How does it work?

At River Birch Nordic Sauna we offer a tranquil experience providing you a naturally heated space to unwind and enjoy a period of quiet relaxation.

We provide a guided sauna experience to help you learn the health benefits, the practice, and the history of the traditional Nordic sauna. While the practice of traditional sauna has been practiced for thousands of years in Finland and throughout most of Northern Europe, most people in this country, especially in the South, have only experienced a sauna at their gym or hotel. Our sauna guides teach you and guide you through an experience that will leave you relaxed and ready to take on all the challenges of the day.

How is River Birch different from a gym or hotel sauna?

We provide a premium sauna, hand crafted by Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna in Duluth, MN. They use the highest quality materials and thoughtful Nordic design, including an efficient Estonian Huum wood-fired stove.

We equate quality heat in the same way that many people contemplate high quality food, wine, or craft beer.

Until you have experienced the highest quality heat, you really don’t know what you are missing. In terms of caliber of experience, most gym or hotel saunas leave us mostly underwhelmed. If you enjoy a premium experience with attention to detail we are confident you will enjoy River Birch Nordic Sauna.

Are there health benefits to sauna bathing?

Emerging evidence suggests that beyond its use for pleasure, sauna bathing may be linked to several health and wellness benefits including but not limited to:

• Stress reduction

• Decreased blood pressure

• Reduced risk of cardiovascular disease

• Reduced risk of neurocognitive diseases

• Pain reduction associated with rheumatic diseases

• Improvement of skin health

• Removal of harmful toxins

• Improvement of sleep quality

• Post workout muscle recovery

• Reduction of inflammation

• Cardiorespiratory fitness capacity improvement

• Provides benefit of a light cardio workout

For more information, please feel free to read this research study from the Mayo Clinic regarding the numerous sauna health benefits. 

Does your wood burning stove contribute to pollution?

For your typical wood burning stove, yes. However our sauna is equipped with a highly efficient and environmentally sound Huum stove manufactured in Estonia. Huum stoves are designed to burn efficiently and greatly reduce the amount of harmful atmospheric dust produced. The emissions from a clean burning stove amount to less than 5% of a typical household fireplace & chimney. These stoves give off a mere 1.25 grams of atmospheric dust per kilogram (2.2lbs) of wood, compared to 40-50 grams from a typical fireplace. They also combust more efficiently, with as much as 92% of the energy potential in wood is used. We also make sure to burn only dried wood which further reduces the release of pollutants and increases the efficiency.

As for smoke, because Huum stoves burn so efficiently and we use only dried wood, the stoves burn the wood as well as the gases released by the wood so there is very little smoke. Early on the smoke is gray, then turns to white, and finally it is clear.

What is included with each session?

All of our experiences include:

• Changing area

• Highest quality wood-fired sauna experience

• A guided session to educate on the sauna history, process & wellness benefits

• Water and locally sourced tea to enjoy for hydration and enjoyment

• Time to rest, rejuvenate, and enjoy the many benefits of sauna bathing

Many people have the best night of sleep they have had in months after a sauna session. Please be sure to let us know how you slept after your session!

How do I schedule a session?

Our booking is done online via our website. You can learn about all of our available sessions here. Then when you are ready just click the “book now” button on your page.

Our sessions have been booking up in advance so the sooner you book, the better your chance to secure your ideal time slot.

For walk up customers, we can accommodate booking sauna experiences if there are open slots available.

What do I prepare and what do I need to bring to my sauna session?

You should expect to work up a healthy sweat while in the sauna. Hydrating in advance with plenty of water will help your body get the most of this cleansing experience. Since alcohol dehydrates please do not drink beforehand as it will diminish your experience.

As far as what you should bring, all you really need is a swimsuit. However it is a great idea to bring sandals or flip flops, especially in the wintertime so your feet don’t get cold when you go outside to cool off. We will take care of the rest. Some guests choose to bring a robe as well, but that is entirely optional.

Fresh towels, a changing area, local tea, and other amenities to enhance your experience are also provided.

What is a guided experience? Will someone be talking to me throughout the entire session?

As we have found, most people only know sauna from their local fitness center or from a stay at a hotel. This usually looks like hopping in the sauna for a few minutes after their workout. Yet not many people understand the full practice of sauna which includes hot, cold, rest, rehydrate, and repeat—the thermic cycle. This cycle is how we receive many of the wellness and health benefits from sauna. Sauna is so much more than just sitting in a hot room. Allow us to share with you how to sauna well, soaking up the heat and the cold for the full experience. This sauna process in our space is guided as much or as little as you like. If you are a sauna veteran who wants very little support, we will gladly give you the space to enjoy. If you are new to sauna and would like for someone to walk you through the process, we are more than happy to help.

What are your hours?

Our hours are 10am-8pm Wednesday-Sunday.

Where are you located?

River Birch Nordic Sauna is a mobile operation. We will be partnering with different businesses throughout the Triangle. Please visit the locations page or our Instagram or Facebook page regularly for location updates.

Are your sauna sessions private or will I be with other people?

While River Birch is a community sauna, for now, we are booking only private sessions. We can accommodate up to 6 people from the same household or social bubble.

Do you offer memberships?

Memberships are under consideration and may be a future offering.

What is your cancellation policy?

As a local small business, serving you is important to us. Our cancellation policy helps us support you and our staff when changes need to be made. We can accommodate rescheduling or cancellations 24 hours prior to your scheduled appointment. Within 24 hours cancellations are non-refundable.

What is your Covid-19 policy?

Please click here to view our Covid-19 Policy.