Spa

Imagine yourself floating in a steaming pool, surrounded by blue mountains and right next to a calm fjord or a glittering lake. Or maybe you’re watching the wind play with the mighty tree crowns that tower over you, while tiny snowflakes melt on the tip of your nose.

Your body needs it. Your soul, too. And nothing soothes those sore hiking muscles like a long dip in warm, relaxing water with a panoramic view. Even if you’re absolutely not the winter bathing type, a refreshing dip after a visit to one of the stylish saunas that are popping up all around the country might be exactly what you need. The feeling of being totally awake and alive afterwards is actually quite addictive!

The core of the Norwegian spas is water and more water, an element you’ll see in huge amounts in the Norwegian nature. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that you’ll find a lot of hot and cold – no, wait – icy pools, tubs, and even indoor waterfalls, another typically Norwegian natural wonder.

Take Farris bad near the city of Larvik, which draws its mineral-rich water from a natural source 55 metres under the ground. Here, you can also experience a unique spa ritual performed by some of the world’s best aufguss masters, in one of the largest saunas in Northern Europe. Or check out the floating Vulkana spa in Tromsø, an old fishing vessel converted into one of the coolest spas in the Arctic. Just south of Oslo, The Well is considered the largest bathhouse and spa in the Nordic region, with eleven different pools. It even has a northern light inspired sauna.

To cool down is so Norwegian

Several recent Norwegian spa facilities have been purposely built from scratch, often with the harmony of nature’s own elements as inspiration. Many are beautifully located with relaxing views of a forest or a fjord, and at some, you can easily move – or preferably swim – from inside to the immediate outdoors.

A part of a complete treatment may be to eat well, and several of the country’s spas include good restaurants with healthy, local food. Many also offer a wide range of rewarding indoor training and outdoor sports activities for guests who want to get even more out of their stay.

All well, then. But just note that some spa centres are reserved for grown-ups who appreciate peace and quiet. Still, many places welcome children and even have special, fun programs for them.

Most places will take care of you the whole year, and you can usually either book an appointment or just drop in to undress your stress.