With famously snowy winters, it’s no surprise that Norway is home to many cozy saunas—one of which was featured in the July issue of Viking. The Telemark Canal’s stunning Soria Moria Sauna is one of six art installations in “Tales of the Waterway,” with design elements reflecting the surrounding natural beauty. Here are three more unique sauna experiences only found in Norway.
Floating Saunas at Gausta
At lake Kvitåvatn in Telemark, two saunas float on the water with unbeatable views of the adjacent Gaustatoppen mountain—the tallest one in Telemark. Those visiting Gaustablikk Mountain Resort can enjoy the saunas’ toasty climate and peaceful proximity to the water and surrounding trees during rain, snow or shine. The saunas are designed to seat up to 10 people and can be reserved by private groups for up to one hour. Because they’re so closely integrated with nature, a time in the sauna can be followed by a refreshing dip in the lake during the warmer months. The resort is also known for its outdoor activities like hiking, kayaking and biking.
Photo Credit: https://www.gaustablikk.no/flytende_badstuer/
Hov Sauna
Perfect for beach lovers, the waterfront Hov Sauna sits on Gimsøy—part of the Lofoten Islands. The cozy tunnel-shape structure features two benches facing one another with a stove at the end facing the beach. Whether taking a sauna during the daytime or evening, the open wall offers beautiful views of the water and sky. Some lucky visitors have even been known to witness the Northern Lights! As part of the Hov Gård Riding Center, guests can also enjoy horseback riding before or after their sauna.
Photo Credit: https://hovgard.no/
SALT Saunas
Located beside the Oslofjord, SALT is a sauna venue and more. The art and music program launched in 2014, with triangular buildings designed with input from architect Sami Rintala, using simple traditional pyramid structures known as hesjer in Norwegian. Six different types of saunas are available, including public sessions with live concerts and events, as well as smaller private saunas for groups of up to four people. While guests are encouraged to enjoy the sauna experience, the intentions behind the project extend further, inviting visitors to reflect on sustainability by asking questions, engaging in conversation and taking part in debates, exhibitions, films and more. Pre- or post-sauna, guests can choose from several tasty food options featuring environmentally conscious ingredients and vegan choices, reflecting SALT’s appreciation for nature.
Photo Credit: salted.no/sauna
Ready to discover more of Norway’s sauna culture? Check out the December 2017 issue of Viking to learn about the country’s incredible variety of saunas and the associated health benefits.