Haar Sauna : St Ninian's Beach Shetland

K
Feb 1
2 min read

Updated: Mar 3

Have a wild sauna experience unlike any other on Scotland's beautiful Shetland Isles. At 60° North, it is as geographically close to an authentic Nordic sauna as you will find.

St Ninian's beach tombolo. — Stunning Haar Beach in Shetland. Image: Bob Brewer

Our Visit

I visited this unique and beautiful tombolo at St Ninian's beach on a Summer trip with my dad. The tombolo itself was stunning even on a breezy, overcast Scottish summer day. Both saunas were running when we visited so we were able to switch between the two which was great as they were different sizes and had different temperatures. We stuck mainly to the smaller of the two which was a little quieter. There wasn't much of a view out the door window but the crystal clear waters of the Atlantic all around made this an unforgettable experience that I would rush back for. The water is a short walk/run away but easy to get into. The sand was clear so no need for sandals or water shoes. The shallow water of the bay was heaven. Take me back!

Guide to Facilities

Parking

There is plenty of parking space at St Ninian's beach car park. It's a short walk down a farm track to the saunas at the beach.

Changing

There was space behind the sauna itself for changing but with little privacy. Hooks were available to hang up your bags etc and there was also a large plastic tub with a lid for belongings incase of rain.

Host

The host was welcoming and helpful. He was able to answer questions about the sauna and area.

The Hot Bit

From inside the smaller sauna, the view was restricted but outside the scenery is breathtaking. U-shaped benches seating 5.

The Cold Bit

On both sides of the sand lies a stunning shallow bay, with the closest one being the most tranquil. The water remains shallow for a considerable distance and is crystal clear, allowing you to see where you're stepping. It's ideal for a refreshing plunge.