Yes, most floating saunas (KOK Oslo, SALT) require advance booking 2-7 days ahead via their websites. Community saunas like Oslo Badstuforening (Langkaia) offer drop-in access, but weekends can be busy. Gym saunas are available to members without booking.
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), flip-flops, water bottle, and a towel (many venues provide towels, but verify beforehand). Most venues don't allow alcohol. For floating saunas, bring warm clothes for after - cold Oslo fjord winds!
Yes. Most venues provide safety briefings on arrival, explaining sauna etiquette, temperature tolerance, and cold plunge techniques. Start with shorter sessions (10-15 minutes) and build tolerance. Staff are helpful for first-timers.
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
- •Most Oslo saunas require advance online booking (2-7 days recommended)
- •Floating saunas (KOK Oslo, SALT) cost 200-500 NOK per session, book via their websites
- •Community saunas like Oslo Badstuforening (Langkaia) offer drop-in access (150-250 NOK)
- •Gym saunas (SATS, Fresh Fitness) are included with membership
- •Peak times (weekends, evenings) fill up fast - book early or try weekday mornings
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., kokoberget.no for KOK Oslo, oslosalt.com for SALT). Select your preferred date, time slot (sessions are typically 1-2 hours), and number of people. Weekends and evenings book out 3-7 days in advance - weekday mornings have better 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 provide towels, but check beforehand). 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, change, and receive the sauna safety briefing. Late arrivals may lose session time. Bring swimwear, flip-flops, and water (most venues don't allow alcohol).
Booking Methods Compared
| Sauna | Booking | Advance Notice | Price | Drop-in |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| KOK Oslo | Online (kokoberget.no) | 3-7 days | 300-400 NOK | No |
| SALT | Online (oslosalt.com) | 3-7 days | 200-500 NOK | No |
| Oslo Badstuforening (Langkaia) | Website / Drop-in | 1-3 days recommended | 150-250 NOK | Yes (community) |
| SATS (with membership) | Included | Not required | Included with membership | Yes |
For a complete list of Oslo saunas, see our sauna directory
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, most floating saunas (KOK Oslo, SALT) require advance booking 2-7 days ahead via their websites. Community saunas like Oslo Badstuforening (Langkaia) offer drop-in access, but weekends can be busy. Gym saunas are available to members without booking.
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), flip-flops, water bottle, and a towel (many venues provide towels, but verify beforehand). Most venues don't allow alcohol. For floating saunas, bring warm clothes for after - cold Oslo fjord winds!
Yes. Most venues provide safety briefings on arrival, explaining sauna etiquette, temperature tolerance, and cold plunge techniques. Start with shorter sessions (10-15 minutes) and build tolerance. Staff are helpful for first-timers.