When it comes to Norway, we usually think about its stunning fjords, Northern Lights, and Viking history. But there’s another hidden gem floating around that deserves your attention: floating saunas.
Yes, you heard that right—floating saunas!
These floating wonders are the hottest (and coolest) trend in Norway, offering a unique way to enjoy the country's natural beauty while breaking a sweat. Norway is a haven for sauna enthusiasts. I have fallen in love with the ritual of sauna thanks to my many trips to Scandinavia. The post-sauna body high is unlike any other form of relaxation!
In fact, saunas are one of the most important tenets of life in Norway. Whether you’re looking for a serene escape, a social hangout, or a luxurious treat, there’s a floating sauna out there just waiting to heat things up. So, grab your swimsuits and prepare to dive into the steamy world of floating saunas with these five fantastic highlights!
Everything You Need to Know About Floating Saunas in Norway
History and Culture of Saunas in Norway
Sweat lodges, communal bathing, and visiting thermal waters have been used by Europeans for nearly 2,000 years. It dates all the way back to the Romans! In Norway, the first recorded use of a sauna comes from the Viking period. The tradition of sauna is practiced throughout Scandinavia, including in Sweden and Finland.
The sauna is almost ritualistic in its origins. It was believed to be sacred, bringing purification of the body and soul. This ritual of health and well-being is truly anchored in the daily life of the Norwegians. It is customary for Norwegians to sauna regularly and throughout the year.
Saunas aren’t just about cleanliness. There are some health benefits linked to the ritual as well. The practice is shown to help circulation and reduce stress. It is also good for pain management, relaxing muscles, reducing arthritis inflammation and improving joint mobility. It can even ease asthma and breathing difficulties. The heat increases your heart rate so always check with your doctor if you struggle with high blood pressure or heart problems.
How to Sauna in Norway
You are typically required to shower before you go into the sauna. This will help wash off any dirt, lotions or creams on your skin. The showers are typically in the locker rooms on the way into the main sauna area.
There are several different varieties of sauna that you might encounter while in Norway. Regardless of which type, the customary temperature for traditional saunas is not less than 65.5 degrees C (150 degrees F) with a maximum temperature of 90 degrees C (194 degrees F). Most run around 80 C (176 F).
Once inside the sauna, it is good to remember the 10-2-10 rule for first timers. Spend 10 minutes in the heat, then spend 2 minutes in the cold, and then rest for 10 minutes. It is very common for Norwegians to cycle between hot and cold temperatures at the sauna, with a brief rest in between. This is where the health benefits and better circulation come from! You can repeat the cycle of hot-cold-rest, as many times as you like.
The higher you sit inside the sauna, the higher the temperature will be. I usually start on the top tier, and then move down levels of seating. There is typically an hourglass timer on the wall, which you can flip when you enter. This will help you keep track of how long you’ve been in the sauna.
Once you are quite warm with a rolling sweat, it is time to cool yourself down. This is typically done with a jump into the fjord. That is exactly why so many of the saunas here are floating. Easy access to the cold water! Think of it like a mini Polar Plunge.
What to Expect at a Norwegian Sauna
While there aren't any strict set rules about using a sauna in Norway, there are a few norms you should be aware of prior to your first experience.
Nudity & Gender
Just as with onsens in Japan, saunas are typically enjoyed nude in Norway. You should expect a Norwegian sauna to be naked – Norwegians are uninhibited vis-à-vis nudity. You wouldn’t wear a swimsuit in the shower if you want to be clean, so why would you do that in a sauna? Although there are many ‘tourist friendly’ public saunas that allow swimwear, it is not the norm.
Additionally, the sauna may be mixed gender with men & women being naked together. This might seem odd at first, but Norwegians are very firm about the asexual nature of the sauna. Saunas are meant to be a space for cleansing, both mental and physical. There are typically days or times when it is gender separated, if you prefer to sauna with only men or women.
Watering the Stones
Pouring water over the stove produces steam and raises the temperature of the sauna. You can throw as much water as you want. The idea is that the sauna is moist, never dry. You’ll even sometimes see people circulate the hot air by whipping a towel or birch branches around in the air like a propeller.
If you have a private sauna, anyone is permitted to throw water on the stones. If you’re in a public sauna, there is some etiquette around adding water. There isn’t typically a formal “sauna master” but instead, the person seated in the hottest part of the sauna (the upper bench closest to the heat source) is the one who decides when to increase the temperature. They will be the one to add more water.
One informal rule that people follow at a sauna in Norway is that you can’t heat and run. If you throw water onto the stove, you should stay in the sauna for at least a few minutes to enjoy the heat you just created.
5 Floating Saunas You HAVE to Try in Norway
Pust Floating Sauna
The Pust sauna in Tromsø was the first floating sauna I ever visited while in Norway, so it’s only natural that I feature it first. This was the gateway drug, so to say, of my addiction to floating saunas in Norway. Just look at the smile on my face in this TikTok video! "Pust" in Norwegian means to take a deep breath, which is exactly what you’re going to do when visiting one of their four locations around the Norwegian Arctic.
