In collaboration with Norwegian entrepreneurs DS Light and Sound and B+S Finland Sauna, the Farris Bad resort in Larvik, Norway has opened a 64sq m (689sq ft) sauna with a capacity for 100 people – one of the biggest event saunas in the Nordics.

The sauna features state-of-the-art light and sound and a full tonne of Norwegian sauna stones, and is designed to host sauna aufguss events along with major sauna competitions.

“With a big sauna like this we see, through our rituals and shows, the awakening of the real human being – the natural, naked, compassionate and pure human – who together with others shares this unique sweat experience,” said Lasse Eriksen, development manager at Farris Bad. “With the increased demand and expectations from our guests since our opening of the spa ten years ago, we finally have our big event sauna to fulfill those needs.”

The sauna has multiple functions, and has been created using traditional methods. It can host traditional badstu (Norwegian sauna), banya and sauna experiences, along with aufguss rituals, though Eriksen said “We can go full-throttle, with a ‘Top Gun’-style show aufguss for a more fun and crazy experience.”

Eriksen said guest feedback from those who have used the saunas and experienced one of Farris Bad’s sauna events has been incredibly positive.

“It’s like sitting on the stage during a show – you are in the centre of where the energy is created, and with the mix of heat, water, ice, herbs and essential oils, the sauna masters guide you on this amazing journey,” he explained. “We as humans are so lucky to be a species who actually have the capacity to imagine and go on inner journeys, and it is with these tools the sauna master combines the elements of earth (stone), fire (heat), water and air, creating what we call ‘Löyly’ – ‘the spirit within you’ – to awaken and be present.”

Farris Bad has plans to host several international events in the new sauna in the next year, including the Norwegian Aufguss Championship in April; the Sauna Herbal Cup in June; and the Aufguss WM Relegation Round in late August and early September, along with monthly sauna events that bring in sauna masters from around the world.