wood fired sauna suffolk

First time using a sauna

Some people arrive having used saunas before. Others haven’t, if this is your first time using a sauna then below is some helpful hints and tips.

Sauna Hus operates from a converted horsebox, fitted out as a wood-fired sauna. It’s set beside the lake at The Cyder Farm campsite, near Bungay and Halesworth.

Being close to the Norfolk border means people arrive from both counties.

There isn’t a fixed way to approach a first session. People settle into it at their own pace. Some people stay in briefly. Others take more time. This page explains how sessions tend to run and what most visitors find useful when they’re new. Some stay in for a few minutes. Some step in and out.
This page explains how sessions usually work and what most first-time visitors find helpful.There’s no set routine and no expectation to stay in longer than feels comfortable.

What to expect

Sauna Hus runs scheduled sessions in a quiet outdoor setting.

The sauna is heated using a traditional wood-fired stove. It’s brought up to temperature slowly rather than rushed. Sessions run at set times and are shared unless booked as private.

Some people stay in for a few minutes. Others step in and out. Both are normal.

Sauna Hus runs scheduled sauna sessions in a calm, outdoor setting.

Sessions take place at set times and are shared unless booked as private. The sauna is heated using a traditional wood-fired stove and brought up to temperature gradually.

There is no rush and no pressure to stay in for any set length of time.

Before you enter the sauna for the first time

  • Remove footwear
  • Clean your feet
  • Bring a towel with you. You’ll need it to sit on inside the sauna.
  • During shared sessions, suitable swimwear is worn. During private sessions, nudity is permitted inside the sauna only.
  • Clothing must always be worn outside the sauna cabin.
  • Inside the sauna

Once inside

  • Sit on your towel at all times
  • Choose a lower bench if you are new to sauna use
  • Allow your body to warm gradually
  • You do not need to stay in for long.
  • Some people stay in for a few minutes the first time. Others step out sooner. Some people stay in for a short while, others a little longer. There’s no set time you need to follow, especially on a first visit.
  • If the heat stops feeling comfortable, step outside and cool down. That’s usually all it takes.

Heat and steam (löyly)

  • Steam is created when water is added to the hot stones. This is known as löyly.
  • Löyly briefly increases the heat, then fades.
  • It is used in small amounts and should never feel sharp or overwhelming. If it does, too much water has been added.

If you are unfamiliar with sauna practice, staff are happy to guide you.

More information is available on our Löyly page:

Cooling down between rounds

Cooling down between sauna rounds is part of normal sauna use.

At Sauna Hus, cooling options include:

  • Fresh air outside the sauna
  • Cold showers
  • The cold water dunk tank
  • The lake (within the designated swimming area)

If you use the cold water dunk tank, do not enter the lake afterwards due to chlorine in the tank.

Only use one cooling method per round and follow staff guidance.

Using the lake

If you choose to enter the lake:

  • Stay within the designated swimming area
  • Enter calmly
  • Take care on wet ground
  • The lake bottom is clay and can feel slippery.
    Neoprene beach shoes or boots are recommended.
  • There are carp in the lake. They are calm and generally uninterested in sauna users.

How many rounds should I do if this is my first time using a sauna?

There is no set number.

Some people enjoy one short round, especially if this is your first time using a sauna. Others prefer several rounds with breaks in between.

Listen to your body. Short sessions with rest in between are encouraged.

Longer sessions are not better sessions.

Drinking water

Staying hydrated is important.

Bottled water is allowed inside the sauna

Plastic bottles only

Glass and metal containers are not permitted

Alcohol is not permitted before or during sauna use.

After your first time using a sauna

After your final round:

Cool down gradually

Get dressed before leaving the sauna area

Take your time before driving or continuing your day

Health and safety

Sauna bathing involves high heat and may not be suitable for everyone.

Before attending, please read:

Health & Safety guidance if this is you first time using a sauna.

Sauna Use Guidelines

If you have any medical concerns, consult a healthcare professional before booking.

A simple first-time rule

If something doesn’t feel right, step out and cool down.

There is no right way to use a sauna, only a safe and comfortable one.