Experiences
Saunas in Oslo and Bergen: floating saunas, fjord dips and spa hotels
Fifty degrees inside, five degrees in the fjord and a feeling of being born again. The best saunas in Oslo and Bergen, and the hotels where you can keep warming up.
The door opens, and steam rolls out into the winter air. You take three steps across a wet jetty, and then you are in the fjord. The cold knocks the breath out of you for a second, before everything goes clear and still. Back in the sauna, people sit with red cheeks and smile at each other. Sauna has become the Nordics’ new meeting place, and the cities now have floating saunas in their harbours.
Here are the best saunas in Oslo and Bergen, how to book, what to bring, and the hotels where you can carry on in the spa.
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Saunas in Oslo
Oslo now has saunas all along the harbour promenade, from the Opera House and Langkaia to Sørenga and Aker Brygge. Many are run by the Oslo Sauna Association, where you can book single sessions or join as a member. You can also rent a sauna boat and sail out on the fjord yourself.
Book ahead: popular times fill up fast, especially at weekends.
Bring: swimwear, a towel, sandals and a water bottle. A hat helps in winter.
All year: the saunas are open year round, and winter is the most popular season.
Book the experience: See activities in Oslo
Saunas in Bergen and the rest of the Nordics
Bergen
Sauna culture has taken off in Bergen too, with floating saunas and saunas at the sea baths. Nordnes sea bath is a classic spot for a cold dip, and the city has several saunas you can book. Afterwards you are five minutes from Bryggen and the Fish Market.
Löyly, Helsinki
Löyly by the sea in Helsinki.
Helsinki and Gothenburg
To experience sauna where it comes from, go to Helsinki. Löyly is a modern sauna by the sea, with a restaurant and steps straight down into the Baltic. In Gothenburg, a public sauna at Frihamnen was designed as an art piece by the river.
Hotels with saunas and spas
To keep warm after your fjord dip, these hotels have their own spas or saunas.
Sommerro
Sommerro occupies the old electricity company building in Oslo.
Sommerro, Oslo
Sommerro occupies Oslo’s former electricity company headquarters, with a roof terrace and a rooftop pool. It is one of the city’s most talked-about hotels.
Book your stay: See rooms at Sommerro
The Thief
The Thief sits by the fjord on Tjuvholmen.
The Thief, Oslo
The Thief sits at the tip of Tjuvholmen, with a spa and pool and a short walk from the saunas at Aker Brygge. You stay with the fjord right outside your window.
Book your stay: See rooms at The Thief
Bergen Børs Hotel
Bergen Børs is in the heart of Bergen, a short walk from Bryggen and the sea. Perfect for a weekend of sauna, seafood and city life.
Book your stay: See rooms at Bergen Børs Hotel
Opus XVI
Opus XVI on Vågen harbour in Bergen.
Opus XVI, Bergen
Opus XVI occupies an old bank building on Vågen harbour, with a small and personal feel. From here you can walk to both Bryggen and the sea baths.
Book your stay: See rooms at Opus XVI
When is the best time for a sauna and fjord dip?
Sauna and fjord dips are a year-round experience, but winter is magical, with snow on the jetty and ice in the water. In summer you can combine it with long evenings by the fjord. Always book ahead at weekends.
Saunas in Oslo and Bergen FAQ
Where are the saunas in Oslo?
Along the harbour promenade, by the Opera House, Langkaia, Sørenga and Aker Brygge. Many are run by the Oslo Sauna Association, and you can also rent a sauna boat.
Do you need to book a sauna in advance?
Yes, it is recommended, especially at weekends and in winter. Most offer online booking.
What should I bring to a sauna?
Swimwear, a towel, sandals and water. In winter, a hat and warm clothes for afterwards are a good idea.
Is it safe to swim in the fjord in winter?
For most people, yes, with short dips and calm breathing. Never swim alone, and take care if you have heart or blood pressure problems.
Which hotels in Oslo have a sauna or spa?
Sommerro has a rooftop pool, and The Thief has a spa. Both are close to the harbour saunas.