Finlandia Foundation National presents:

National Sauna Week.

A global celebration of sauna as culture, ritual and shared experience. Across the week, sauna practitioners, builders, researchers and community leaders from around the world come together to share knowledge, stories and perspectives on what sauna really is and why it matters.

Expect a programme of free online talks and discussions, alongside in-person events hosted by participating saunas (across the US), offering opportunities to experience heat, rest and connection in real community spaces.

National Sauna Week honours the deep cultural roots of sauna while supporting its thoughtful growth today — as a practice that supports wellbeing, presence and human connection. Whether you are new to sauna or deeply immersed in the culture, this week is an invitation to slow down, learn, and take part.

The Lindenhof Pure Luxury & Spa DolceVita Resort was kind to donate the first prize offered in the UK Aufguss Championships raffle this year, offering a three-night stay for two people at their resort in Northern Italy, the home of competitive Aufguss. Central to their wellness offering is their 7 saunas and 8 pools. Guests can also enjoy daily performances from their Sauna Masters, including Aufguss WM World Champion Claudio Massa.

The Lindenhof is running Sauna Week this autumn, November 23 to November 30, 2025. Guests will will get to experience a guaranteed five Aufguss rituals every day from award-winning Sauna Masters from across Europe. Prices start from €203.00 per person for an overnight stay.

The Lindenhof are offering British Sauna Society members a discounted package, which can be accessed from the Member Benefits area.

This exclusive package has been carefully curated to bring you a deep sense of relaxation and renewal. Experience how gentle touches and the power of nature revitalise you and unleash new energy. It's time to treat yourself and dive into a state of complete well-being. 

Included services:

• Thermal Wave Balance Massage (75 minutes) on a waterbed filled with thermal water

• Chakra Meditation Treatment (30 minutes) on a waterbed in our Adults-Only Wellness Tower

• Relaxation to go: get our Pure Thermal Elixir for a refreshing boost at home

Package price: 198,00€ per person (in addition to the room rate).

The offer is bookable from 4 nights on (except during the Christmas/New Year period).

A celebration of rituals.

This November, Hoar Cross Hall will host the very first Hoar Cross Hall Sauna Showcase — a two-day gathering dedicated to the artistry, creativity, and heritage of sauna and steam rituals. Taking place on 10–11 November 2025, the event will bring together sauna and steam masters from across the UK, alongside international mentors, for an immersive weekend of performance, learning, and community.

The showcase will feature a rich programme of herbal rituals, sensory steam experiences, and innovative approaches to thermal bathing. Guests will have the opportunity to witness first-hand how sauna masters weave together fragrance, heat, movement, and storytelling to create truly memorable experiences. Supported by the British Sauna Society, the event marks an important milestone in the development of authentic sauna culture in the UK.

At its heart, the Sauna Showcase is designed not only as a performance space but also as a training ground. Sauna and steam masters from around the country will come together to share ideas, inspire one another, and develop their craft. Two highly regarded international mentors will be leading workshops throughout the weekend:

• Lay Pang Ong — a Master of Aufguss, celebrated for her creative use of herbs, storytelling, and sauna performance.

• Frank “The Herb Guy” — renowned for his deep knowledge of plants, scents, and traditional steam practices.

Their sessions will provide valuable insights into the artistry and practicalities of sauna rituals, offering guidance and inspiration for practitioners of all levels.

The Sauna Showcase will also act as a platform for UK-based sauna and steam masters to step into the spotlight. Practitioners are invited to apply to present their own herbal rituals during the event,

This event looks ahead to Team UK joining the Sauna Herbal Cup in 2026, introducing UK Sauna Masters and sauna lovers to this new style of competition that celebrates nature and steam rituals.

Invitation to Sauna & Steam Masters

We are now inviting sauna and steam masters to apply to take part in the Hoar Cross Hall Sauna Showcase. Selected masters will have the opportunity to deliver their own herbal rituals during the event, showcasing their creativity and connecting with guests and peers.

Criteria for Applicants:

• Experience in delivering sauna and/or steam rituals.

• A passion for herbal and sensory practices.

• Commitment to safe, guest-centred, and inclusive sauna practice.

• Creativity in ritual design and delivery.

• Willingness to share knowledge and learn from others.

Application Process:

Submit an Expression of Interest  to deborah@britishsaunasociety.org.uk including:

• Your name, contact details, and background.

• A short description of your sauna/steam ritual style.

• An outline of the ritual you would like to deliver at the Hoar Cross Hall Sauna Showcase (10–15 minutes).

• Details of any experience with herbal practices.

