Hills & Mountains
Cold plunge
Images credit: Stravaig Sauna
At a glance
About this sauna
Stravaig Saunas, Crathie sits on a hillside in Royal Deeside, between Crathie and Ballater, opposite Abergeldie Castle. It’s a hand-crafted sauna with a panoramic window, looking out over the River Dee and woodland towards Lochnagar.
The setting is rural and secluded, reached along a track through the Abergeldie estate.
What to expect
- Wood-fired sauna, hand-crafted with aspen wood benches
- Social sessions available
- Panoramic window looking out over the River Dee towards Lochnagar
- Cold shower and plunge pool for cooling off
- Outdoor chairs to relax and take in the view
- Hillside setting on the Abergeldie estate
Additional experiences and sessions
- Private hire available
Plan your visit
Getting there
By car: A track between Crathie and Ballater, opposite Abergeldie Castle. Drive up the track towards the sauna
Parking: Just off the driveway at the first corner, with space for 3–4 cars parked in parallel. Keep the driveway itself clear
Finding the sauna: Walk over from the parking, up the hillside track. Don’t attempt to drive up the grassy slope to the sauna
Facilities
Toilets
What to bring
- Swimwear
- Two towels (one for sitting on, one for drying off)
- Flip flops or sandals
- Warm layers for afterwards
- Water bottle
- Changing robe or loose layers for getting changed outdoors
Location
What’s nearby
Balmoral Castle is a short drive away, with grounds and a café open to visitors through the spring and summer months. There are also a few small local cafés and bakeries dotted along the road between Crathie and Ballater for a coffee or bite to eat. Walking routes lead out from the Balmoral estate itself, including the path up to Prince Albert’s Cairn.
Before you go
If you’re new to wild saunas, these quick answers might help
No — you can enjoy the sauna on its own.
Yes — you can move between the sauna, the water and breaks outside at your own pace.
