New 'scenic sauna' at pretty lake where people can learn Welsh and drink steamy pints

A new wood-fired sauna has been launched on the banks of one of the largest natural lakes in Wales. The venture follows on from the success of a similar enterprise on Anglesey by the same company.

Neath-based Sawna Bach (The Scenic Sauna) has placed a timber-clad sauna building on the edge of Llyn Padarn in Llanberis, Gwynedd. Located near the National Slate Museum, its location gives views across the lake and its surrounding mountains.

A unique pitch for Sawna Bach users are the Peint a Sgwrs (Pint and Chat) gatherings hosted in the steam. Sessions are also arranged for people learning the Welsh language.

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“We’re thrilled to see that North Wales now has its own thriving sauna culture,” said co-founder Jen Holloway. “When we started, we just wanted a sauna for ourselves but seeing how warmly it’s been received by the community is incredibly rewarding. Regular sauna use brings so many health benefits and we’re so pleased that Sawna Bach has become a valued part of people’s self-care routines here.”

Set amidst the dramatic slate landscapes of Eryri, the new sauna offers a striking contrast to Sawna Bach’s original coastal location at Porth Tyn Tywyn. Based in dunes just south of Rhosneigr, Anglesey, this was established 18 months ago.

Two-thirds of its customers have been from North Wales, and around one-third are returning customers. One dedicated customer enjoyed the experience so much they visited the Tyn Tywyn sauna more than 60 times in the first year alone.

Regular bathers are offered discounted rates, with sauna “passes” becoming increasingly popular, said Sawna Bach. This, believes the company, suggests local people are embracing regular sauna visits as a way to “unwind and recharge in their everyday lives”. Join the North Wales Live WhatsApp community group where you can get the latest stories delivered straight to your phone

The company founders are Welsh language learners and they’re keen to encourage others to do likewise. Sawna Bach is working with the Welsh Language Commissioner to achieve the Cynnig Cymraeg certification and its regular Sgwrs yn y Sawna sessions are part of this process.

These see Welsh speakers and learners meet in the sauna for a relaxed chat in Welsh. “The sessions attract a diverse audience and offer an alternative to the Peint a Sgwrs gatherings,” said Caroline. “We’re excited to extend this unique experience to Llyn Padarn, giving more people the chance to connect with each other in a peaceful, mindful environment.”

Bookings are now being taken for the new Llyn Padarn sauna, which will operate Fridays to Tuesdays, 9am-8pm. A formal launch is planned on November 9. As well as private bookings, the sauna accommodates communal sessions for groups of up to eight people. More details are here. Sign up for the North Wales Live newsletter sent twice daily to your inbox

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