In the heart of Duluth's harbor, a unique Nordic experience awaits Minnesotans and tourists alike with the opening of a floating sauna inside a renovated barge. Cedar and Stone Nordic Sauna has launched this steamy, 40,000-pound haven which can accommodate up to 10 people at once. Justin Juntunen, the owner of Cedar and Stone, expressed his excitement about the health benefits that saunas provide, a sentiment supported by both the local and wider cultural embrace of this traditional Scandinavian practice, according to a Star Tribune report.
The floating sauna, which notably cost $150,000 to bring to life, features panoramic views, wood paneling, and two wood-burning stoves — a toasty juxtaposition to the icy waters that surround it. Patrons can enjoy the heat and then take the plunge into Lake Superior's waters, a ritual cited for its therapeutic benefits. As Juntunen told the Twin Cities Pioneer Press, "In some ways, this is all in my blood," harking back to the area's deep Finnish roots and the cultural significance of sauna culture carried over by immigrants.
The sauna doesn't just float stationary; there are plans afoot for it to cruise through St. Louis River and Lake Superior eventually, though that’s pending an engine upgrade and the necessary nod from the Coast Guard. For now, it serves as a docked oasis, offering a reprieve from the frosty northern climate. Apart from the unique sauna facilities, the barge also boasts a rooftop deck and is expected to host group and public sessions regularly.
Guidance and safety are key terms at this aquatic escape. Zane Brosowke – sauna guide at Cedar and Stone – assists newbies and veterans alike with breathing techniques and coping with the initial shock of the cold, all while ensuring that the stoves remain at peak warmth. "It's really fun to see people go through this experience," Brosowke told the Star Tribune, noting the mind-over-matter challenge that comes with the first icy plunge. As Juntunen underscored, safety has been a prime focus, and staff are not only trained in fire safety and suppression but also in safe cold-water immersion tactics.
Despite still needing final touches like the engine for mobility, the floating sauna has become a testament to Duluth's history, and a nod to its contemporary approach to wellness and leisure. Cedar and Stone look forward to the sauna being a main attraction during Finn Fest and the All Pints North Brewfest, enhancing Duluth’s reputation as a contemporary "Little Helsinki."
