Sauna Cairngorms : Loch Alvie, Aviemore

K
Jun 15
3 min read

This wild sauna is set on the shores of the freshwater Loch Alvie, just three miles southwest of Aviemore in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. Surrounded by lush greenery, gentle hills, and breathtaking Highland scenery, Sauna Cairngorms offers a peaceful setting to unwind and reconnect with nature. The loch’s clear waters and tranquil atmosphere create the perfect environment for relaxation, rejuvenation, and an authentic outdoor escape.

Cloudy lakeside sauna with small wooden cabins, a white tent, and a car beside grassy hills and distant mountains. — Sauna Cairngorms at Loch Alvie

Our Wild Sauna Visit

We visited Sauna Cairngorms Wild Sauna on a busy May bank holiday weekend, taking a short drive from the lively atmosphere of Aviemore to the peaceful shores of Loch Alvie. The setting is absolutely beautiful, with stunning Highland scenery and a wonderful sense of connection to nature. The tranquil surroundings immediately set the tone for a memorable sauna experience.

Sauna interior
Loch Alvie
Mhor Sauna
View of Loch Alvie out of sauna window
Stove and water bucket
Changing area next to sauna
Sauna hats
Water shoes available
Water jugs

Guide to Facilities

Parking

Free parking is available at the Rowan Tree Hotel, with clear directions provided to the path leading down to the loch. The sauna is only a short walk away, but it’s worth allowing an extra 5–10 minutes to make the journey at a relaxed pace and fully enjoy the surroundings before your session begins.

Changing

There is no changing space so remember to bring a changing robe. There are several large boxes for storing belongings.

Host

The host and owner, Linda, gave us a warm welcome and introduced us to the space on arrival. Her calm and friendly manner immediately put us at ease, and after our session she was happy to chat about her journey and how she came to establish the sauna business in such a beautiful location. Her passion for what she does added a personal touch to the experience.

The Hot Bit

There are two saunas available to book: a smaller sauna reserved exclusively for private hire, and a larger sauna that seats up to eight people and can be booked for either communal or private sessions. Our communal session was fully booked, which created a lively atmosphere, although at times it felt a little crowded, particularly for those who prefer a more spacious or quiet sauna experience. This wood-fired wild sauna is beautifully finished with warm, honey-toned timber, creating an inviting and relaxing atmosphere. Sauna hats are available to use, and the water used for steam/löyly is infused with eucalyptus, adding a refreshing aroma to the experience. Inside, the benches are arranged in two tiers facing a large picture window, offering uninterrupted views across Loch Alvie and the surrounding Highland scenery. There is a sand timer for monitoring your session. An entrance area with hooks and a small bench space offers a convenient place to keep personal items and water bottles close at hand during your session.

The Cold Bit

Loch Alvie provides a stunning setting for a refreshing cold-water dip between sauna rounds. Once in the water, the loch is sandy underfoot, however we would recommend bringing water shoes or sandals to make the walk over the path to and from the water more comfortable. There are spare shoes and sandals available. If you prefer to cool down more gently, there is some chair seating available.

Food/Drinks Nearby

Water and cups are provided. The Rowan Tree hotel at the start of the path serves food. More options are available in Aviemore but its pricey. Kingussie is also a short drive away.