Question 1

What should I know before I arrive?

Accepted Answer

We are a volunteer-run, family-oriented community. Please be considerate of others in your behavior and language.

Alcohol, illegal drugs, or legal recreational drugs are not permitted. Tobacco smoking is allowed in the parking lot only.

Visitors to the sauna are welcome, but must reserve and pay for a session prior to visiting. Please see the Bookings FAQ.

All members, friends, guests and visitors must check in at the camp building before entering the sauna. The camp building is the large red building. Signs will direct you to the check in area.

No dogs allowed at camp, sauna or shore.

Question 2

Who may come to sauna?

Accepted Answer

UKTS is not open to the public due to the regulations of the Town of Pembroke. If you are interested in visiting, see the Visit Us section of the website.

Space is limited so Members, Friends and their guests are prioritized for entry.

All invited and accompanied guests of Members and Friends are welcome.

Visitors should not arrive unless they have a booked, confirm session at the sauna. Walk-ins are not permitted.

It is encouraged that individuals be healthy enough to withstand the heat of the sauna.

The UKTS is a family-oriented community, and many families attend with young children, even newborns.

We also have many individuals visit the sauna well into their 80s and 90s.

Question 3

Are children allowed at sauna?

Accepted Answer

Yes, children under the age of 18 are allowed.

Children under 12 must be accompanied and supervised by an adult at all times.

Children 5 and older must use gender appropriate sauna.

Question 4

What do I need to bring with me?

Accepted Answer

Bring cash to pay for sauna ticket (except for visitors who have paid prior to visit), soda, bottled water and donations for the coffee table.

Donations for the sauna custodians are welcome and appreciated.

Bring your swimsuit, towel, toiletries, soap, shampoo, etc.

Make sure to bring adequate water. You must stay hydrated when in the sauna. No glass containers are permitted.

Question 5

What is the dress code for sauna, camp and the shore?

Accepted Answer

Bathing suits are optional when inside the sauna building.

Bathing suits are required for the shore and pond area.

Please dress before entering camp building. No bathing suits and bare feet, please.

Question 6

Are groups allowed?

Accepted Answer

We discourage large groups as our space is limited.

UKTS is a family oriented, volunteer community in the tradition of a  Finnish cultural center.

Many people come alone, with a partner, a friend or family.

Each side of the sauna (women and men) accommodate about 16 people at once.

Question 7

What to expect inside the sauna?

Accepted Answer

The sauna is separated between men and women. Each have their own side with a sauna, changing room and shower.

The temperature inside the sauna ranges greatly depending on where you sit.  The lower the bench, the lower the temperature and vice versa.  Typically, the temperature near the top bench is 200-210 degrees Fahrenheit.  This is a dry sauna, which means the humidity is typically less than 15%, which allows for a more bearable heat.

No glass is permitted inside the sauna building.

Conserve water by using buckets to wash or taking short showers.

The sauna custodians will build the stove fire and oversee the building. Only the custodians may add wood to the fire.

Water may be poured on the stove to provide steam. Buckets are available in the sauna.

No essential oils are permitted in the sauna.

Close the sauna door quickly to keep heat in.

Clean up after yourself, including leaves from birch/vihta branches.

UKTS is not responsible for items left behind, but there is a Lost and Found in the entryway of the camp building.

Question 8

What the rules for the shore and pond?

Accepted Answer

Keep railings and walkways clear.  Do not block with towels, sandals, etc.

No lifeguard on duty. Swim at your own risk – be aware of boats.

Swimsuit/covering must be worn outside at the lakeshore.

No fishing at the lakeshore by the sauna building at any time.

Question 9

What are the rules for the camp building?

Accepted Answer

Kitchen use is only for UKTS Members.

Friends and Guests may bring your own snacks or picnic but should not use the kitchen or dishes.

Please clean up after yourself, carry out what you bring in.

Feel free to fill your water bottle at the kitchen sink.

Uljas Koitto Temperance Society

Planning Your Visit