‘I fell in love with Finnish sauna culture and decided to bring it to Yorkshire’

The opening of a wood-fired sauna is bringing Finnish wellness to Yorkshire.

Zoe Hall, founder of Löyly & Jää, fell in love with sauna culture after visiting Finland in her early twenties.

She launched her first site, Järvi, at Draughton Heights Campsite in 2025.

It was such a success Zoe, 38, decided to open a second site at Olicana Park in Addingham.

Löyly & Jää launched the six-person sauna in July.

Addingham is only 5km upstream from Ilkley – a town popular for its pebbled beach – but offers a quieter swimming experience.

As a wood-fired sauna, Joki burns logs, transferring heat to the sauna stones above.

From wooden benches, a large window provides scenic river views.

Traditional Finnish saunas use contrast therapy, alternating between heat and cold water.

At Joki - Finnish for “river” - there are two cold plunges and a waterfall bucket shower.

For the bravest of visitors, there will be direct access to the River Wharfe from spring 2027.

Throughout August, Joki is available for 60-minute communal sessions at £14, or private hire for eight guests at £120.

“I have so many people coming on memberships now,” Zoe, who lives in Burley-in-Wharfdale, said.

“It’s thanks to my local customers that I’ve been able to open a second site.”

Visitors can treat themselves to a post-sauna breakfast at Hamiltons Cafe, or continue to the nearby Bolton Abbey.

For more details, visit the Löyly & Jää website.