Individual slots in our original sauna | 90 minute session | Up to 8 participants per session
Step into the refreshing heat of the Cedar Sauna in Charlottesville and experience the ancient Finnish tradition of communal steaming. Perfect for relaxation and connection, this 90-minute session blends health benefits with social warmth.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1.5 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; no strenuous physical activity required.
Wildlife
History
Finnish sauna culture dates back thousands of years and emphasizes physical purification and social connection, reflected here in Charlottesville’s Cedar Sauna.
Conservation
The sauna operates with eco-friendly principles, using sustainably harvested cedar and encouraging water and energy conservation practices.
Rivanna River Company
Individual slots in our original sauna | 90 minute session | Up to 8 participants per session
Rivanna River Company is a Charlottesville, Virginia outfitter focused on river recreation and wellness experiences along the Rivanna River. The company offers daily equipment rentals — including canoes, kayaks, stand-up paddleboards, and tubes — plus a range of paddling trips and sauna sessions that serve visitors and local residents.
Rivanna River Company’s paddling options vary from short, scenic floats like the Rivanna Sampler to longer, more adventurous outings such as the Rivanna Adventure Paddle and the South Fork Exploration. River Tubing provides a casual 1.5-mile float with a shuttle return, while daily boat and tube rentals allow customers to explore independently (rental descriptions note no shuttle for equipment-only rentals).
In addition to water activities, Rivanna River Company operates sauna experiences, including Private Sauna Sessions and a BIG Private Sauna Session in a Finnish-inspired Sycamore Sauna, as well as community sauna offerings that use the Cedar Sauna (OG upper sauna). Community programming also includes outdoor yoga led by Katie Boyts, which pairs a gentle 60-minute flow with optional coffee and a river dip.
All descriptions and trip details are provided so visitors can choose rentals, private or group saunas, and guided-length paddles that match their interests. The company’s location in Charlottesville provides direct access to the Rivanna River corridor and nearby put-in and take-out points such as Free Bridge and Milton Landing.
Location
Charlottesville, VA
Direct access to the Rivanna River
Group Size
1–14
Private and big private sauna options
Water Rentals
Canoes, Kayaks, SUP, Tubes
Daily equipment rentals available
Trip Lengths
90 min to 4 hours
Sessions from sauna to adventure paddles
Choose a rental, book a paddling trip, or schedule a private sauna session for groups of 1–14.
Hydrate Before and After
Drinking plenty of water before and after your sauna session helps prevent dehydration from the heat.
Bring a Towel and Swimwear
Pack a towel for drying off and swimwear for comfort during the hot and cold cycles.
Arrive 10 Minutes Early
Arriving early ensures you have enough time to settle in and get oriented before the session begins.
Check Health Conditions
Consult a doctor if you have heart or respiratory issues before participating in sauna sessions.
Towel
Essential for drying off after the sauna and cold dips.
Swimwear
Comfortable swimwear helps during alternating hot and cold treatments.
Water Bottle
Staying hydrated is key before, during, and after the session.
Flip Flops or Sandals
Protect your feet around the sauna area for hygiene and comfort.