Elie Seaside Sauna
Elie Seaside Sauna sits on the dunes at Elie Harbour, in the East Neuk of Fife - the original site, and the one that started the wider Scottish Seaside Saunas story.
Since June 2022, the longest established owner-operated mobile sauna in Scotland, The Original Elie Seaside Sauna has become something of a local landmark - the first mobile sauna in The UK to be granted planning permission, and now joined on the harbour by a second sauna, The Harbourmaster. Between them, they've welcomed sea swimmers, first-timers, families and regulars who've been coming back every week since Scottish Seaside Saunas opened its doors.
This is still, at heart, a community sauna. Whatever brings you here — recovery after a cold swim, a quiet hour to think, or a proper catch-up with friends — you'll leave feeling more like yourself.
The Original Elie Seaside Sauna
Housed in a converted horse trailer lined with heat-treated Aspen, The Original Elie Seaside Sauna has stood on the dunes at Elie Harbour since June 2022 - the first of our saunas, and within weeks of opening, already an icon of the Scottish sauna movement.
Its floor-to-ceiling glass faces west, so whatever time of year you visit, you’re heating up under the same light that made this stretch of coast famous. Aspen turns a soft caramel scent when it heats - one of those small details you don’t expect and then can’t stop noticing.
Pricing
£96 - 1 hour
£192- 2 hours
Capacity
6 People
Booking type
Private hire of whole sauna
Our Original Sauna in a converted horsebox
Private hire only exclusive use for your group, seats up to 6
Each session includes 10 minutes built in for changeover and cleaning
Loyalty pricing 5 sessions for the price of 4 for regulars
The Harbourmaster
Sited on the dune at the entrance to Elie Harbour, right next to The Original, The Harbourmaster is arguably the most sustainably built and operated public outdoor sauna in the UK. Its interior is British thermally-treated Poplar and Ash rather than imported Nordic timber or cedar, and its exterior is sustainably grown Larch from the Scottish Borders.
It's full of small details that add up: elevated benches for a better quality of heat and löyly, huge windows angled towards the setting sun across Elie Bay, and a large deck to cool down on. It's aligned so you can catch the sunrise on one side and the sunset on the other, with shelter from the wind whichever way it's blowing. High ceilings make it suitable for Aufguss, and high benches with push-in lower benches make Lithuanian leaf-whisking easier too.
Pricing
£16 per hour
Capacity
12 seats (14 when booked privately)
Booking type
Individual seats or Private hire
Communal sessions, seats 12 comfortably (up to 14 for private hire)
Individual seats bookable, or hire the whole space privately
Step-accessible — just one small step at the threshold, gentle sub-steps inside
Cold showers if you don't want to swim/dip in the sea
What makes us special
Beach access
Walk directly onto Elie beach from our position on the dunes
Cold showers
A guaranteed cold-water option on site, regardless of tide or sea conditions
Yoga
Regular yoga practice can be combined with your sauna sessions
Pricing & Booking
Private Session
The original Elie Seaside Sauna
from £96/hour
1 or 2 hr sessions
Up to 6 people
Community Session
The Harbourmaster
£16/seat
1 hr sessions
Up to 12 people
Memberships
Valid across all our Saunas
from £27/hour
from 2 sessions per month
Valid across all 3 locations
Ready to visit Elie?
Book your session today and experience the perfect blend of heat, sea and wellness.
Want to book both Elie saunas, including both decks for your private gathering, birthday, zen-hen, pre, or post wedding parties, or corporate event? Email us at [email protected]
How to find us
Elie Seaside Sauna is on Elie Harbour, in the East Neuk of Fife.
If you can, come on foot or by bike - parking at the harbour is extremely limited, especially in summer, and the road down can be slow-moving when the village is busy. If you’re driving, give yourself extra time to find a space.
Address
Elie Harbour, Fife
Phone
+44 7855 941842
What3words
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BUS TIMETABLES
FAQs
How do I book a session?
Pick your location, session and time on the booking page - BOOK HERE
What's the difference between a public and private session?
Public sessions are shared with other bookings - a nice way to meet fellow wild swimmers and sauna-goers. Private hire means the sauna (and often the deck) is just for you and your group.
Can I book for a group or special occasion?
Yes - private hire is popular for birthdays, hen dos and small corporate get-togethers. If you're planning something bigger than the online booking allows, just get in touch by emailing [email protected]
What age can children attend?
Children between 12 and 16 years of age must be accompanied by an adult as part of a private hire. You cannot book individual seat hire for anyone under 16.
We have dedicated Family sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays at 11am in Harbourmaster throughout the summer holidays.
Children under the age of 12, are not encouraged to use the sauna. In the extremely rare circumstances, where they will be allowed, children under 12, must be accompanied by an adult on a ratio of 1:1.
Children under 5 are not permitted due to burning risks on the stoves.
What should I bring?
Swimwear, two towels (one for the bench, one for drying), a water bottle and beach shoes. A robe's optional but handy for the walk between sauna and sea.
What happens if the weather's bad?
Saunas run in all weather - that's half the appeal. On the rare occasion we need to cancel for safety reasons, we'll be in touch to rearrange or refund.
Can I cancel or change my booking?
Yes - you can cancel or change your bookings online, yourself by logging into your customer area below (The log in is in the top right corner):
See our cancellation policy for full details.