World's First Hydrogen Sauna Unveiled by Harvia and Toyota

A groundbreaking step for sustainability and sauna culture alike

Published: June 3, 2025

In a world-first innovation that blends ancient sauna tradition with cutting-edge clean energy, Harvia Plc and Toyota Motor Corporation have jointly unveiled a concept model for a hydrogen-powered sauna. According to the companies' own investigations, this marks the world’s first sauna heated by hydrogen combustion, presenting a powerful symbol of both technological innovation and environmental responsibility.

A Fusion of Tradition and Technology

The collaboration brings together Harvia’s decades-long sauna expertise with Toyota’s advanced hydrogen combustion technology. The result: a clean-burning hydrogen sauna heater that emits only steam and warm air, with zero CO₂ emissions during use.

By channeling hydrogen flames and warm air through traditional sauna stones, the heater mimics the heat profile of a classic Finnish smoke sauna—renowned for its gentle and enveloping warmth. When water is poured onto the stones, it produces the signature löyly (steam), enhancing the sauna experience in the most authentic way, but now powered by a next-generation fuel.

Reimagining the Sauna Experience: What Is It Like to Bathe in a Hydrogen-Powered Sauna?

At its core, a sauna is about heat, steam, and calm. The hydrogen sauna preserves all these elements — but with a distinct technological twist. The experience is designed to mimic that of a traditional Finnish smoke sauna, widely cherished for its soft, evenly distributed heat and soothing löyly (the steam created by throwing water on hot stones).

What sets the hydrogen sauna apart?

🔥 Hydrogen combustion channels flames and hot air through stones, evenly heating them from all sides, creating a warm cocoon-like atmosphere similar to smoke saunas.
💨 The heat is gentle and steady, not as sharp or immediate as electric heaters can be, nor as moisture-heavy as a wood stove might get over time.
🌫️ Steam (löyly) remains essential, generated exactly as in traditional saunas — by throwing water onto stones. But here, it's cleaner, with zero soot or residue, and no lingering smoke aroma.

In terms of sensation, the hydrogen sauna may feel like a fusion of wood-heated warmth and electric control, offering the best of both worlds — but powered by pure hydrogen, leaving behind only water vapor.

Public Debut in Finland

The hydrogen sauna will be presented to the public at two major Finnish events:

World Sauna Forum in Jyväskylä, June 4–5, 2025
Rally Finland, July 31 – August 2, 2025

These demonstrations will serve not only as showcases of a novel heating technology but also as platforms to explore new applications for hydrogen in everyday life and wellness — a bold step toward broader carbon neutrality.

Voices from Harvia and Toyota

“This collaboration with Toyota allows us to push the boundaries of sauna innovation and demonstrate our dedication to environmental responsibility,” says Timo Harvia, Head of Innovation and Technology at Harvia.

“Toyota’s deep expertise in hydrogen handling and combustion gave us a safe and efficient way to pursue hydrogen as a clean energy source — something we might not have considered this soon without such a trusted partner. In doing so, we are not only exploring ways to minimize environmental impact but also creating a new kind of sauna experience that honors tradition while embracing the future.”

Mitsumasa Yamagata, President of the Hydrogen Factory at Toyota, adds:

“Thanks to the initiative of the Central Finland Mobility Foundation and our longstanding ties to the Jyväskylä region through TOYOTA GAZOO Racing, this project took shape with the support of a dedicated local ecosystem. Harvia’s dedication to craftsmanship has been truly encouraging, and I believe this hydrogen sauna opens new possibilities for the future of hydrogen use.”

About the Companies Behind the Project

Harvia is one of the global leaders in the sauna and spa industry, with a strong international presence and a deep commitment to quality, well-being, and sustainability. Headquartered in Muurame, Finland, Harvia employs more than 700 professionals across Finland, Germany, the U.S., Romania, China, Austria, Italy, Estonia, Sweden, and Hong Kong.

Toyota continues to lead the way in innovation for sustainable mobility. As part of its broader mission to build a carbon-neutral society, the company actively explores hydrogen applications in transportation, motorsports, and now, with Harvia, the wellness sector.

This project was further supported by the Central Finland Mobility Foundation (Cefmof), an organization working to make Jyväskylä a hub for hydrogen-based solutions and sustainable community development.

Hydrogen-Powered Saunas — Coming Soon to Sauna Captain?

At SaunaCaptain.com, we are passionate about tradition and progress in equal measure. This visionary concept by Harvia and Toyota has us more excited than ever about the future of clean sauna heating.

While this hydrogen sauna remains a demonstration model for now, we look forward to offering hydrogen sauna heaters and hydrogen-powered saunas for purchase in the not-so-distant future, giving enthusiasts around the world a way to experience authentic löyly with a lighter environmental footprint.

Stay tuned. The future of sauna is heating up — with hydrogen.

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