About Us: Bringing the Nordic Ritual to the Burgh.
Embracing the Elements
The Art of the S A U N E S T Collection
At Saunest Pittsburgh, we believe the weather isn’t something to hide from—it’s a partner in wellness.
While our roots are firmly planted in the shifting seasons of Pittsburgh, our vision for a Nordic lifestyle knows no borders.
We ship and deliver our handcrafted saunas to backyards across the United States, helping individuals from coast to coast reclaim their connection to the outdoors.
Whether it’s a hot and sunny evening, a crisp autumn morning in the Northeast, or a balmy evening in the South, the sauna is a daily ritual that is best experienced outdoors and under the open sky.
The Power of Contrast
Our studio is the first of its kind in the U.S.—a dedicated destination for authentic, handcrafted outdoor saunas and cold plunges. We focus on the ancient practice of Contrast Therapy: the intentional dance between intense heat and 39°F cold.
Handcrafted in Estonia and by utilizing the highest grade of Thermo spruce and cross-laminated timber, we offer structures that are as durable as they are beautiful. These are not mere "units"; they are landmarks of restoration designed to weather any climate while supporting faster physical recovery and a deeper mental awakening.
The R I T U A L Bar
Rooted in Heritage. Refined for the Modern Sanctuary.
The Ritual Bar is an edit of essentials informed by a lifetime of ritual. Our collection is a bridge between an "old-soul" mindset and a high-performance lifestyle—where the wisdom of ancestral healing meets the precision of modern recovery.
Inspired by the quiet practices of the owner’s Italian Strega and Native American roots, she has curated a space that honors the body from the inside out. We believe that a true sanctuary isn't just a place you go; it's a way you live. From the architectural lines of our Estonian saunas to the tactile layers of our boutique, every piece is selected to ground your senses and elevate your daily routine.
This is the modern alchemist’s toolkit. Whether you are seeking deep musculoskeletal restoration, preparing for a morning of movement, or simply layering your home with botanical and sculptural beauty, the Ritual Bar is your destination for an intentional life.
Meet the Founder, Sarah Hilderbrand
Founder. Mom. Wife. Corporate software alumna.
Grounded in faith and fueled by the elements, Sarah Hilderbrand created Saunest Pittsburgh to bridge the gap between high-performance living and high-performance recovery. After a rewarding career in the tech world, she is finally realizing a lifelong dream of opening a storefront dedicated to the art of the "afterglow."
From handcrafted Estonian saunas built by SAUNEST to the curated layers of The Ritual Bar, Sarah’s mission is to help you build a life of intention.
Contact Us
Whether you have questions about our premium wood-clad saunas, want to learn more about our 0% financing options, or are ready to explore the Ritual Bar, we are here to help.