easy
1 hour
No special fitness required, suitable for nearly all adults with reasonable mobility.
Northern Lights Sauna in Wausau offers private, wood-fired sauna sessions that blend authentic Finnish heat therapy with a serene, personalized setting. Discover why this unique spot stands out for wellness in Wisconsin’s outdoor scene.
1 Hour • Private Session • 1-4 People
1 hour
Minimum of $100 for one to two people is required to reserve the space + $50 each additional person.
Maximum of 4 people. If you have a larger group, please reach out to reserve the larger sauna for a "Private Event".
If you're feeling hesitant about trying sauna or if you'd like to practice with your partner, close friends, or family in a more intimate setting, this is the offering for you. Once you book the time, the session will be closed down to the public.
A Northern Lights Sauna host will prepare and maintain the wood-burning stove. You get to sit back and relax.
Northern Lights Sauna has large windows for plenty of natural light, a stunningly beautiful and aromatic cedar interior, and over 300 pounds of basalt stone surrounding the wood burning stove for a gentle yet powerful source of heat. This is not your stuffy gym or hotel sauna!
If you haven’t saunaed with us before, no problem. Please arrive 10 minutes early and check in with the sauna host.
When you arrive, make your way to our indoor waiting room. A sauna host will greet you and get you checked in. You’ll have access to bathrooms for changing into your swimsuit before and after your session. We will have coat hooks & cubbies for your personal belongings. If you are not wearing your suit upon arrival, please allow time to change.
Once everyone is checked in, we will make our way to the outdoor space and your host will show you how to enter the hot room and make recommendations for how long to stay in the hot room. You will cycle through rounds of entering the hot room, cooling down via a combination of cooler air temps and water, resting, hydrating and repeating. We encourage you to listen to your body and not focus on a set number of minutes per round. We will instead give you tips on how to tune into yourself and know when you need what.
While saunas are traditionally taken in the nude, we are definitely still at swimsuit status in the Midwest. We want you to be comfortable, so if you are not comfortable in a swimsuit, shorts/pants and a tank top/shirt is just fine. Please note that metal clasps on suits and jewelry can get hot. Please arrive wearing your suit.
• A pair of slip-on shoes/boots • A water bottle • Two towels - If you forget a towel, we will have towels for rent or for sale • A robe for your cooldown rounds, especially as the temps drop
Pack light and leave any valuables at home, There are no locked lockers on-site. While this space is only used for Northern Lights guests, we are not responsible for any items that are brought with you to your session.
In order to end up feeling good, it is critically important to hydrate before, during, and after your sauna session. We recommend 0.5 liters (16 ounces) of water BEFORE you show up to sauna. We will have water and other beverages to purchase, along with electrolyte options to your hydration needs.
There is one step into the entrance to the sauna. The inside of the sauna is an intimate space that requires participants to have the ability to maintain balance while walking into the sauna and getting onto and off the benches. If you have limited mobility or any concern about your ability to safely navigate the saunas, please reach out to us in advance. We are always happy to work together to determine if the space is accessible fo you and if modifications can be made. Please contact us if you have questions.
Thank you for creating a comfortable and safe space for all.
Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your session to check in, change into swimwear, and get comfortable.
Drink at least 16 ounces of water before your sauna to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.
If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or too hot, exit the sauna immediately and rest.
Wear a swimsuit or light clothing without metal clasps or jewelry to avoid burns and improve comfort.
Wausau’s Nordic heritage influences its active sauna culture, reflecting Finnish immigrant traditions dating back over a century.
Northern Lights Sauna emphasizes leaving no trace and uses sustainable firewood to minimize environmental impact during their sessions.
Wear something comfortable without metal parts to prevent heat burns and stay at ease.
Hydration before, during, and after sauna sessions is critical for safety and comfort.
One to sit on inside the sauna and another to dry off or use during cooldown.
Easy footwear helps navigate changing areas and outdoor paths safely.