Barbossauna : Aberdeen Beach
- K
- Feb 9
- 3 min read
Updated: Mar 3
At the harbour end of Aberdeen's Beach Esplanade this wild (slightly urban) sauna is in a great spot for a North Sea dook or a cool off on the beach. Barbossauna is walking distance to the picturesque old fishing village of Fittie (Footdee) and a long stretch of street food vendors, making it perfectly placed to embrace a full day beachfront experience.
Our Wild Sauna Visit
I visited Barbossauna on one of the wildest days of the year. My friend and I booked a morning slot in February and felt pretty dubious waking up to cold wind, torrential rain and a dangerously choppy sea. However this was one of my favourite sauna experiences ever (not just because I love The Cold Bit!) The view of the churning North Sea from the warmth of this very thoughtfully organised sauna was really special.
Guide to Facilities
Parking
There is lots of parking along Beach Esplanade itself as its a long road, however you made need a little patience as its a slow road and is also in the midst of a huge regeneration project.
Changing
There was a designated, private changing space in a converted horsebox. This had a sliding door to keep in some warmth and also a curtain for privacy. Inside has been well thought through - there are individual large buckets for keeping your things altogether as well as hooks and some lockers.
Host
The host Fabio was very relaxed and friendly. He was knowledgeable and happy to answer our sauna related questions. He also encouraged us to take our time and go for one more dook when our session was over. It was too wet for Rocky, the owners beautiful golden lab, although he did keep an eye on us from his window.
The Hot Bit
This is such a roomy sauna. There are 2 converted horse boxes to choose from. Ours had U-shaped seating for 9. The host steams fresh eucalyptus leaves on the stones of the wood burning stove as well as mint essential oils which added a lovely gentle aroma. The only down side is that the stove is by the door meaning you have to walk through a serious wall of heat to get in or out but on the plus side, very little heat escapes. There is a window facing out to the sea so you can keep an eye out for dolphins, seabirds and ships entering the harbour beyond.
The Cold Bit
The North Sea needs no introduction, the OG of the cold plunge is never for the fainthearted. It was extremely choppy when we visited so for safety, we could only lie down in the shallows. Each wild sauna also has a cold shower outside although, in weather like we had, it didn't take long to cool off gently in the rain which felt pretty amazing.
Food/Drinks Nearby
The changing room had a water fountain with paper cups (and recycling bin) as well as complimentary lollipops for anyone feeling the need for a sugar boost. As mentioned above, the sauna is at the far end of a long row of very varied street food trucks. There is something for every taste.
Link to website
This post is based on our own experience at the time of our visit.
