Forget the stuffy, windowless saunas at your local gym—a transformative new wellness destination has arrived, and it’s floating.
KOS Sauna, New York’s first-ever public floating sauna, has officially docked on Saratoga Lake. Bringing a slice of authentic Norwegian culture to Upstate New York, this isn’t just a spa day; it’s a high-heat ritual paired with a literal plunge into the icy depths of one of the state’s most beautiful (and mineral-rich) lakes.
🧖♀️ What is KOS Sauna?
Inspired by the sleek, wood-fired “saunaboats” of Oslo and Bergen, KOS (pronounced like “cozy” without the “y”) represents the simple, warm pleasures of life.
Founder Kate Butchart spent seven years living in Norway before teaming up with Norwegian architect Bjørnar Skaar Haveland to bring that magic to New York.
The result is Marka: a stunning, cedar-clad vessel that feels more like a floating boutique hotel than a bathhouse.
❄️ The “Nordic Cycle”: How It Works
The experience is built around a rigorous, 90-minute hot-cold circuit designed to shock the system in the best way possible:
- The Heat: 15–20 minutes in a 200°F+, 15-person Finnish-style sauna with panoramic windows
- The Plunge: A direct jump into the Saratoga Lake “cold tub” via a dedicated swimming platform
- The Recovery: A rooftop terrace perfect for watching the sunset over the Adirondack foothills
Beyond regular sessions, guests can enjoy themed experiences like morning meditations, singing sauna sessions, and silent hours.
The venue also features weekly demonstrations of the Finnish whisking ritual, using leafy branches to boost circulation, massage muscles, and release aromatic birch, oak, and eucalyptus scents into the steam.
🧪 The “Sauna Glow” is Science-Backed
It’s not just a trend. According to health experts, this extreme temperature shift acts like a “workout for your blood vessels.” Regular users often report:
- Reduced inflammation and joint pain
- Lowered blood pressure and improved heart health
- A “euphoric boost” in focus and concentration (the famous post-sauna glow)
NPR notes that “using a sauna four to seven times per week was associated with a 40% to 60% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and death, compared to those who only went once a week.”
👙 Know Before You Go
If you’re planning a weekend escape from the city, here is your essential cheat sheet:
- Location: 550 Union Ave, Saratoga Springs, NY (at Lago by Druthers)
- The Vibe: 90-minute Social Sessions or Private Group Rentals
- What to Pack: swimwear, refillable water bottle, two towels (one to sit on and one to dry off), and flip flops or water shoes
- Bonus Perks: fresh Saratoga mineral water and a heated rooftop terrace
🍕 The “Après-Sauna” Scene
The sauna is conveniently docked at Lago by Druthers, meaning you can walk straight from your cold plunge into a warm booth for wood-fired pizzas and local craft beers.
It’s the ultimate weekend trip for New Yorkers looking to trade the East River for the lake.
🚗 How to Get There From NYC
- By Car: a straightforward 3-hour drive via I-87 North
- By Train: take the Amtrak Empire Service or Adirondack from Moynihan Train Hall directly to Saratoga Springs (about 3.5 hours). A quick 10-minute Uber will get you to the marina
Ready to sweat? You can book your spot on the KOS Sauna website.
