for the experience. The creation of this flying sauna presented unique challenges, as Lehtinen noted: "There are no images or instructions. You just have to use your own head and consider how to do it at any given time." This approach to problem-solving and creativity is a common thread through the brothers' designs.
Back in 2019, when the brothers established their third innovative sauna, they explained: "We both like sauna bathing, and there is time to talk and plan all kinds of things while sitting in the sauna. New ideas arise easily as you throw water on the stones. Last winter, the idea of a hemp sauna was born."
While primarily a feat of engineering and cultural expression, the Lehtinen brothers haven't ruled out the possibility of their flying sauna becoming a tourist attraction. "There's no better entertainment than sauna," Ari said, hinting at potential future developments.
This airborne sauna is the latest in a series of unique projects by the Lehtinen brothers. Previously, they created an underwater sauna, a hemp-constructed sauna, and a cowhide-covered mobile sauna. Their previous endeavours have taken them to extreme locations, including a sauna session atop Halti fell, Finland's highest point, during a snowstorm.
There are around 3.3 million saunas for a population of 5.5 million in Finland. As Finland continues to be a global leader in sauna innovation, the sky-high sauna of Ari and Jari Lehtinen serves as a literal and figurative high point in the country's long-standing relationship with steam and relaxation.
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