Saunas are a cherished part of Scandinavian life, from fjordside retreats to mountain cabins. But if you’re new to the culture, knowing the etiquette can make all the difference.
Anyone who has strolled along the Oslo waterfront in recent years will have noticed a curious trend: groups of people wrapped in towels, steam rising from wooden boxes floating on the fjord, and the occasional brave soul plunging into icy water.
Yes, the Norwegian sauna has made a major comeback. While most people associate saunas with Finland, they are increasingly part of everyday life in Norway too.
Whether it is a floating public sauna in the capital, a modest heat room in a hotel spa, or a well-used fixture in a mountain cabin, more and more people are discovering the joy of sweating it out the Norwegian way.
But if it is your first time, you might be wondering what is expected of you.
The sauna side of Norwegian culture is not full of rigid rules, but there are certain expectations when it comes to hygiene, clothing, and etiquette. Here is what you need to know before stepping inside.
Where You'll Encounter Saunas in Norway
Saunas are surprisingly common once you start looking. In urban areas, they are often found in gyms, hotel spas, or public wellness centres.
The trend of floating saunas, especially in Oslo, Trondheim, and Bergen, has made them more social and visible than ever. You will also find them in cabins, where a hot sauna followed by a snow roll or lake plunge is part of the hyttekos tradition.
Some student housing or workplaces may even have communal saunas tucked away in the basement, although they are not always well advertised.
What to Wear (or Not Wear)
One of the biggest sources of confusion for newcomers is what to wear in a sauna. In most public and mixed-gender saunas in Norway, the expectation is to wear a towel.
Swimwear is often discouraged or even banned in dry saunas, as it is considered unhygienic. You are expected to shower before entering and to use a towel to sit on rather than sitting directly on the wood.
In private settings or single-gender saunas, nudity is more common. But even then, it is low-key and never showy.
The general rule is to look around and follow the local lead. Norwegians do not make a fuss if you are unsure. They simply appreciate that you are trying to respect the space.
Hygiene Matters
Before doing anything else, shower thoroughly. This is not a suggestion. It is a basic expectation, especially in gyms and public saunas. Entering a sauna without washing off sweat or lotions is considered bad form.
Once inside, always sit on a towel. If you are planning multiple rounds with cold dips in between, bring a second towel to dry off before coming back in. A wet towel left on the bench is unpleasant for everyone else.
Silence, Talking, and Everything In Between
One of the trickier parts of sauna etiquette is knowing when it is okay to talk. In hotel spas and wellness facilities, people tend to stay quiet or speak in hushed tones. Saunas in these settings are seen as a place to relax and unwind in peace.
On the other hand, public floating saunas, especially in Oslo, tend to be more social. Conversation is fine as long as it is relaxed and not disruptive.
Laughter and chatting happen, but you are unlikely to hear anyone shouting across the room or playing music. Think calm, not chaotic.
In private saunas, anything goes. But even among friends, Norwegians tend to keep things low-key.
Inside the Sauna: What’s Expected
Saunas in Norway often use a wood-burning or electric stove with hot stones. In some places, it is traditional to ladle water over the stones to produce steam. However, do not assume this is always welcome.
If you are in a shared sauna, especially with strangers, it is polite to ask first. If the answer is yes, do it slowly and sparingly. Not everyone wants a sudden blast of steam.
Always be mindful of how much space you are taking up and avoid stretching out when it is busy. And please leave the essential oils at home unless you are sure they are allowed.
Cold Dips and Cooling Off
After heating up, many Norwegians enjoy a cold plunge, either in a fjord, lake, snowdrift, or a cold shower. It is not mandatory, but it is a big part of the sauna experience for many.
Lots of Norwegians swear by the health benefits, but there is actually very little research on this. Research is, however, underway at the Western Norway University of Applied Sciences (HVL), so watch this space.
If you are going for it, take your time and breathe steadily. There is no need to impress anyone. Once you have cooled down, dry off before heading back into the sauna. This keeps the benches dry and comfortable for everyone else.
It is worth noting that while cold dips are encouraged, no one will pressure you to join. Respect for personal limits is part of the culture.
Gender, Nudity, and Boundaries
Some saunas are mixed-gender, while others are separated by default. In most public places, signage will make this clear. If not, feel free to ask.
Norwegians are generally comfortable with nudity, but that does not mean they want to see everything. Even in all-nude saunas, people tend to keep eye contact and avoid any behaviour that could be interpreted as flirtatious or inappropriate.
Think of it like public transport: close quarters, minimal interaction, and everyone pretending nothing is awkward.
The Norwegian Sauna Mindset
At the heart of it all, the sauna is about balance. Hot and cold. Silence and conversation. Individual space and shared experience.
Whether you are in a luxury spa or a wooden box bobbing in the fjord, the goal is the same: to relax, recharge, and reconnect with your body.
As long as you are clean, considerate, and tuned in to the atmosphere, you will be just fine. Bring a towel, take a shower, and let the steam do the rest.
