Harvia’s story
During its 75 years, Harvia has evolved from a Finnish sauna heater manufacturer into an acclaimed global sauna brand.
Roots in the Finnish sauna tradition
In Finland, going to the sauna is part of a tradition. However, the experiences offered by the sauna are raising interest around the world. Proven positive effects on health, growing interest in personal well-being and the growth of the middle-class guarantee that a growing number of the world’s over 18 million saunas will be built outside their country of origin.
From heaters to full sauna solutions – adapted to local cultures
Established in 1950, the Finnish company has evolved from a technologically advanced sauna heater manufacturer into an acclaimed sauna brand whose products and solutions are available in over 90 countries. Today, Harvia is the leading player in the global sauna market.
Sauna heals with heat – and people are increasingly aware of it
With the global wellness trend gaining traction, the health benefits and relaxing experiences offered by the healing heat of saunas are prompting increasing interest. The scientifically proven positive health effects of saunas, the wellness trend, and the expansion of the middle class globally all contribute to the demand for sauna solutions. More and more saunas are built outside Finland and Europe.
1950s – Production of sauna heaters begins
The founder of Harvia, Tapani Harvia, made the first woodburning Harvia heaters for the use of his family and friends in 1950. The first Harvia heaters intended for sale were manufactured in the mid-1950s. In the late 1950s, Harvia began manufacturing continuously heated heaters. During the decade, Harvia manufactured on average some 100 heaters per year.
1960s – Steady growth
Harvia’s production volumes increased steadily in the 1960s. By the end of the decade, the company was manufacturing some 1,000 heaters per year.
1970s – Harvia in Muurame
In the early 1970s, Harvia moved to the town of Muurame in Central Finland and constructed a new factory there. Throughout the decade, the company grew at a pace of around 30% annually. The oil crisis of the early 1970s had a positive effect on the Finnish woodburning heater manufacturing business: woodburning heaters grew popular as they used domestic fuel, in line with energy-saving recommendations. In the 1970s, Harvia’s heater offering only included woodburning heaters.
1980s – Electric sauna heaters introduced
During the 1980s, Harvia became the world’s leading manufacturer of wood-burning heaters. As a result of strong urbanization and changing lifestyles in Finland, the demand for electric sauna heaters increased. At the end of the decade, Harvia began to manufacture electric sauna heaters alongside woodburning heaters.
1990s – Harvia goes abroad
In the 1990s, Harvia started exporting its products to Central Europe. Soon Harvia’s exports expanded to Russia, Eastern European countries, the United States, and the Far East. In 1992, Tapani Harvia was awarded the title of Entrepreneur of the Year in Central Finland.
Early 2000s – World’s leading sauna heater manufacturer
In 50 years, Harvia had developed from a small workshop into a company with 180 employees. In the early 2000s, Harvia became the world’s leading manufacturer of sauna heaters and, building on its accumulated sauna expertise, started to expand its range to cover complete sauna solutions. Global exports also increased. In 2000, Harvia received another recognition for its work, the National Entrepreneur Prize of the Federation of Finnish Enterprises.
2010s – International growth
In the 2010s, Harvia grew strongly both organically and through M&A, expanding its foothold outside Finland. The company was listed on the Helsinki Stock Exchange in 2018.
Today and in the future – Global expert in building sauna experiences
Today, Harvia is focused on offering its customers sauna innovations that create relaxing experiences and natural well-being. Harvia continues the ambitious development of products and solutions related to sauna bathing with a winning design and great digital features. The global wellness trend continues to build momentum for Harvia’s sauna solutions. A key objective for Harvia is also to take an active consolidator role in the industry through M&A.
We are celebrating Harvia’s 75th anniversary in 2025 and will host events and activities throughout the year.
