Saunas: From Finland to Maine
Saunas, in their steamy glory, may seem like a modern phenomenon, but they have long held an important place in Nordic countries, where they have been around for thousands of years. In fact, the oldest recorded sauna can be traced back to 2000 B.C. in Finland, a country where the practice continues to be considered essential today. The heat-and-steam sauna experience has evolved significantly over time (from underground pits dug into hillsides to the eucalyptus-infused, cedar structures of today), but the desired outcome is similar: healing and relaxation.
The sauna boom hit Europe and the U.S. in the 20th century, and Maine, with its ample forested lands, expansive beaches, and deep and cold waters, became an ideal destination for these warming abodes. In fact, Maine has embraced saunas so much that local author Garrett Conover wrote a book about it. Regardless of where you go in Maine, sauna enthusiasts cite a myriad of health benefits including improved cardiovascular health, detoxification, stress release and more.
Where To Outdoor Sauna in Maine
From pop-ups by the sea to rural retreats in the woods, Maine saunas are abundant. Some are paired with cold water plunges in rivers, lakes and the sea. Others are located at lodges and inns for an extra relaxing getaway. While some saunas in Maine operate year-round, many are open in the cold months only, so be sure to check websites and call ahead.
Cedar Grove’s homebase in Montville offers saunas situated on freshwater ponds ideal for a dip between sessions. For a saltier experience, try one of their pop-up saltwater saunas along the Maine coast.
Pair your sauna experience with the delight of oyster shucking at Glidden Point, located along the pristine cold waters of the Damariscotta River in Edgecomb. After steaming it up in their sauna, you’ll cold plunge into an empty oyster cage at the edge of the farm dock, before enjoying some fresh out of the water.
At Denmark’s Nurture Through Nature, you can enjoy the experience of sauna whilst being surrounded by the forest at the edge of a spring-fed mountain brook. Inhale the combination of mountain spring water and Ecalyptus oils infused into their sauna’s steam, and you will rise anew.
Rest Day Sauna in Monson on the shores of Lake Hebron offers a Finnish-inspired, wood-fired sauna experience, and caters to Appalachian Trail hikers and other vacationers who need a little TLC. With stunning lake views, it’s an ideal spot to relax and recharge.
Riverside Lodge and Sauna in South Paris features private wood-fired saunas bookable for up to six people for an hour. In addition to sauna experiences, they offer a range of spa services and massage, making it a perfect destination for small group pampering.
Sea Smoke Sauna located on picturesque North Haven Island offers saunas that nestle into its wooded landscape, lush in the summer and cozy and cocoon-like in the winter. Sessions are 60 minutes, and an outdoor patio offers a relaxing place to pause between sessions.
Mount Desert Island’s renown beauty makes Selkie Sauna’s mobile saunas a scenic experience, no matter where they pop up. They offer a range of options to fit your sauna needs, whether you want to join a group, book a private group, or bring the sauna experience to you.
In downtown Portland right off the shop and restaurant-lined Washington Avenue is a secret oasis, Washington Baths. In addition to a piping hot sauna, you can enjoy a hot tub, cold plunge, and in the event you get peckish, snacks and beverages to savor at their onsite café.
Waterstruck Wellness in Newcastle has the sauna experience down to a perfect science: their signature Nordic Circuit. Their hot-and-cold therapies include a Finnish sauna, cold water options, pool, outdoor terraces and more.
Wolf Cove Inn offers sauna and spa experiences right at their lakeside retreat in Poland, so you may not have a reason to leave. Their outdoor saunas are crafted from premium Thermowood with stunning water views. For those sufficiently warmed up, their “Fire & Ice Therapy” allows you to immerse yourself in the chill of an ice bath before returning to the sauna. You don’t have to be an overnight guest of the inn to indulge in a sauna or spa experience.
In York, Viewpoint Hotel’s overnight guests can melt into their Canadian cedar sauna and hot tub at The Baths (a cold plunge is coming soon). The fire pit and outdoor shower offer the perfect way to gently finish your treatment.
If you seek more Maine spas, health and wellness options during your stay, be sure to check out these ideas.