There's been a hot revolution all over Norway lately ... a sauna revolution. In many small towns, big cities, and remote natural gems, a hot sauna awaits.
NORWAY’S HOTTEST SAUNAS
Heat up …
… before you cool down.
Aaah! The unbeatable combination of hot and cold will make you feel totally alive and awake.
And you’re in luck! Norway has become one of the world's hottest places for saunas.
In fact, Oslo, has become THE fjord sauna city of the north. Swim straight from the sauna to the Opera!
There are a lot of floating saunas options to choose from, including KOK Oslo, Bademaschinen and SALT. All are located by – or on – the Oslofjord.
But you'll also find plenty of hot saunas all over Norway, including in the snowy mountains.
If you’re into world-class architecture, some saunas have that too – often combined with dreamy locations.
Just look at the Soria Moria sauna in Telemark.
Ready, set, splash!
Sauna etiquette
- Follow the instructions from the sauna rental
- Always sit on a towel
- All bathing and swimming is at your own risk. Do not swim alone or out of sight of others
- Watch out for slippery floors and outdoor areas
- Use only fresh water on the stove. Ask before using oils
- Be considerate. Remember that some prefer silence in the sauna
- Add logs on the stove yourself, but don't overheat
- If you feel uncomfortable, dizzy or sleepy, leave the sauna immediately
- Don't smoke, and don't bring food into the sauna
Popular sauna experiences
The biggest fjord sauna city, and by far the one with the most saunas, is Oslo. It has become a year-round swimming city. Who would have guessed? Journalists in Finland are starting to get worried, because Norway is breathing down its neck when it comes to sauna culture. One of Oslo Bathing Association's saunas, Trosten, beautifully designed by architects at Estudio Herreros, even made it into Time Magazine's prestigious list of the World's Greatest Places in 2025!
Today, you'll find plenty of great saunas and floating sauna rafts in most major cities and popular tourist spots across Norway. Many hotels also provide excellent sauna facilities, often available to non-staying guests.
Most saunas are located by the water, with direct access to a refreshing dip.
Floating fjord saunas
From floating saunas in almost every notable fjord, to hidden gems by secluded forests and mountain lakes, they all do the trick. Muscles feel less sore, and stress evaporates with every drop of sweat. And that cold but oh-so-good dip afterwards hits you like a wave of energy.
Do like some crazy Norwegians do and kick-start your day with a sauna and a swim session, or book a sauna as a reward for completing a long hike.
It is, of course, also possible to set aside time for yourself to enjoy a sauna as an escape from daily routines. The good thing is, you can do it all year-round!
Most saunas offer private bookings (remember to book early), but many also provide drop-in sessions several days of the week, from early morning to late evening.
Right outside Oslo, you find Norway’s biggest sauna nirvana, The Well.
Indulge in 10,500 square metres of luxurious facilities, where you can try everything from traditional Finnish saunas to Japanese and Turkish, as well as a bio sauna, a forest sauna, and even a northern lights sauna.
Snow and ice = yikes? 🥶
Not when you have a sauna nearby! The warm embrace of the sauna’s dry air makes it possible for everyone to go swimming in winter.
And you don’t need Viking blood to try it. Just look at the picturesque setting surroundingthe sauna at Gausta in Rjukan.
Check out the saunas in Eastern Norway
Book nowHurdalSaunas at Hurdalsjøen Hotel & Spa
Welcome to a sauna experience with us at Hurdalsjøen Hotell! With us, saunas are part of the daily routine for our guests - whether you are attending a conference or a guest who just wants to enjoy themselves. What is better than feeling that the body "lands" in a sauna. In our new spa, man finds a fragrance sauna that keeps 65 degrees and scents that vary between lavender, peppermint, citrus and other scents. Here you can lie down while enjoying the view of the hotel's herb garden and Hurdalsjøen. We also have a classic Finnish sauna that holds 80 degrees and a small steam bath for two people. The hotel also has two outdoor saunas on the shores of Lake Hurdal, an electric one with large windows and views of the water. This also has a roof terrace and a balcony outside. Directly from the balcony there is a staircase and a ramp out into Hurdalsjøen - if you want to cool off in the fresh water both summer and winter. A little further on in the hotel area you will also find a wood-fired barrel sauna which has direct access to the sea. Welcome to us!
After a cruise on the UNESCO-listed Nærøyfjord or a ride on the Flåmsbana Railway, book a session at Fjord Sauna in Flåm!
Saunas in Fjord Norway
Pust Sauna in the city of Tromsø in Northern Norway, is designed like the racks that are used to dry skrei, the migrating cod.
Pust is also the Norwegian word for breath – which is quite fitting, don’t you think?
Imagine sitting here under the northern lights in winter.
