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How much does an outdoor sauna cost in Switzerland?
A garden sauna is a purchase for many years. Besides the price of the sauna itself, there are costs that are easy to underestimate: foundation, electrical connection, transport and possibly the building permit.
Updated: September 2026 · independent guide, sources linked
The purchase: the sauna itself
| Option | Guide price | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Small barrel sauna, electric heater | from approx. CHF 5,000 – 6,000 | 2–4 people, often delivered assembled |
| Barrel sauna with changing room | from approx. CHF 6,500 – 9,000 | room to get changed |
| Sauna cabin / premium | approx. CHF 10,000 – 20,000 and more | e.g. cedar, glass front, relaxation room |
Non-binding guide prices from Swiss suppliers' offers, September 2026. Foundation, power, transport and possibly the permit come on top.
A kit is cheaper than a sauna delivered assembled, but requires DIY skills and – depending on the model – one to three days for two people. The electrical connection must always be made by a qualified electrician.
Extra costs
Foundation
The sauna needs a level, load-bearing base. Concrete pads or ground screws are usually cheaper than a full concrete slab. See: Location & foundation.
Electrical connection
Most electric sauna heaters are around 9 kW and need a 400 V connection installed by an electrician. The cost mainly depends on the distance between house and sauna (cable, trenching).
Transport & crane
Assembled barrel saunas are delivered in one piece. If your garden is hard to reach, a crane may be needed – ask about it in the quote.
Permit
If a permit is needed, the municipality charges fees and may require plans. Rules by canton: Building permit.
Running costs: what does a session cost?
With a 9 kW electric heater, one session usually costs around CHF 2 to 4, depending on your electricity price and heating time. Rule of thumb for heater output: about 1 kW per cubic metre of sauna room; outdoor saunas and large glass areas need a bit more.
A wood stove has no electricity costs, but you need firewood – only natural, dry wood may be burned – and regular chimney cleaning.
Renting or owning a flat? If you rent, you need your landlord's written consent before putting a sauna in the garden. In a condominium (Stockwerkeigentum), the owners' association usually has to agree as well – even if you have exclusive use of the garden.
Saving money without regrets
- Choose a realistic size: a smaller sauna heats up faster and uses less energy.
- Close to the house: a short power line saves trenching.
- Clarify the permit first: having to remove the sauna later is the most expensive option.
- Compare quotes: assembly, transport, heater and roof are included differently by each supplier.
Permit rules for garden saunas differ from canton to canton, for example Jura, Appenzell Ausserrhoden and Obwalden. All 26 cantons compared: Building permit.
Compare quotes from your region
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