Saunas in Oslo: Complete Guide (2025)

Sauna prices in Oslo range from 85 NOK (public pools like Tøyenbadet) to 350 NOK (premium experiences like SALT). Floating saunas like KOK Oslo cost around 250 NOK per visit. Many gyms include sauna access with membership (299-799 NOK/month).

There are no completely free public saunas in Oslo, but Tøyenbadet and other municipal pools offer affordable access (85 NOK including pool and sauna). Gym memberships often include 'free' sauna access.

Same-day booking is usually available (book a few hours ahead). Weekends with good weather can book out - reserve 1-2 days ahead. Community and pool saunas often accept drop-ins.

Closest to downtown: SALT (Langkaia, seasonal), KOK Oslo (Sørenga, year-round), SATS Colosseum (gym with sauna), Vestbadet (public pool). All within 10-15 minutes from Oslo S.

Yes! Floating saunas like KOK Oslo and SALT have direct Oslo fjord access. Sea temperature: 5-8°C winter, 15-20°C summer. Many locations also have outdoor cold showers.

Start with public pool saunas (Tøyenbadet, Vestbadet) for affordable prices and relaxed atmosphere. Gym saunas (SATS, EVO) are also good. Avoid extreme experiences like winter sea swimming on your first visit.

24/7 gyms like EVO and some SATS locations have sauna access outside normal hours. Most floating saunas close at 20-21. Check specific opening hours for each location.

Essential: towel, swimwear (required in public saunas), water. Recommended: sandals/slippers, extra towel to sit on, warm layer for breaks. Most locations have changing rooms and showers.

Best sauna depends on preferences: KOK Oslo is best for floating sea bath experience (250 NOK, year-round). SALT is best for social atmosphere and dining (300-350 NOK, May-Sept). Tøyenbadet is best value (85 NOK incl. pool). SATS Colosseum is best for regular visits (membership 599 NOK/month with unlimited access).

Yes, several locations offer infrared saunas: Vektklubb Premium (Majorstuen), Body Sds (Frogner), Elixia (selected locations), and Christiania Spa. Infrared saunas use lower temperatures (45-60°C) than traditional Finnish saunas (70-90°C) and are gentler for beginners.

Yes, most public pools (Tøyenbadet, Vestbadet) allow children 7+ with an adult. Some gyms have age limits (typically 16+ or 18+). Floating saunas like KOK Oslo allow children, but check age rules when booking. Keep sessions short (5-10 min) for children and ensure good hydration.

Typically 10-15 minutes per session, then 5-10 minute break with cold plunge or shower. Repeat 2-3 rounds. Beginners should start with 5-8 minutes. Listen to your body - if you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, exit immediately. Drink plenty of water before, during, and after.

Yes, several options: Public pools (Tøyenbadet, Vestbadet, Frognerbadet) have both pool and sauna. Premium gyms like SATS Colosseum, Elixia Aker Brygge, and Vektklubb have spa facilities with pools. Floating saunas (KOK, SALT) have natural sea swimming instead of pools.

Finnish sauna uses electric or wood-fired stove with high temperature (70-90°C) and low humidity. Norwegian tradition often includes sea/ice bathing right after. Modern Norwegian saunas (KOK, SALT) combine Finnish saunas with Nordic bathing culture and socializing. Both types are found in Oslo.

Yes, some gyms have separate women-only saunas: Friskis&Svettis (certain times), Elixia (some locations), and Women's Health (women only). Public pools often have gender-separated changing rooms with separate saunas. Floating saunas are generally gender-neutral, but you can book private sessions.

Yes, several places offer private bookings: KOK Oslo (from 2400 NOK/hour for groups), Bademaschinen (private floating sauna), Kristiania Sauna (private booking available), and some hotels (The Thief, Sommerro). Perfect for birthdays, bachelor parties, or corporate events.

Yes, regular sauna use has many health benefits: improved blood circulation, reduced stress levels, better sleep, skin cleansing, muscle relaxation after exercise, and strengthened immune system. Research shows 2-3 sauna visits per week can reduce cardiovascular disease risk. Consult doctor if you have heart or blood pressure issues.

Norwegian sauna etiquette: Shower thoroughly before entering. Use towel to sit on. Keep conversations quiet and respectful. Swimwear is required in public saunas (some private/hotel saunas allow nudity). Wear flip-flops/sandals outside sauna. Don't use perfume. Pour water gently on rocks, never on floor. Respect other guests.

Best time depends on preferences: Weekdays 10-15 are least busy. Early morning (06-08) is quiet in gym saunas. Winter sea bathing (Nov-Mar) is a popular Norwegian tradition. Sundays can be busy in public bathhouses. Book floating saunas early for beautiful summer evenings (sunset 22-23). Avoid weekends in high season.

Floating saunas are located by the fjord with good public transport: KOK Oslo (Sørenga) - Metro to Jernbanetorget + 10 min walk. SALT (Langkaia) - Tram to Vippetangen or bus to Akershus fortress. Bademaschinen (Tjuvholmen) - Bus to Aker Brygge. Most have bike parking. Car access is limited - recommend public transport.