The hot tub and sauna at Skårungen in Lofoten is a superb location for an outdoor spa-like treatment, under the northern lights or the midnight sun.
Saunas in Northern Norway
LongyearbyenArctic sauna - SvalBad
Take a time-out and find inner peace at SvalBad, our floating, wood burning sauna. Here you can enjoy the view of Hiorthfjellet or, if you're lucky, see the northern lights during the polar nights. If it gets too warm in the sauna, you can take a refreshing bath outside in the arctic waters of Adventfjorden.
Southern Norway has the most comfortable swimming temperatures in the country. If it gets chilly, you can heat up at Risør Havbad in Risør.
Saunas in Southern Norway
BirkelandSmeigedag Sauna Elvestua
Welcome to a sauna experience with a magical view by the river in beautiful Birkenes. Smeigedag Sauna Elvestua offers warmth, refreshing swims and tranquility surrounded by nature. Perfect for small groups seeking renewal, relaxation and true Southern Norway charm all year round.
MandalSmeigedag Sauna Lillebadstua
By the idyllic Lillebanken in Furulunden, you will find Lillebadstua, a cozy sauna with a stunning view of the sea. Here you can enjoy warm sauna sessions and refreshing dips, whether you come alone or with good friends. A small sauna with a big effect, perfect for everyday breaks and sunny "smeigedager" all year round.
LillesandThe sauna raft Lillesandkogen
Welcome to the sauna fleet Lillesand-Kogen, fantastically situated at the city's most beautiful recreation area at Kaldvell, a couple of kilometers east of Lillesand centre. We recommend booking a time for your visit, but drop-in is also available. With us you can swim in the sea or enjoy a delicious jacuzzi, and you can also sign up for exciting Aufguss rituals led by our experienced sauna master. In an Aufguss, ice balls with added essential oils are placed on the sauna stove. By pouring water over these, the oils evaporate in the sauna and increase humidity and temperature. The sauna fleet is also available for hire to groups.
RisørAurora Sauna - Sørlandet Feriesenter, Risør
Aurora Sauna at Sørlandet Feriesenter is a modern sauna beautifully located on the shores of Sandnesfjorden – surrounded by the charming nature of Southern Norway. With large windows facing the water and atmospheric artificial northern lights in the ceiling, the sauna offers a relaxing and truly special experience – perfect for both camping guests and visitors looking to unwind in scenic surroundings.
Saunas in Trøndelag
Book nowInderøySaga Sauna
Sit back and relax in Sauna at SAGA Hotell in Inderøy. Saga Sauna offers drop-in and private rental of their Iglucraft sauna. The hotel and sauna are beautifully lsituated right by the Borgenfjord. Perfect for those who also want to take a dip in the fjord. The sauna, a stylish and luxurious sauna handmade by Iglucraft in Estonia, is electrically fired, with a sauna heater from HUUM. Drop-In Saga has regular drop-in times accommodating a total of 6 guests at a time (mixed, women, men.) Rates from NOK 220 per person Sauna time: 2 hours incl towel / shower gel. Pre-booking at Hoopla Gruupps / Private Accommodating up to 8 people at a time. Rates from NOK 1760 - 2340 BASIC: from NOK 1760 Sauna time: 2 hours incl towel / shower gel. EXTRA: from NOK 2340 Sauna time: 2,5 hours incl towel / shower gel and bathrobe / slippers. Enquiries and booking to [email protected] Sauna menu - food must be pre-ordered - Cured meats from The Golden Road with accompaniments (from NOK 110) - Cheeses from Inderøy with accompaniments (from NOK 110) - Warm medister balls from Inderøy Slakteri in broth (from NOK 140) Drikke Cocktails - fom NOK120,- 140,- Virgin cocktails - fra NOK 80,- Local beer - from NOK 120,- Soft drinks - from NOK 45,- Saga Sauna welcomes visitors to Inderøy and the locals alike. Bring swimwear - towel and shower gel are included in the ticket.
NamsosDråpen Fjordbad & Sauna
Dråpen Fjordbad offers unique experiences in sauna and ice bathing at the mouth of the beautiful river Namsen. We also offer courses in ice bathing and sauna use, as well as yoga-inspired exercises and breathing techniques. We are happy to tailor a program for courses or rentals. Dråpen Sauna is located in the outdoor area of Angelskjæret in Namsos, a 10-minute walk from downtown Namsos. The sauna is situated on the beach, right by the water's edge, and is open for rental year-round from 06:00 to 21:00. There is free parking 50 meters from the sauna. Changing rooms are available in the Namsen Ice Bathing Club's bathhouse right next door. Dråpen Sauna offers regular drop-in sessions in addition to private rentals.
Find a sauna near you
A fun and freezing adventure
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