THE OTSO'S STORY
Sometimes a single journey can change the direction of a company. For us, that moment came on an ordinary drive from Kuopio, with a newly purchased woodworking machine in tow. What started as a casual conversation soon grew into a bigger idea: “Could we build this company together?”
Antti had planned to start a company making sauna benches, with 25 years of experience as a sales manager and designer in the sauna industry. Markus brought nearly 30 years of experience running a successful business and a passion for craftsmanship.
As the kilometers passed, ideas took shape: what the company could become, the values it would be built on, and where production would be located. Together, we realized we could create something stronger than either of us could alone.
By the end of the drive, even the brand and logo had emerged. Our shared respect for nature is at the heart of OTSO, symbolizing craftsmanship, purity, and appreciation for natural materials.
The drive ended with a simple thought: “This could be something great.”
And it truly has become that.
Where does the name OTSO come from?
Otso’s logo features a bear’s paw for a good reason. The bear is a central figure in Finnish mythology, representing strength, courage, and the forces of nature. It is also a sacred animal, around which many rituals and beliefs have developed. The bear is known by several names, such as Otso, Kontio, and Mesikämmen.
The sauna is also a sacred place in Finnish mythology and tradition, where health and healing have been sought, and where various rituals have been performed.
Antti Bragge
Founder & CEO
antti@otso-sauna.com
Markus Dahlstedt
Founder
markus@otso-sauna.com
Antti's Story
OTSO’s story begins with sauna professional Antti Bragge, who has over 25 years of experience designing and building sauna bench collections. For Antti, sauna is more than a job—it’s a passion.
His goal is to help customers create the perfect sauna, combining aesthetics, functionality, and effective ventilation. Every project is an opportunity to craft a space where Finnish sauna culture thrives and evolves.
Markus’ Story
Born from the silence of the North, my roots reach deep into Lapland’s soil where nature still speaks in whispers.
After four decades devoted to purity and craftsmanship, I’ve learned that true quality grows slowly – from calm hands and respect for the land.
From life’s challenges and quiet strength, Otso was born – a tribute to Finnish nature, resilience, and the timeless spirit of the sauna.
The Spirit of the Finnish Sauna.