Your First Sauna Visit — What to Expect
Everything a first-timer needs: what to wear, what to bring, how long to stay in, when to plunge, when to rest.
First visits are usually a mix of curiosity and 'wait, how does this work.' The good news: there's no wrong way to start, and we'll show you the rotation when you walk in. Here's the cheat sheet anyway.
What to bring
A swimsuit. A water bottle. That's it. We provide towels. If you sweat into hair products, maybe bring a hair tie. Glasses-wearers: contacts make life easier in the heat.
Before the first round
Drink a glass of water in the locker room. Take a quick rinse in the shower before you enter the sauna — Finnish convention, and it keeps the room cleaner.
Round one
Sit on the lower bench. The higher you go, the hotter. Stay 10–15 minutes — not 'as long as you can.' Comfortable, warm, sweating freely. Leave before you feel desperate.
First cold plunge
Start in the beginner tank. 30 seconds is plenty for round one. Don't try to be a hero — gradual is better. Breathe slowly. The urge to leave passes.
Rest
Three to five minutes in the lounge. This is the most important phase. Don't rush back to the heat. Your body needs this beat to do the actual work.
Round two and beyond
Three to five rounds total. You'll find your rhythm by round two. Most people stay 60–90 minutes for their first visit.
Common questions
- What do I wear?
- A swimsuit. Our shared spaces are co-ed and bathing-suit-required. Private suites are yours to use as you like.
- How long does the first visit take?
- Plan on 90 minutes door-to-door, including showering and changing.
- Should I eat first?
- A light snack 30–60 minutes before is fine. A heavy meal right before isn't great. An empty stomach is OK but bring water.
If you'd rather just walk in and be shown rather than read this, that works too — first visits get a quick orientation at the front desk.