11 Relaxing outdoor saunas to visit in Scotland

Scotland provides a sense of warmth throughout the year – even in the great outdoors. Embrace Scandi-Scot culture with an outdoor sauna experience and escape the digital distractions of modern life. Why not add cold water therapy to the mix? After all, we’ve got the benefits to prove it works; from relieving symptoms of stress to boosting your immune system and easing muscle tension, the rush of adrenaline from hot and cold invigorates the senses. Check out our fabulous selection of outdoor saunas to visit and say goodbye to the winter blues. 

  1. Saltbox Sauna Stornoway

    Two friends admiring the sunrise at Saltbox Sauna

    © Saltbox Sauna

    Calm your mind, body and soul with an Outer Hebrides escape. Since 2023, this wood-fired mobile sauna has toured around the island bringing a relaxing wellness experience to visitors and locals alike. Once inside, coorie in and be treated to panoramic ocean views from its half-moon window. The sauna sits 4-6 people, which can be enjoyed privately with friends and family, or book an individual seat with their mixed public sessions. An outdoor sauna experience in Scotland is a great way to combine hot and cold therapy, too. If you’re feeling brave enough, cool off in the sea and embrace the wild with a swim session with their sister company, Immerse Hebrides. 

  2. Watershed Sauna Findhorn

    Watershed Sauna

    © Watershed Sauna

    Watershed Sauna is a welcome addition to the shores of Moray Firth. Built in a vintage horseshoe box, get cosy by the crackling wood-fired stove, sourced directly from the sauna heartland of Finland. Take time to relax and stimulate the senses as you listen to the gentle lapping of the sea, spot incredible wildlife and watch the everchanging weather roll in. You might even be lucky enough to witness a glorious sunset on a clear day. Sauna sessions are typically one-hour long and can usually be found at Findhorn East beach, but it can also be seen elsewhere in other remote spots.  

    Eyes down! For an extra bit of fun, Watershed Sauna have recently introduced bingo. If you manage to spot all nine wildlife species listed on the card, you’ll win the grand prize of a one-hour private session.

  3. Elie Seaside Sauna Fife

    Elie Seaside Sauna

    © Suzanne Black

    If you like to be beside the seaside, we think you’ll love the added bonus of an outdoor sauna experience. Elie Seaside Sauna has the choice of not one but two saunas, both boasting incredible views across Elie beach and beyond. The Dune Sauna offers floor to ceiling glass windows lined in blonde Aspen, streaming in natural daylight over the short winter months. Meanwhile, the Shore Sauna is the newest addition to the family. Tucked behind a low-level sand dune, the sauna is lined with dark thermal-Alder which adds a more cosy and darker ambience, perfect for those seeking a more gentle and less intense heat.

  4. Soul Water Sauna Portobello, Edinburgh

    Sunset views over Soul Water Sauna

    © Laurence Winram

    You might be familiar with Portobello’s sandy beach, long promenade and pretty shopfronts, but did you know it’s home to Edinburgh’s first mobile sauna? Open Thursday evenings and all-day Friday, Saturday and Sunday, take the time to pause, recharge and prioritise yourself with a 60 or 90 minute sauna session. To help cool you down, head for a cold plunge in the sea which will leave you feeling more energised, clear-headed and focused, a great way to help boost your mood. 

  5. Wild Scottish Sauna Kingsbarns, Fife

    Wild Scottish Sauna

    © John Murray

    Wild Scottish Sauna in Fife is a big advocate when it comes to the use of outdoor saunas. The wellness experience provides incredible health benefits by soothing aching muscles and relieving tension on both your physical and mental health. Enjoy the 90 minute sauna and sea experience, where you’ll reap the benefits of hot and cold therapy, or splash out on the luxury sauna and sea experience where you’re greeted with a hot drink on arrival before taking the plunge in the North Sea. You’ll be guided with lots of helpful breathing techniques when you’re in before seeking warmth in the sauna. Refuel your energy levels with a delicious breakfast or lunch after your session. 

  6. West Coast Wellness Loch Fyne

    Sea views at West Coast Wellness

    © West Coast Wellness

    West Coast Wellness have all the right ingredients for you to relax and unwind. Enter a warm oasis with unbeatable views overlooking Loch Fyne. Kick back and hit the reset button as you watch the changes in weather through the windows. If you’re looking for more privacy, make sure to book the private sauna. Perfect for special occasions, the sauna comfortably fits up to ten people, giving you up to three hours to chill out.   

    Keep your eyes peeled for seasonal wellness retreats offering activities, including hot and cold therapy at the Lochside Sauna, yoga, meditation, walks and much more.

  7. The Hotbox Taymouth Marina, Loch Tay

    Una sauna en Taymouth Marina, Aberfeldy

    © VisitScotland / Mat Hay

    For the perfect winter pick me up, The Hotbox will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated over the festive period. Situated at Taymouth Marina, step inside and feel the warmth of the giant crackling wood burner as you soak in the panoramic views across the loch. After your sauna session, get ready for the ultimate wake up call with a cold plunge, or feel like a big kid again and make a splash down the slide. Other highlights include the steam room and the outdoor hot pool, a real remedy for those cold winter days and nights. 

  8. Cellardyke Seaside Sauna East Neuk

    Seaside views at Cellardyke Seaside Sauna

    © Cellardyke Seaside Sauna

    Nothing is more calming than being by the sea, especially when you’re all cosy. Be cocooned in a warm heat at Cellardyke Seaside Sauna while you admire the sea views from the full-length glass windows. With one or two hour slots available, you’ll be reaping the benefits once you’re inside helping to reduce your stress levels, improve joint movement and combat skin problems. Make sure to take a dip in the newly renovated Cellardyke Tidal Pool if you wish to incorporate some cold water therapy to your wellness experience. 

  9. Haar Sauna Shetland

    The Ebb sauna on St Ninian's beach

    © May Graham

    The peace and tranquillity of the Shetland islands makes it the perfect destination for a relaxing getaway. This authentic wood-fired sauna can be found at St. Ninian’s Beach in Shetland and is a great way to connect with the great Scottish wilderness. Embrace Scandinavian life with hot and cold therapy, a great experience for any time of year. 

    If you’re planning on heading to another Scottish island escape, make sure to visit its sister location in Orkney. 

  10. Spear Sauna Newbridge, Edinburgh

    Two friends pouring cold water buckets over them after their sauna session

    © Spear Sauna

    Making its new home at Edinburgh’s Lost Shore Surf Resort, Spear Sauna is about soaking up the heat in style. Open Monday to Friday, embrace the cold while riding the waves on a surfing lesson before your hot ticket inside the sauna. Choose from a 30 or 60 minute sauna session with two waterfall buckets outside to cool you down after your session. 

  11. Eastwood Forest Sauna Newton Mearns, near Glasgow

    The exterior of Eastwood Forest sauna

    © Aga Urbanska

    It doesn't get any more remote than an outdoor sauna in the forest. Situated at Newton Mearns near Glasgow, this alpine forest is the perfect opportunity to reconnect with nature. Once you arrive, head to the ice water barrel to help revitalise the mind and body. You won't be cold for long though, step inside the sauna where you'll sit and watch the world go by in 90 degree heat. If you're into yoga, it's a great place to meditate and release all those toxins in your body. 

Otras cosas que podrían gustarte

Únete a nuestro clan de boletines

Recibe inspiración sobre Escocia directamente en tu bandeja de entrada. No te pierdas las sugerencias de nuestros expertos sobre viajes, atracciones únicas y joyas ocultas.

Recibe el boletín de Escocia