Floating Saunas
Popular Floating Saunas in Norway 2026
Discover Norway's most unique sauna experiences - from urban Oslo Fjord to arctic Tromsø. Floating saunas combine extreme temperature contrast (80°C sauna → 3°C fjord water), nature-immersive experience, and Nordic sauna culture in one place. This guide covers 6 popular floating saunas from South to North, pricing, booking, seasonal tips, and what you need to know before your first visit.
Floating saunas are more than just saunas - they're a life experience. Imagine: hot Nordic sauna (80°C), jumping straight into ice-cold fjord water (3°C in winter), surrounded by mountains, urban coastline, or northern lights. This is extreme contrast, endorphin rush, and Nordic wellness culture at its best. Norway has some of the world's best floating saunas, from minimalist designer saunas in Oslo (KOK, Salt) to arctic experiences in Tromsø.
6
Floating Saunas
300-450 kr
Per Person
Year-Round
Opening Hours
6-12
People/Sauna
Best Floating Saunas in Norway (South to North)
Compare Norway's 6 popular floating saunas from Oslo to Tromsø. Each sauna has unique atmosphere, pricing, and experience - from urban coastline to arctic fjords.
| Sauna | Location | Price | Vibe | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
KOK Oslo 8-12 people per sauna | Sørenga, Oslo | 400 NOK/person (2 hours) | Urban, minimalist design, social sauna culture | Urban saunas, groups, Instagram-worthy photos |
Salt 6-8 people per sauna | Langkaia, Oslo | 350-450 NOK/person (1.5-2 hours) | Architectural gem, designer interior, art-focused | Design lovers, date nights, peaceful experiences |
Bergen Floating Sauna 10 people per sauna | Nordnes, Bergen | 300-400 NOK/person (2 hours) | Fjord views, rainy-day atmosphere, local hangout | Fjord bathers, Bergen visitors, rain lovers |
Tromsø Floating Sauna 8 people per sauna | Tromsøysundet, Tromsø | 450 NOK/person (2 hours) | Arctic experience, midnight sun/northern lights, extreme contrast | Arctic adventurers, northern lights hunters, bucket list experiences |
Trondheim Fjord Sauna 6-10 people per sauna | Nidelva, Trondheim | 300 NOK/person (1.5 hours) | Student-friendly, relaxed, local focus | Students, budget travelers, local experience |
Stavanger Floating Spa 8 people per sauna | Vågen, Stavanger | 380 NOK/person (2 hours) | Oil capital elegance, corporate retreats, premium service | Business travelers, corporate events, premium experience |
KOK Oslo
Sørenga, Oslo
400 kr
NOK/person (2 hours)
Water
Oslo Fjord (salt)
Capacity
8-12 people per sauna
Booking
Online booking required, popular - book ahead for weekends
Seasons
Open year-round (winter = best!)
Facilities
Changing rooms, showers, swim ladder, outdoor area
Best For
Urban saunas, groups, Instagram-worthy photos
Salt
Langkaia, Oslo
350-450 kr
NOK/person (1.5-2 hours)
Water
Oslo Fjord (salt)
Capacity
6-8 people per sauna
Booking
Online booking, workshops & events available
Seasons
Open year-round, special winter events
Facilities
Premium changing rooms, art exhibitions, event space
Best For
Design lovers, date nights, peaceful experiences
Bergen Floating Sauna
Nordnes, Bergen
300-400 kr
NOK/person (2 hours)
Water
City Fjord (salt)
Capacity
10 people per sauna
Booking
Online or walk-in (low season)
Seasons
March-November (closed winter)
Facilities
Basic changing area, outdoor shower, fjord access
Best For
Fjord bathers, Bergen visitors, rain lovers
Tromsø Floating Sauna
Tromsøysundet, Tromsø
450 kr
NOK/person (2 hours)
Water
Arctic fjord (salt)
Capacity
8 people per sauna
Booking
Online booking required, northern lights packages available
Seasons
Open year-round - winter (northern lights) & summer (midnight sun)
Facilities
Warm room, thermos with tea, northern lights viewpoint
Best For
Arctic adventurers, northern lights hunters, bucket list experiences
Trondheim Fjord Sauna
Nidelva, Trondheim
300 kr
NOK/person (1.5 hours)
Water
Trondheim Fjord (salt)
Capacity
6-10 people per sauna
Booking
Online or walk-in, student discounts
Seasons
April-October
Facilities
Simple changing area, fjord access, bike parking
Best For
Students, budget travelers, local experience
Stavanger Floating Spa
Vågen, Stavanger
380 kr
NOK/person (2 hours)
Water
City Fjord (salt)
Capacity
8 people per sauna
Booking
Online booking, corporate packages available
Seasons
Open year-round
Facilities
Premium changing rooms, meeting room, catering available
Best For
Business travelers, corporate events, premium experience
What to Expect: Your First Floating Sauna Experience
Floating saunas are different from regular saunas or spas. Here's everything you need to know before, during, and after your session - from booking to winter bathing.
