Navigating the etiquette of a Norwegian sauna can be a bit daunting for the uninitiated. Here we break down the rules, the rituals, the culture, and the benefits of these hip public hot boxes that are popping up all over downtown Oslo.
Saunas are an integral part of Nordic culture. Traditionally found in private homes and holiday cottages, these high-heat, wood-lined rooms are designed to make you sweat, to flush out built-up toxins, improve circulation and aid muscle recovery after intense exercise. The traditional hot-cold sauna cycle concludes with an icy-water shower or dunk, a jump in the ocean or lake (any time of year) or a roll in the snow. In the past few years, Oslo has seen an uptick in public saunas located in convenient downtown locations where visitors and locals alike can sweat it out year-round. But before you step inside, make sure you know what to expect—and what’s expected of you.