Discover Scotland’s outdoor sauna culture
Wild Sauna Guide helps you discover outdoor saunas across Scotland, understand what they’re really like, and feel confident trying them, whether it’s your first visit or your fiftieth.
But it’s about more than finding somewhere to book.
Every sauna has its own character. Some sit on remote beaches, others beside lochs or tucked away in forests. Some focus on quiet relaxation, while others bring people together through community sessions, events and Aufguss. Wild Sauna Guide exists to help you explore that world.
How it started
A few years ago, if you’d suggested sitting in a hot sauna before going into freezing water, I’d have thought you were mad.
My first introduction came during a trip to Sweden, where the owner of the forest estate I was staying on was building a sauna beside a pond. The idea intrigued me, but I wasn’t convinced.
Back in Scotland, I went along with some friends to try a wild sauna and sea dip at Lower Largo. It was an early morning in February, and I still remember standing on the beach wondering what I was doing.
Getting into the North Sea was much harder than I’d imagined. It was freezing, every part of me wanted to get back out, but I stayed with it.
When I finally got out, I couldn’t stop smiling.
That one experience changed what I wanted to do with my weekends.
What I discovered
The more places I visited, the more I realised there is no such thing as a typical sauna experience.
Every place is different.
Some pair their sauna with sea swimming, others with cold plunge tubs, outdoor baths or simply fresh air. Some are peaceful places to unwind, while others are built around conversation, shared experiences and community.
Along the way, I also discovered something else.
Sauna isn’t just about the heat.
It’s about the people behind these places, the stories that brought them to life, the traditions they celebrate, and the community and culture growing around them.
Why I built Wild Sauna Guide
As I explored more saunas, I realised how difficult it could be to find clear, practical information.
Websites often answered the basics, but not the questions I really wanted answered.
What does it actually feel like?
Who is it best suited to?
What’s the atmosphere like?
What should I bring?
What makes this place different?
Wild Sauna Guide brings those answers together in one place, making it easier to discover new experiences and feel confident trying them.
What you’ll find here
A curated directory
A growing collection of outdoor saunas across Scotland — from coastal setups to lochside retreats and woodland escapes.
Clear, practical guidance
Straightforward information on how sessions work, what to bring, what to expect, and the details that help you choose the right experience.
Real experiences
Honest first-hand accounts that share what it actually feels like — including the surprises, the challenges, and the moments that make each visit unique.
Stories behind the sauna
Interviews with founders, insights into sauna culture, and the people, traditions and ideas shaping Scotland’s growing sauna community.
Events and inspiration
Coverage of events, Aufguss, retreats and new experiences to help you discover what’s happening across Scotland and beyond.
I’m always exploring new places, meeting the people behind them, and sharing what I learn.
If you’re curious about outdoor saunas or looking for somewhere new to visit, I hope you’ll find plenty of inspiration here.