How to Book a Sauna in Oslo
Booking summary
Choose a venue, pick a time slot, and pay online (card/Vipps). Floating saunas often need 1-2 week notice; municipal saunas offer drop-in slots daily.
TL;DR
- •Oslo saunas usually allow same-day booking (book a few hours ahead)
- •Floating saunas (KOK Oslo, SALT) cost 200-500 NOK per session, book via their websites
- •Community saunas offer drop-in access (150-250 NOK)
- •Gym saunas (SATS, Fresh Fitness) are included with membership
- •Weekends with good weather book out - reserve 1-2 days ahead, weekdays usually available
Complete Booking Guide
1. Choose Your Sauna Type
Oslo offers floating saunas (fjord-based with cold plunge access), community badstuer, and gym saunas (membership required). Floating saunas provide unique Oslo fjord views and ice bath access but cost more (200-500 NOK). Community saunas like Oslo Badstuforening are budget-friendly (150-250 NOK) with drop-in availability. Gym saunas are free with membership.
2. Check Availability & Book Online
Most floating saunas use online booking systems. Visit the operator's website (e.g., koknorge.no for KOK Oslo, salted.no for SALT). Select your preferred date, time slot (sessions are typically 1-2 hours), and number of people. Same-day booking is often available, but weekends with good weather can book out - reserve 1-2 days ahead to be safe. Weekdays usually have good availability.
3. Pay & Receive Confirmation
Pay via credit card or Vipps (Norway's mobile payment app). You'll receive email confirmation with session details, arrival instructions, and what to bring. Most saunas expect you to bring your own towels. Save the confirmation - some venues require showing it on arrival.
4. Arrive 10-15 Minutes Early
Floating saunas have strict time slots. Arrive 10-15 minutes before your session starts to check in and change. Late arrivals may lose session time. Bring swimwear, two towels (one to sit on, one to dry), and water (most venues don't allow alcohol). Ask staff if you're uncertain about anything - they're helpful but don't always give formal briefings.
Booking Methods Compared
| Sauna | Booking | Advance Notice | Price | Drop-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOK Oslo | Online (koknorge.no) | Same day, weekends 1-2 days | 300-400 NOK | Yes |
| SALT | Online (salted.no) | Same day, weekends 1-2 days | 200-500 NOK | Yes |
| Oslo Badstuforening | Website / Drop-in (oslobadstuforening.no) | Drop-in or same day | 150-250 NOK | Yes (community) |
For a complete list of Oslo saunas, see our sauna directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Same-day booking is usually available (book a few hours ahead). However, weekends with good weather tend to book out, so reserve 1-2 days ahead to be safe. Community saunas offer drop-in access, and gym saunas are available to members without booking. Weekdays typically have good availability.
Floating saunas cost 200-500 NOK per session (1-2 hours). Community badstuer like Oslo Badstuforening charge 150-250 NOK for drop-in access. Gym saunas are included with memberships (299-799 NOK/month). Prices vary by location and amenities (ice bath access, fjord views).
Some community saunas like Oslo Badstuforening allow drop-in same-day access. Floating saunas rarely have same-day availability on weekends but may have openings on weekday mornings. Check websites or call ahead.
Bring swimwear (required for mixed saunas), two towels (one to sit on while sweating, one to dry yourself after showering), and a water bottle. Sandals/flip-flops are optional but can be nice. Most venues don't allow alcohol. For floating saunas, bring warm clothes for after - cold Oslo fjord winds! Water quality note: Some saunas recommend avoiding swimming (especially submerging your head) in the fjord if it's rained heavily in the last couple of days due to sewage runoff. Ask the staff if you're concerned.
Yes. Staff are helpful for first-timers - ask if you're uncertain about anything (etiquette, temperature, cold plunge technique). Formal safety briefings aren't always given, but don't hesitate to ask questions. Start with shorter sessions (10-15 minutes) and build tolerance gradually.