FINNISH SAUNA EXPERIENCE

Practise the art of a proper Löyly

Löyly

The Soul of Sauna

Löyly is the steam that rises from the hot rocks, but for us Finns it is so much more than that. It is the soul of the sauna and the breath of life that sustains us.

Löyly is a ritual; it begins by stepping under a cool shower to cleanse, before taking a seat amongst friends. Bow your head to the heat of the löyly that rushes up from the hot stones, feel its embrace. Then brave a cold plunge out in the elements. End with a warm wash and a good scrub. Leave feeling refreshed, connected and at peace with the world.

experience löyly

A Finnish Escape In Wales

Y Bala: Our Lakeside Sauna

Opening times: Friday – Sunday 10:00-17:30
Set in the heart of Eryri National Park (Snowdonia), Llyn Tegid is the largest natural lake in Wales—a perfect place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. Take in breathtaking views from our very own lakeside sauna, and plunge into the clear waters for a refreshing wild swim. See more here.

The area offers more than just natural beauty. Enjoy a range of different activities from kayaking and paddleboarding to hiking and a workout at Byw’n Iach Penllyn. Follow up with a rejuvenating sauna session before making your way to one of Bala’s cosy cafes and charming pubs a short walk away. Check it out here.

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Things to do in Bala

Tywyn: Our Seaside Sauna

Located just steps from the sandy shores of Tywyn Beach, our handcrafted wood-fired sauna sauna offers the perfect coastal escape. A place to unwind and take in the beautiful views of Cardigan Bay and the Cambrian Coast. Follow it with a refreshing dip in the sea—an exhilarating blend of heat and nature!

We are working together with Neptune Caravan Park and the Town Council to open our seaside sauna in Tywyn. Work to install the necessary infrastructure is currently underway and we look forward to announcing our opening date in the near future! Follow our socials for updates and sauna build progress.

Opening autumn 2025

Follow our journey

The Niku-Naku Brothers

“ As kids, we spent our summers sweating it out in Finland’s traditional saunas. It was the perfect balance of fresh air, cold lakes, and enough steam to make a kettle jealous. ”

Hi, we’re Antreas and Erannan, the founders of Niku-Naku. We’re Finnish-born brothers raised between Finland and Ireland. As dads now living in the UK, we’re eager to ensure our kids have access to the quality of Finnish sauna that we grew up with.

We strip it right back to the bare essentials; enjoying life, connecting with people and nature, and taking a moment to practise the timeless tradition of a proper löyly.

Strip Down To Basics…

Life can often seem complicated, and it can feel like we have lost touch with the simple pleasures.
A proper Finnish sauna, not just a poky, hot room heated by an electric element, will melt away your troubles and leave you feeling fresh and reconnected with the world around you. It’s time to unwind, recharge and take a break from doomscrolling. Here’s why you need to make it a part of your weekly routine:

1

Physical Benefits

In Finland, sauna is a way of life – deeply intertwined with health, tradition, and nature. Löyly, combined with a cold water plunge, boosts circulation, eases pain, and clears the skin. Well known for its healing effects, the sauna supports heart health and recovery, all without leaving the bench.

2

Mental Benefits

Finns use the sauna as a mental reset – melting away stress and anxiety. It calms the mind, improves sleep, and lifts the mood, making it as beneficial for mental wellbeing as it is for physical health.

3

Connection To People and Nature

The sauna is a place to unplug and connect – just heat, stillness, and shared presence. It strengthens bonds and, when paired with a cold water dip, restores body and spirit in true harmony with nature.

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“All people are created equal, but nowhere more so than in a sauna.”

– Finnish Proverb

Finnish Sauna Customs

Saunatonttu

In every traditional Finnish sauna, there lives a mythical creature known as the saunatonttu. The tonttu watches from his home amongst the rocks, rewarding well behaved sauna bathers with good health and fortune, while frowning upon those who disrupt the peace of the sauna!
When you visit our saunas you might be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of the tonttu; make sure to give him a friendly nod and throw an extra löyly for him before you leave.

Don’t worry, there are no exact rules in a Finnish sauna, but there are age-old customs which complete the Finnish sauna experience.

Saunarauha

Finns are a quiet people, some conversation is generally welcome but no arguing, shouting or loud noise. Drunken or aggressive behaviour does not have a place in the sauna.

“Ovi kiinni!-Shut the door!”

The most often heard phrase in Finnish saunas. Everyone experiences heat differently, and you can always go out for a cool down. Try and time your entry and exit with a suitable moment when the heat has died down so that the löyly is not wasted.

Löylynheittäjä

Consider others before adding more water to the stones. Other bathers are encouraged to ask them to throw more water if desired. Try not to be the first to leave if you’ve just added more löyly!

Lämmittäjä

Ask our staff to add more wood to the fire if it feels like the löyly is dying. They are responsible for the wellbeing of anyone using the sauna; please raise any concerns you may have with them during or after the session.

No farting

This is in everyone’s best interest. You are encouraged to leave them at the door please.

Our Sauna

The Complete Finnish Experience

We’re all familiar with a “Full English”, but what makes a Full Finnish Sauna experience? Our saunas are designed and built to provide the best possible bathing experience. No real Finnish sauna is complete without the following bare essentials:

1

Wood-fired kIUAS

a Finnish kiuas for the best löyly

2

Avanto Swim

access to wild swimming on-site

3

Changing Room

private space to change and leave your belongings

Warm and inviting sauna interior with dried herbs and soft lighting reflecting on wooden walls.

4

Hot Water Rinse

heated water for a post-sauna cleanse

5

pUBLIC toilets

access to public toilets within 250m

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Frequently Asked Questions

FAQ

What is löyly?

Löyly is the steam that rises from the hot rocks, but for us Finns it is so much more than that. It is the soul of the sauna and the breath of life that sustains us.

Do I need to bring anything?

We recommend to bring a towel, swimwear, some drinking water and suitable footwear for those braving a cold dip!

Who can go?

Saunas were made for all generations! Children are welcome in our private sessions but must be accompanied by a parent or guardian at all times. Please read our guidance before booking.

Are there toilets?

Yes, there are accessible toilets at all of our sites within 250 metres of the sauna.

Do I have to go in cold water?

No, but we highly recommend it. The heat and cold pair perfectly to get the blood flowing.

Where are the saunas located?

Follow the directions in the Booking section

First time using a sauna, what do I do?

A friendly member of staff will meet you at the sauna and talk you through the steps of making the most of it. We advise to alternate between using the sauna and stepping outside or going for a cold dip as you feel the need to. We recommend to bring swimming togs, a towel and some water to stay hydrated.

Where do I get changed?

Each of our saunas has a heated changing room where you can leave your belongings and get ready for your sauna session.

Contact Us

sauna@niku-naku.com

Tel: +44 (0) 7549 897982

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