• Links to photos, videos, or past events (if available).

• Applications close: 6th October

• Successful applicants will be contacted by 13th October

Soul Water Sauna welcomes Birutė and Rimas, founders of the International Bath Academy in Lithuania, back to Scotland this October for a series of in-depth sauna trainings. These courses are perfect for anyone looking to deepen their practice – whether you’re a curious beginner, a sauna owner, or someone ready to guide others professionally.

A three-day advanced training that goes deeper into the art of sauna therapy. You’ll explore beauty treatments in the sauna, full-body classical whisking, and techniques for working with groups – essential skills for anyone wanting to offer celebrations, rituals, or professional sauna treatments.

Throughout the course, you’ll learn the cornerstone techniques of classic sauna therapy:

- Two-Sided Body Whisking: Master the traditional, safe, and ergonomic sequence for whisking both sides of the body.
- Natural Body Scrub and Skin Peeling: Create your own all-natural scrubs and practice full-body cleansing for skin care.

On the final day, you'll bring together everything you’ve learned and be equipped to confidently deliver transformative sauna experiences a holistic sauna treatment designed for a small group. This experience is essential, as almost 90% of custom sauna sessions involve working with small groups.

Session timings:

Monday & Tuesday -10:00 - 18:00

Wednesday - 09:00 - 13:00

Soul Water are offering BSS members an exclusive discount: 20% off all trainings with Rimas. Please see our September newsletter for the code.

Places are limited across all trainings to ensure close guidance and a high-quality experience.

Soul Water Sauna welcomes Birutė and Rimas, founders of the International Bath Academy in Lithuania, back to Scotland this October for a series of in-depth sauna trainings. These courses are perfect for anyone looking to deepen their practice – whether you’re a curious beginner, a sauna owner, or someone ready to guide others professionally.

A two-day journey with Rimas into the craft of wild sauna and bathing. Day one covers the practical skills of building and running a sauna in nature. Day two is a transformational experience of wild bathing, ritual, and ecological connection on the Scottish shoreline. Attend one or both days.

Day 1: The Craft of Wild Sauna (£220)

Monday 20th October 9am - 5.30pm

(For New Sauna Owners & Survivalists – Max 16 Participants)

First day's going to be extremely practical, and it'll cover skills and fundamentals you'll want to have to properly set up a wild sauna. We're going to explore heat, shelter, and fire, and by the end of it, you'll be comfortable setting up and operating your own sauna in the wild.

• Origins and History of Heat.

• Heart of the Sauna – ancient stone pile

• Survival ways of heating

• Art of Heat – elements of Wild SPA

Book now

Day 2: The Soul of Wild Bathing £170

Tuesday 21st October 9am - 5pm

(A Celebration for All – Max 12 Participants)

This day is an open celebration of bathing culture to Day 1 participants and newcomers alike, and it's less technical instruction and more profoundly transformational, sensory experience, blending art, wellness, and ecological intimacy.

• Building of ancient sauna 

• The Great Wild Bathing Ritual

• A Curated Journey of the Senses

• Sauna Peace with Nature Declaration

Exclusive Price Model

Given the limited places and the high-quality, intensive nature of this seminar, this premium pricing structure reflects its exclusivity.

• Day 1 Only: The Craft of Wild Saunas, £220

• Price: £220 per person. (Max 16 places)

• Day 2 Only: The Soul of Wild Bathing, £170 

• Price: £170 per person.(Max 12 places)

• The Full Two-Day Journey, £350 (saving £50) 

• Price: £350 per person (a saving of £50 Max 12 places)

Soul Water are offering BSS members an exclusive discount: 20% off all trainings with Rimas. Please see our September newsletter for the code.

Places are limited across all trainings to ensure close guidance and a high-quality experience.

Soul Water Sauna welcomes Birutė and Rimas, founders of the International Bath Academy in Lithuania, back to Scotland this October for a series of in-depth sauna trainings. These courses are perfect for anyone looking to deepen their practice – whether you’re a curious beginner, a sauna owner, or someone ready to guide others professionally.

This Level 1 Sauna Master Training is a three-day introduction to healthy sauna basics and whisking techniques. You’ll learn theory, practical skills, and how to safely use different whisking styles, leaf massage, and natural bodywork. Ideal for both beginners and regular sauna-goers who want to build confidence.

Soul Water are offering BSS members an exclusive discount: 20% off all trainings with Rimas. Please see our September newsletter for the code.

Places are limited across all trainings to ensure close guidance and a high-quality experience.