Before You Arrive
- Book online ahead for weekends; weekdays often available same-day (especially weekends & winter)
- Confirm booking time - floating saunas have strict time slots
- Check weather forecast - wind/waves can affect experience
- Bring: bath towel, swimwear (optional), water bottle
- Don't bring: glass, electronics (not waterproof), food (some places)
Upon Arrival
- Arrive 10-15 min before for check-in & orientation
- Change in changing room - most allow nude or swimwear bathing
- Take quick shower before first sauna round (sauna etiquette)
- Listen to safety instructions - especially winter bathing
In the Sauna
- Start with 8-12 minutes in sauna (70-90°C)
- Pour water on stones for more steam (aufguss)
- Sit on lower bench if you're a beginner
- Drink water between rounds - dehydration happens fast
- Maximum 3-4 rounds for beginners
Winter Bathing
- Start gradually - down to knees → waist → shoulders
- Keep head above water (biggest heat loss)
- Stay for 15-30 seconds at first (increase gradually)
- Breathe calmly - hyperventilation is normal at first
- Return to sauna when you start shivering
- Don't jump in - use ladder or stairs
Seasonal Guide: When to Visit Floating Saunas in Norway
The floating sauna experience varies drastically with seasons. Here's what to expect each season, including temperature, crowds, and best experiences.
Winter (November-March)
Air temp: -5°C to 5°C, Water temp: 2-6°C
Pros
- EXTREME experience - extreme contrast between hot sauna (80°C) & ice-cold water (3°C)
- Fewer tourists, easier to book last minute
- Northern lights in Northern Norway (Tromsø)
- Snow on surrounding mountains = magical backdrop
- Endorphin rush from cold water shock
Cons
- Cold air can be uncomfortable between rounds
- Shorter opening hours (some places)
- Dark early (16:00 in December)
Tips
- • Bring beanie & thick socks for post-sauna
- • Book evening times for best atmosphere (lights in water)
Spring (April-June)
Air temp: 5-15°C, Water temp: 8-14°C
Pros
- Warm enough to enjoy outdoors, cold enough for contrast
- Midnight sun begins (June in Northern Norway)
- Less crowded than summer
- Beautiful sunsets over fjord
Cons
- Unpredictable weather - rain/wind can disrupt sessions
- Some places still closed early April
Tips
- • Best months: May-June for balance of weather & crowds
Summer (July-August)
Air temp: 15-25°C, Water temp: 16-20°C
Pros
- Warm enough to swim without cold shock
- Midnight sun in Northern Norway (Tromsø)
- Perfect for beginners - less intimidating
- Long opening hours
Cons
- MOST crowded - book 2-3 weeks ahead
- Less contrast (water not cold enough)
- Higher prices (some places)
- Tourists everywhere
Tips
- • Book evening times (21:00-23:00) for midnight sun & fewer crowds
Autumn (September-October)
Air temp: 5-12°C, Water temp: 10-14°C
Pros
- STRONG balance - cold water, not-freezing air, fewer tourists
- Northern lights season begins (September in Tromsø)
- Beautiful autumn colors on mountains
- Easier booking than summer
Cons
- Some floating saunas close October/November
- Rain can ruin sessions
Tips
- • September = sweet spot month
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the difference between floating saunas and regular saunas?
Floating saunas are built on floating platforms or boats, directly on water (fjord, sea, river). The main difference: you jump straight into natural water from the sauna (not a shower or pool). This provides extreme temperature contrast, especially in winter (80°C sauna → 3°C fjord water). Regular saunas have controlled pools or showers. Floating saunas also offer a unique nature experience - fjord views, waves under your feet, urban coastline.
Are floating saunas safe in winter?
