When Kate Butchart arrived in Oslo in 2018, she had no idea that discovering Nordic sauna culture would change her life—and lead her to build an authentic sauna experience in the United States.
Today, KOS Sauna on Saratoga Lake, New York, is helping introduce a new generation to the benefits of sauna wellbeing, inspired by both Nordic traditions and Finnish sauna principles.
Photo: Garrett Conover
Discovering Nordic Sauna Culture
Kate’s international career took her from Spain to California and London before she moved to Oslo. It was there that she discovered floating saunas—at the time still a new phenomenon.
Sauna quickly became part of her weekly routine. Beyond relaxation, it offered something deeper: a sense of community, connection, and mental wellbeing.
“Sauna transformed my life,” Kate says.
From Nordic Inspiration to KOS Sauna
After more than a decade abroad, Kate returned to the United States with a clear vision: to bring authentic Nordic sauna culture to a new audience.
She noticed a gap—there were no sauna experiences similar to those she had experienced in Norway. KOS Sauna was created to fill that gap, combining high-quality design with a strong cultural foundation.
Built on Authentic Finnish Sauna Principles
While KOS Sauna is inspired by Nordic sauna culture, its foundation is deeply rooted in Finnish sauna expertise.
Developed together with Norwegian architect Bjørnar Skaar Haveland, the sauna concept incorporates key elements of an authentic Finnish sauna experience:
- Multi-level seating for optimal heat distribution
- Proper ventilation for a balanced sauna climate
- A curved ceiling to enhance löyly circulation
- High-quality materials and thoughtful design
Kate further deepened her understanding of Finnish sauna through visits to Finland and by learning from leading sauna experts.
Learning from World Sauna Forum
A key milestone in developing KOS Sauna was attending World Sauna Forum 2024, an international event dedicated to Finnish sauna culture and innovation.
The experience provided valuable insights into sauna construction, traditions, and the importance of authenticity in sauna experiences.
Site visits, expert discussions, and networking within the global sauna community helped shape the final KOS Sauna concept—and created connections that continue to support its growth.
Building Sauna Culture in the USA
KOS Sauna is not just a business—it is part of a growing movement to build sauna culture in the United States.
Operating on Saratoga Lake, the sauna has quickly gained popularity, with sessions often fully booked weeks in advance.
The concept emphasizes:
- Accessible sauna experiences
- Social connection and community
- Education on sauna etiquette and wellbeing
For many visitors, KOS Sauna is their first introduction to sauna. Through guided experiences, they learn how to enjoy sauna safely, mindfully, and respectfully.
At the same time, sauna creates meaningful human connections—bringing people together in a unique and powerful way.
The Future of KOS Sauna
KOS Sauna continues to grow with a clear focus on quality and authenticity.
Future plans include expanding with additional saunas, exploring new experience concepts, and potentially opening new locations.
However, the goal is not rapid expansion—but meaningful growth.
Experience Authentic Sauna Wellbeing
KOS Sauna is a powerful example of how Nordic sauna culture and Finnish sauna principles can inspire new experiences around the world.
As global interest in sauna wellbeing continues to grow, stories like Kate’s highlight the importance of authenticity, quality, and community in building the future of sauna culture.