Following on from their successful trips to Oslo, Scottish Seaside Saunas and Nadair Adventures are pleased to announce a new five day trip to Finland, the home of sauna. With the opportunity to learn about Finnish culture, this trip will immerse participants into the Finnish way of life sampling both the countryside and the capital Helsinki. 

Starting in the Nuuksio national park, we will be staying at the award winning Hawkhill; staying in cosy cabins on a lake front, each with their own sauna. Whilst at Hawkhill we will have the opportunity for lake swimming, saunas, a guided hike, including foraging for mushrooms, to learn about some of nature we will be immersed in, and optional yoga sessions. Traditional Finnish food will be served, culminating in a magical traditional Finnish evening meal in a forest restaurant. 

After our stay at Hawkhill, our trip will move to the contrasting capital of Helsinki. Staying in a comfortable city hotel we will experience a number of different saunas and swimming opportunities; from community saunas, smoke saunas, to Löyly, voted Time Magazines ‘ Top 100 places in the world’. There will be time to explore the city, sample delicious Finnish food and immerse ourselves in Finnish culture.

Itinerary

Day 1

Meeting at Helsinki airport at 13:30, you will meet the other trip participants and your hosts, Judith and Imogen. We will head to our first accomodation, Hawkhill nestled within the Nuuksio national park. Once we have settled in, we will have hot lingonberry juice around the open fire getting to know our surroundings, and being introduced to Finnish culture. There will be an option for a swim in the lake, saunas and a chance to unwind before a two course dinner.

Day 2

Starting the day with an optional yoga session, swim or sauna we will have breakfast before heading on a guided hike in the Nuuskio national park. This will be a gentle walk with the opportunity to pick mushrooms and berries and learn about Finnish flora and fauna and lifestyle with our Finnish hiking guide. After the hike we will have lunch followed by free time for swimming, sauna and relaxation before heading to a traditional Finnish evening meal in a magical forest restaurant.

Day 3

We will spend the morning with optional yoga, swimming, sauna or walking around some of the marked trails, before leaving the national park to head to Helsinki. Once we are settled into our city centre hotel we will head into the city for lunch, followed by a trip to Allas Sea Pools. The evening meal will be in the city centre.

Day 4

After breakfast at the hotel, there is a free morning to explore Helsinki. We will meet for lunch before heading to Löyly. Dinner will be the chefs menu at Löyly.

Day 5

After breakfast at the hotel, we will take a short transfer to Furuvik seaside sauna, a traditional sauna next to a sandy beach. There will be time for sauna, swimming and a traditional Finnish picnic lunch. After lunch we will take a transfer to the Airport, saying our farewells after a rejuvenating yet restful trip.

£1,499 for shared
£1,650 for single

£750 deposit on booking.

Balance due one month before departure date.

Find out more here.

Badstufest is on! Our friends at the Norwegian Sauna Association are once again organizing their annual festival Badstufest September 19th-21st in Arendal, Norway - and tickets are now on sale.

Badstufest is a celebration of community and sauna culture, with 100-200 participants. There's a sauna camp and a "sauna to sauna" around the area, where you can visit floating and land based community saunas in stunning landscapes by the Skagerrak sea. Tickets include accommodation and meals. We highly recommend checking the festival out to make some new Norwegian sauna friends.

Visit badstufest.no for tickets and more info.

The British Sauna Society will be exhibiting and speaking at the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine’s 2025 Conference in Brighton, 18th - 20th September.

This event attracts those working in the healthcare sector - notably many GPs - to come together and seek solutions to modern illnesses that are preventative and lifestyle based.

Dr Kath Jones, NHS GP and Founder of Wild-Ness Health, and Polly Wilson, Social Prescribing and Outreach Manager at Community Sauna CIC, will also be giving a talk entitled "From Clinic to Sauna: Fostering Synergy for Whole Person Care". This will be exploring how sauna can be used to facilitate lifestyle-based and mind-body alternatives to traditional medical approaches, particularly where the latter fails to achieve any diagnosis, improvement or remediation of disease symptoms.

Alongside this, the BSS will be sharing information on how GPs, who are interested in recommending sauna to patients, can find and get in touch with their local sauna.

GPs will also be invited to attend a ritual session at Beach Box Spa, to experience authentic sauna and its impact for themselves.

Read more about the British Society of Lifestyle Medicine Conference 2025

Learn more about lifestyle medicine and the BSLM

Winners at the UK Aufguss Championships in May will go on to represent the UK at the international Aufguss WM finals. This year’s competition will take place in the brand new Aufguss sauna at Aquardens, Verona, Italy.

You can find out more about the Aufguss WM competition here.