Yes, when you follow the rules. Floating saunas in Norway have strict safety standards: trained staff, ladder access (no jumping), grips at water's edge, warm changing rooms nearby. Winter bathing is safe for healthy adults when you start gradually (15-30 seconds in water first), keep head above water, and return to sauna when you start shivering. AVOID: alcohol before bathing, jumping into cold water, bathing alone, ignoring shivering. People with heart disease, high blood pressure, or pregnancy should consult a doctor first.
Do I have to be naked in floating saunas?
Depends on the place. KOK Oslo & Salt: swimwear allowed (most use swimwear). Bergen Floating Sauna: both nude & swimwear OK (varies by group). Tromsø Floating Sauna: nude culture more common (Nordic tradition). Stavanger Floating Spa: swimwear recommended (corporate focus). General rule: if you book a private group session, decide yourself. If sharing sauna with strangers, follow venue rules (ask when booking). Most Norwegian floating saunas are more relaxed about swimwear than traditional Finnish saunas.
How much does it cost to visit a floating sauna in Norway?
Prices vary: 300-450 NOK per person for 1.5-2 hours. KOK Oslo: 400 NOK/person (2h), Salt: 350-450 NOK (1.5-2h), Bergen: 300-400 NOK (2h), Tromsø: 450 NOK (2h), Trondheim: 300 NOK (1.5h), Stavanger: 380 NOK (2h). Groups often get discounts (book whole sauna). Student discounts: Trondheim & Bergen (show student ID). Northern lights packages in Tromsø: 600-800 NOK (includes guiding). Corporate packages (Stavanger): from 4000 NOK for 8 people. Lowest price: Bergen (300 NOK/2h) & Trondheim (300 NOK/1.5h). Premium experience: Salt & Tromsø (design/arctic experience).
When is the ideal time to visit floating saunas in Norway?
Depends on what you want to experience. STRONGEST CONTRAST: November-March (winter bathing, 80°C sauna → 3°C water, northern lights in Tromsø). GOOD BALANCE: September-October (cold water, not-freezing air, fewer tourists, autumn colors). IDEAL FOR BEGINNERS: May-June (warm enough to be outside, cold enough for contrast, fewer crowds). AVOID: July-August (most crowded, book 2-3 weeks ahead, less contrast). Best time of day: evening hours (18:00-21:00) for sunset/northern lights/midnight sun. Weekends book quickly - Tuesdays & Wednesdays best for last minute.
Do I need to book in advance or can I just show up?
ALWAYS book in advance for floating saunas - walk-in rarely possible. Oslo (KOK & Salt): book ahead for weekends (weekends), 3-5 days (weekdays). Bergen: 1 week ahead (summer), 2-3 days (low season), walk-in possible September-October. Tromsø: 2-3 weeks ahead (winter booking for northern lights), 1 week (summer). Trondheim: 3-5 days ahead, walk-in possible Tuesdays. Stavanger: 1 week ahead (corporate packages book earlier). Floating saunas have strict time slots (1.5-2h sessions) and limited capacity (6-12 people). Last minute tips: check Tuesdays & Wednesdays, book evening times (21:00+), or contact directly for cancellations.
What should I bring to a floating sauna?
BRING: bath towel (2 if winter bathing - 1 for body, 1 for hair), water bottle (rehydration between rounds), swimwear if you want (not required most places), beanie & thick socks (winter), sunglasses & sunscreen (summer), hair tie (long hair). DON'T BRING: glass (can break on floating platform), non-waterproof electronics, food (some places allow snacks), alcohol (prohibited before/during bathing), shower products (shower before/after at home). Most floating saunas offer: changing rooms, showers, swim ladder, some provide bath towels (ask when booking). Salt (Oslo) has art exhibitions & event space. KOK Oslo has outdoor area for socializing.
Can I visit a floating sauna if I've never tried sauna before?
Yes, but start simple. Recommended floating saunas for beginners: Bergen (relaxed atmosphere, warmer water), Trondheim (student-friendly, guidance), KOK Oslo (urban, social, staff helps). Start in summer/autumn (May-October) - water not intimidatingly cold (12-18°C). Avoid winter bathing first time - build up gradually. Beginner tips: book private group session (don't share with strangers first time), start with 8-10 min in sauna (not 15+), use lower benches (less intense), drink LOTS of water, don't jump in water first time (use ladder), listen to your body (dizziness = get out). Most floating saunas provide safety orientation before session.