Temperatures are finally starting to fall across Europe, and suddenly a sauna-based holiday makes perfect sense. And high-heat relaxation seems to be having a moment, both in the UK and across Europe.There has been a whopping 1,900 per cent increase in public saunas on home soil, according to Metro, a jump from 45 to around 850 over the last three years. If you’re considering planning an autumnal break around a spectacular sauna, there are plenty of destinations that offer the chance to indulge – from a golden egg in Sweden to floating saunas in Finland…No chimney and hot stones in Estonia Estonia boasts more than 100,000 saunas making it one of the best spots to visit for a high-heat holiday – with the traditional no chimney sauna the most authentic way to enjoy itHome to more than 100,000 saunas, Estonia is one of the top destinations to head to for an authentic sauna experience. The smoke sauna tradition in Võromaa was even inscribed on the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity list in 2014.It involves saunas that don’t have chimneys, with smoke allowed to circulate for four to six hours before the smoke is released and guests can get in. Very hot stones then keep the temperatures high. Usually practised on Saturdays or before festivals and family events, there’s one sauna for every 13 residents – and they’re found almost anywhere from residential homes to hotels or even on farms. Sauna ferries pictured in Tampere, Finland, known as the sauna capital of the worldThe Finnish city of Tampere is known as the sauna capital of the world and can be found in the Lakeland region in southern Finland.Here, guests can find floating sauna boats and ferries for guests to enjoy.Visitors won’t struggle to find a sauna in Finland as there are an estimated 3.3 million dotted around the country in homes, wellness venues and hotels.The practice is entwined in national culture and even the president and prime minister both have official saunas in their residences, according to This is Finland. Futuristic heat: Sweden’s Solar Egg Sweden has some jaw-dropping saunas, including the Solar Egg (pictured)In Sweden, the sauna experience is centred around connecting with nature and the country is home to some spectacular options. For a truly special way to warm up in the Arctic Circle, look no further than the beautiful ‘Solar Egg’ sauna.Designed by artistic duo Bigert and Bergstrom, the show-stopping sauna-meets-art installation sits perched in Luossabacken in Kiruna, which is the country’s northernmost town.Inside temperatures reach 75-85 Celsius – and its 69 stainless steel panels complete with titanium gold coating offer a prime Instagram opportunity.Though there isn’t a cold bath nearby for a dip afterwards, the area is often covered in snow so many guests roll in it to cool down. Set 80m deep underground within a former mine is Adventure Mine, in Dalarna.Visitors can enjoy basking in the steam sat beside the rugged walls and then take a dip in the cool pool, Visit Sweden says. Conversations with a stranger on a Scottish beach Closer to home, the UK has an impressive selection of saunas too. Pictured: A beach sauna box in Moray, Scotland Sauna lovers don’t need to travel far to enjoy some time in a steamy room – the UK is having its very own sauna boom.With an increasing focus on wellness and health retreats, saunas are popping up all over the country including in hotels and by beaches.The British Sauna Society has been pushing for ‘authentic sauna culture in the UK since 2014′.’Regular use of saunas is part of a healthy lifestyle in Finland, Scandinavia, Baltics, Central and Eastern Europe and beyond – with a positive impact to individuals and societies alike,’ its website reads.’We believe the same could be achieved in Britain.’Few can rival the serenity found on Findhorn Beach in Moray in Scotland. The black box sauna offers 60 and 90 minute communal sessions, with opportunities for conversations with a stranger very much part of the appeal,watershedsauna.comWarm up in a traditional Latvian ‘pirt’ Woodland adventures in the Baltics: Latvia’s traditional saunas are called pirts Latvia is named the world’s number one sauna destination by Spa Seekers, with its capital city Riga leading the way. The research found almost one in ten of reviews about Latvia mentioned saunas, known as pirts.The country even has a national Latvian Sauna Day, traditionally held on the second Saturday of September and sees family and friends enjoy their saunas together. Saunas and bathhouses are deeply rooted in Latvian culture, and in the 19th century there was one on every farmstead, according to Latvia Travel. These days, traditional Latvian pirts are often found in family homes or wellness resorts. How to stay safe when using a sauna Despite the many benefits of enjoying a sauna, there are some risks to consider too according to Dr Ellen Welch, an NHS GP and medical expert from Total Travel Protection.She urges travellers with certain conditions to take extra care when using a sauna. During the steamy experience, heart rate can increase, blood vessels widen and blood pressure can lower.’People with unstable angina, a recent heart attack or severe aortic stenosis should avoid using a sauna unless their treating clinician has confirmed it is safe,’ Dr Ellen warns. ‘People with unstable or poorly controlled cardiovascular conditions, including worsening heart failure or poorly controlled high blood pressure, should also seek medical advice before using one.’ Heat up with care: keep hydrated and check in with a GP before using one if you have a health condition She noted that those with ‘well-controlled high blood pressure’ do not mean they have to rule out sauna use, but it is recommended to check with your doctor. ‘However, people who have low blood pressure or are prone to fainting need particular caution, because the heat can make dizziness and fainting more likely,’ the GP said.Pregnancy is another consideration, with risks including overheating, dehydration and fainting particularly during the first 12 weeks.Dr Ellen continued: ‘Medication also matters, as diuretics and some blood-pressure medicines can increase vulnerability to dehydration or dizziness. A pharmacist or prescribing clinician can advise; people should not stop medication to use a sauna.’I’d recommend avoiding alcohol before using a sauna, drinking water and keeping sessions brief, particularly if you are unfamiliar with saunas. There is no benefit in forcing yourself to stay until a timer runs out. Leave immediately if you feel dizzy, sick or unwell, and cool down gradually.’