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Private Sauna Sessions at Northern Lights Sauna in Wausau - Wausau

Private Sauna Sessions at Northern Lights Sauna in Wausau

Wausaueasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

1 hour

Fitness Level

No special fitness required, suitable for nearly all adults with reasonable mobility.

Overview

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.

Wausau, Wisconsin

Private Sauna Session

1 Hour • Private Session • 1-4 People

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About This Adventure

Authentic, high-quality, wood-fired sauna experience.

Duration

1 hour

Price

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".

About

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.

What to expect

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.

What to wear

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.

What to bring

• 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

What NOT to bring

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.

Prepare with hydration

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.

Accessibility

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.

Northern Lights Community Sauna Rules and Guiding Principles

  1. This is a safe and welcoming environment for all. You leave your belongings and most of your clothing at the door, and with it you are invited to leave anything else that is not serving you or your community. As the Finnish proverb states, all humans are equal, but nowhere more so than in a sauna. Both you and your neighbors on the sauna bench are worthy of love, dignity, and respect. Remember you are in a shared space.
  2. No phones in the sauna! If you want a photo, your sauna host is happy to snap one for you. Most jewelry and hair clips should also be removed before entering the sauna. Rings tend to do fine, but metal necklace pieces on your neck will get too hot to the touch and most other hair clips and accessories will potentially warp.
  3. All guests will be required to sit on a towel while in the sauna. No body lotions or oils are to be used on the skin before your session. These measures help maintain the integrity of the sauna surfaces.
  4. Absolutely no food is allowed in the sauna. We recommend leaving your water bottle outside of the hot room.
  5. Alcohol and sauna do not mix well. Never drink before, and if you choose to drink after, hydrate excessively. Sauna requires a level of awareness that being under the influence of alcohol or other drugs impairs. If you are noticeably under the influence of any kind, you will be asked to reschedule your sauna session to keep yourself and others safe.
  6. Close the door after you’ve entered the sauna. Please do not stand half in half out.
  7. Take your towel with you after each round and consider selecting a new seat upon re-entry. We want to make sure everyone has a chance to experience different seats in the sauna. It’s good to know that the top bench is considerably hotter than the lower bench.
  8. The sauna host is always willing to help answer questions and help you gauge how long to stay in the sauna. That said, you should always exit the sauna if you feel nauseous, lightheaded, or dizzy. Feelings of being “too hot,” mildly to moderately anxious, uncomfortable, or claustrophobic are a welcome opportunity to breathe through and start to modulate that response. Your guide can help.
  9. Stay home if you are experiencing any of the following symptoms: Cough (new onset or worsening of chronic cough), Shortness of breath, Fever or chills, Sore throat, Congestion or runny nose, Muscle or body aches, Headache, New loss of taste or smell. We will work with you to reschedule your sauna session.

Thank you for creating a comfortable and safe space for all.

Adventure Tips

Arrive Early to Prepare

Plan to arrive 10 minutes before your session to check in, change into swimwear, and get comfortable.

Hydrate Thoroughly

Drink at least 16 ounces of water before your sauna to ensure a safe, enjoyable experience.

Listen to Your Body

If you feel dizzy, nauseous, or too hot, exit the sauna immediately and rest.

Plan Your Attire Wisely

Wear a swimsuit or light clothing without metal clasps or jewelry to avoid burns and improve comfort.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • white-tailed deer
  • great horned owl

History

Wausau’s Nordic heritage influences its active sauna culture, reflecting Finnish immigrant traditions dating back over a century.

Conservation

Northern Lights Sauna emphasizes leaving no trace and uses sustainable firewood to minimize environmental impact during their sessions.

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Adventure Hotspots in Wausau

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Swimsuit or Light Clothing

Essential

Wear something comfortable without metal parts to prevent heat burns and stay at ease.

Water Bottle

Essential

Hydration before, during, and after sauna sessions is critical for safety and comfort.

Two Towels

Essential

One to sit on inside the sauna and another to dry off or use during cooldown.

Slip-on Shoes

Easy footwear helps navigate changing areas and outdoor paths safely.