Norway
Oslo is the city that made floating saunas a global export. The Oslofjord sauna scene that took off around 2016–2020 — centred on Tjuvholmen, Aker Brygge, and the inner harbour — has been replicated in coastal cities from Stockholm to Wellington. SALT is the most visually striking: a nomadic floating sauna and cultural venue that moves around the city's waterfront. KOK Oslo and Sunn Badstue run smaller-group fjord-edge sessions with a more intimate atmosphere. Oslo Badstulag, a member-run association, offers some of the best-value public sauna access in the city. All fjord saunas follow the same principle: 80–90°C sauna heat, direct sea-ladder access to 10–20°C fjord water (4–8°C in winter), and repeated contrast cycles. Book 1–2 weeks ahead for evening and weekend slots.
Oslo's best public saunas sit along the fjord: Oslo Badstuforening at Langkaia, SALT on the east harbour, and KOK's sailing saunas on the inner fjord. For hotel saunas, The Thief, Sommerro, and The Well lead the luxury tier.
Floating and private saunas in Oslo book out 1–2 weeks ahead on weekends. Badstuforeninger (sauna associations) often keep drop-in slots. Hotel day passes are usually available the same week.
The Oslofjord drops to 2–4°C in January and February. Even in summer it rarely exceeds 18°C. All public saunas in Oslo provide ladder access straight to the fjord — the sea is the cold plunge.
Yes, almost always. Swimwear is required in mixed public sessions. Single-gender sessions are rare and are advertised explicitly when offered.