Picture this: you’re lounging in a cozy, wood-clad sauna, surrounded by the icy waters of the Arctic while enjoying panoramic views of snow-capped mountains. It will take your breath away.
No really though. Jumping into the frigid waters will quite literally take your breath away. It's the ultimate blend of hot and cold that will leave you feeling refreshed and invigorated.
Flam Fjord Sauna
Next up, we set sail to the picturesque village of Flåm in the heart of the Sognefjord. The Flam Floating Sauna is docked right in the heart of the Aurlandsfjord, providing a front-row seat to some of Norway’s most breathtaking scenery. These saunas have timed entry and can be booked as public or private saunas. Whether you're traveling solo or with friends, the Flam Floating Sauna offers a tranquil and social space to unwind after a day of exploring.
I particularly liked the design of these floating saunas for a few reasons. Firstly, the stones are watered automatically on a timer, ensuring that the sauna is always nice and steamy. Secondly, this is a two story sauna, where you can sunbathe on the roof or jump off the top.
Fjaerland Dampen Fjord Sauna
If Sognefjord is known as the King of the Fjords, then the Fjaerland Dampen Fjord Sauna is the king of saunas. This luxurious floating sauna offers a spacious interior, comfortable seating, and large windows that provide uninterrupted views of the surrounding Fjaerland fjord. Located in the longest and deepest fjord in Norway, this sauna takes relaxation to new depths. Just imagine soaking up the warmth while gazing out at the dramatic cliffs and serene waters. It’s an experience fit for a king—or queen!
LYST Lofoten Sauna Svolvær
The Lofoten Islands are already a top destination for their rugged beauty and vibrant fishing villages, but the LYST Lofoten Sauna in Svolvær adds a whole new layer of cool. This floating sauna, with its sleek, modern design, offers a trendy haven amidst the dramatic landscapes of Lofoten. You’ll need to reserve a time to visit this sauna during high season.
"Lyst" means "light" in Norwegian. Whether you visit during the midnight sun or under the Northern Lights, the LYST Lofoten Sauna will light up your life. This sauna lives up to its name by providing an airy, light-filled space that perfectly complements the surrounding scenery.
- Website: https://lystlofoten.no/en
Oslo Floating Sauna
Last but definitely not least, we have the saunas in Oslo, the capital’s own slice of floating heaven. Moored in the Oslofjord, these saunas offers a unique urban twist on the floating sauna experience. You can literally enjoy the sauna within view of the iconic Oslo Opera House!
KOK has floating communal saunas, and they also offer a sauna cruise, where you chug out to a quieter spot on the fjord. Another option is Oslo Badstuforening. Their motto is “Sauna to the people!”, with an eclectic selection of floating public or private saunas with different capacities. Go behind the scenes of my experience at the Oslo floating sauna with my TikTok video about it!
What to Bring to a Norwegian Sauna
Typically you will be given a small locker to store your things while in the sauna. Regardless, it is best to pack lightly because the locker rooms are often small. Avoid wearing jewelry because the metal heats up in the sauna and can even burn you. Similarly, avoid glasses. They get fogged up in the sauna and the heat isn’t good for the glass. Contacts are ideal for a sauna.
Other things you should bring with you to a sauna in Norway:
- Swimsuit: While a majority of public saunas in Norway will be full nude saunas, there are plenty of more “tourist friendly” places that require you to wear a swimsuit. In that case, you of course should bring a swimsuit. Additionally, if you rent out the entire floating sauna, then you can choose to wear a swimsuit or not.
- Towel: You should bring the small towel into the sauna with you, so that you can use it as a seat. Some saunas will provide you with a towel, while others may not. It is important to have a clean towel for the sauna and another towel for drying after the shower.
- Robe: If you are feeling shy about walking around naked, a robe is a great thing to bring. You can wear it around the sauna, and there will usually be hooks in front of the sauna door to hang it up.
- Flip-flops or sauna shoes: check the rules of the sauna first, but I always bring my sauna shoes. Clean flip flops protect your feet from dirt and germs, and will also prevent slipping as you get wet and sweaty.
- Skincare products: after you’re done at the sauna, you’ll typically change back into your clothes in the changing room. Make sure to bring lotion & skincare products to lather your freshly cleaned skin in!
- Water bottle: You’ll be sweating a lot in the sauna so make sure to drink lots of water before you arrive. Keep a water bottle in your locker for afterwards. Dehydration and lightheadedness are common side effects that newbies can experience.
Have thoughts or questions about visiting a floating sauna in Norway? Comment below!
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I see everyone wearing swimsuits in the photos and videos of the floating saunas. Does that mean they’re not nude?
No, these saunas are not nude.