How to Start a Sauna Business (and Make It Profitable)
The demand for wellness and sauna experiences is growing rapidly in Europe and beyond. More people are looking for relaxing activities close to home, and saunas are at the top of the list. If you’re considering starting your own sauna business, here’s a guide to help you get started — and run it efficiently.
Why start a sauna business?
Saunas are not just a Nordic tradition anymore — they’re becoming part of a global wellness trend. A sauna business can be profitable because it combines wellness, community, and recurring revenue through memberships. With the right setup, your sauna can attract both locals and tourists.
Steps to starting a sauna business
1. Choose your sauna concept
Will you run a floating sauna, a mobile sauna for events, or a fixed location sauna by the waterfront? Your concept determines your target audience and pricing strategy.
2. Location is everything
Pick a place that’s accessible and visible. A central waterfront location or a spot near hotels, gyms, or residential areas can increase demand.
3. Make operations simple with automation
Running a sauna doesn’t need to be time-consuming. Modern sauna businesses rely on automated booking systems, online payments, and smart locks. A sauna booking system like Periode.no, combined with Inlet’s smart lock integration, allows customers to:
- Book time slots online
- Pay instantly with card, Vipps/Mobilepay or Apple/Google pay
- Unlock the sauna automatically via mobile
This creates a fully automated sauna solution that reduces manual work and saves costs.
4. Offer memberships and drop-in options
Recurring revenue is key. Memberships create loyalty and predictable cash flow, while single bookings attract new customers. The best sauna management software makes it easy to handle both.
5. Market your sauna business
Use social media, Google Ads, and partnerships with local businesses. Highlight the wellness benefits of saunas, and make sure your website is SEO-optimized with keywords like “book sauna online” and “sauna near me.”
Final thoughts
Starting a sauna business requires planning, but with the right tools, it can be highly profitable. By combining a clear concept, the right location, and a powerful sauna management platform like Periode.no, you can run a sauna that’s both customer-friendly and almost fully automated.
Need help?
contact@periode.no to book a demo