Jake and Max Newport, Founders of Finnmark Sauna, welcome Stig Arild Pettersen, who is the Secretary General of the Norwegian Sauna Association (Norges Badstulaug), where he has been instrumental in building and strengthening Norway's sauna movement since taking on the role in 2023. A lifelong sauna enthusiast who lives on a small farm in Isfjorden in Møre og Romsdal, Stig oversees the day-to-day operations of the national organisation and serves as the primary liaison with members across Norway. Under his leadership, the Norwegian Sauna Association has experienced remarkable growth, expanding to include more than 120 sauna operators and several hundred private individuals throughout the country.
In his role, Stig is dedicated to promoting Norwegian sauna culture both domestically and internationally, working to fulfil the association's mission of creating an inclusive and accessible sauna culture for all. His work focuses on three key areas: fostering a generous and open sauna environment where everyone feels welcome regardless of background, promoting research and awareness of sauna's significant health benefits, and ensuring that saunas are genuinely accessible to all Norwegians irrespective of financial means or physical ability. Through his international outreach efforts, including speaking engagements like his recent appearance at The British Sauna Society Sauna Summit in London, Stig is helping to share Norway's unique "badstu" culture with sauna communities around the world.
Here is a taste of what we covered:
Who is Stig Arild Pettersen?
How Stig found himself in the world of sauna.
Stig discusses Badstufest, which is held annually in Norway.
https://www.norgesbadstulaug.no/
https://www.instagram.com/norges_badstulaug
It was fantastic welcoming Stig to the Finnmark Sauna HQ and showcasing the extensive detail that goes into each aspect of the business. Thanks again for visiting, Stig!
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