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
Find your favourite!
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.
All year round, all over Norway, a hot sauna will be waiting for you. Find them in the snowy mountains or by the majestic fjords.
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.
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. Did you know that we even have our own Norwegian word for saunas? We call them badstuer.
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.
You can even visit sauna villages in places like Oslo and Bodø, where several floating saunas are connected by docks in urban settings.
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.
Oslo
In fact, Oslo, has become THE fjord sauna city of the north. Swim straight from the sauna to the Opera!
Saunas in Oslo
There are a lot of floating sauna options to choose from, located by – or on – the Oslofjord. You'll also find charming saunas in the woods and the hills surrounding the city.
Eastern Norway and Telemark
Right outside Oslo, you'll 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.
Saunas in Eastern Norway and Telemark
Discover saunas in picturesque surroundings, nestled in the woods, beside tranquil lakes, and floating on fjords.
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!
Western Norway
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 Western Norway
Heat up before taking a dip in the famous fjords of Western Norway. Marvel at the stunning views while staying warm and cosy.
Northern Norway
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
Have a true Arctic sauna experience under the northern lights or the midnight sun. Check out saunas inspired by the racks that are used to dry skrei, the migrating cod.
Southern Norway
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
Explore saunas along the southern coast of Norway, where smooth skerries, and calm coastal waters create a relaxed and inviting setting.
Trøndelag
Take deep breaths. In the midst of Trondheim you might want to go on a steamy date to Havet Arena.
Saunas in Trøndelag
Find saunas in both vibrant urban settings and along dramatic coastlines and sweeping river valleys.
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.
Learn more about Norwegian sauna history
From Viking steam baths to architect-designed floating sauna villages, Norway's recent sauna boom has a fascinating story.
A fun and freezing adventure
Ice bathing is not only for the toughest Vikings, everyone can do it!
