Oslo – the floating sauna capital

Sauna heaven in Oslo

Going on a city break to Oslo? Pack your sneakers, high heels, hiking boots – and your flip-flops!

In just a few words, Oslo has become the floating sauna capital of the world, and a must-do when you are visiting the city. It is also a great place to meet the locals!

You can choose between several relaxing and stylish saunas, or badstuer as we say in Norway, that have popped up across the city, whether floating in the Oslofjord harbour, along the river, deep in the forest or in luxurious hotels. There's something for every taste!

One of the best things about the badstue culture in Oslo is the combination of hot and cold. You can enjoy the heat and the steam before cooling down in the sea, all year round.

Snow or ice? No problem for real Vikings! If you're tough enough to take an ice bath in the winter after a sauna session, you're sure to feel incredibly alive afterwards!

Why Oslo loves badstue

Ragna Marie Fjeld, Secretary General of the Oslo Sauna Association, thinks that Norwegian saunas stand out.

“Sauna culture in Norway has been revived. Norway has an old sauna tradition, but the new sauna culture is shaped by architecture and its connection to nature by the extensive use of large windows – and the fact that you can easily take a dip before the sauna. The Finnish sauna is perhaps a bit introverted and quiet, while the Norwegian one is social, with shared saunas. It’s a place where you meet people and connect with the community,” says Fjeld.

She also points out that, unlike in countries such as Germany, you don’t necessarily have to be naked in Norwegian saunas.

Cool climate, hot sauna culture

Fjeld believes there are several natural reasons why the number of saunas has exploded in recent years, both in Oslo and the rest of the country.

“There’s a sauna wave all over Norway. That’s not so strange, because Norway is perfect for saunas. The cool climate and nature are perfect – everything is in place for us to have saunas. In Oslo, it has a lot to do with it being a fjord city with a harbour promenade, which has made it possible for things to happen all year round. And saunas are perfect for that, because they’re also a great winter activity.”

Similar saunas have now spread all over the world.

“It’s fun that the whole world is looking to Oslo and Norway for inspiration,” Fjeld concludes.

Great badstue options

Some good sauna options in Oslo include the sauna rafts at the Sukkerbiten floating sauna village run by the Oslo Sauna Association, right next to MUNCH and the Oslo Opera House.

Here, you can choose between a range of different types of saunas. You may, for example, want to try experiencing sauna rituals led by a sauna master or relax in Trosten floating sauna, included on TIME’s list of the World’s Greatest Places of 2025. The village also has showers, toilets and changing facilities.

There are also several fjord saunas along the Bjørvika neighbourhood, including Bademaschinen, KOK Oslo, Pust Oslo and SALT (NB: Temporarily closed in autumn 2026). They're all close to Oslo Central Station (Oslo S), with great vistas of the Opera House.

SALT offers a wide range of saunas on land, and has a huge sauna where they offer some pretty unique sauna sessions, with lectures, concerts and special events. There are also several bars and street food stalls, and you can book a campfire for making your own food outdoors.

Along the harbour at Aker Brygge wharf, you'll find KOK's other saunas, with views of Akershus Fortress and the islands of the Oslofjord.

About a 20-minute walk from Aker Brygge lies the sauna at Kongen Marina, located at Frognerkilen, right by the sea. The glass dome sauna offers a 360-degree view of the Oslofjord. If hunger calls, enjoy a lovely meal at the marina's restaurant before or after your sauna session.

Sauna + sightseeing

The ultimate experience, though, is probably this one: Book one of KOK's sauna boats, which can take you on a sightseeing trip on the fjord, either from Bjørvika or Aker Brygge. Views and relaxation at once – not bad at all, huh?

Public pools

If fjord saunas aren't for you, maybe a sauna session at one of Oslo's public pools could be your thing? Several of them have saunas, such as Bislet Bad & Trening near the city centre, and Tøyenbadet and Romsås bad on the east side. Here you can combine a swim in the pool with a round in the sauna, and even work out at some of them.

Badstue luxury

Prefer a more luxurious setting? Exclusive hotels such as Hotel Bristol, The Thief and Sommerro offer excellent sauna facilities and spas, available to non-staying guests as well.

Why not recharge between shopping, culture and sightseeing in Oslo? Bring a friend, your partner or enjoy your own company!

The sauna experience is for everyone.

Before you go

Keep in mind that most saunas in Oslo offer both private bookings (around 2 hours) and shared sessions (around 1.5 hours). Many also provide drop-in sessions several days a week, from morning until late evening, all year round. However, it's recommended to book in advance to secure your spot, especially at weekends and in the evenings. You can usually pay online or on arrival.

Remember to bring swimwear, a water bottle, a towel for drying off and a towel to sit on in the sauna. Swimwear is generally required in Norwegian saunas, both shared and private, though some venues have specific nude days.

Some saunas don't have lockable lockers, so you may want to bring your own padlock. Alcohol is generally not allowed in the shared saunas. Follow the instructions from the sauna rental.