Telemark – Norway's Sauna Mecca – 10 Hot Tips!

Sauna has become a very popular activity in Norway in recent years. And Norwegians have definitely left their mark on it - whether floating on water, boasting beautiful architecture, or being beautifully situated between fjords and mountains. In Telemark, you can find some of Norway's finest saunas from coast to high mountains. Here you can see our top 10 saunas and 5 good reasons to take a sauna. See more saunas in Telemark.

1. Soria Moria - Norway's most beautiful sauna

At the end of the Telemark Canal in Dalen, you'll find the beautiful Soria Moria, a masterpiece of a sauna - sparkling like a jewel in Bandak! Soria Moria is the first installation in the project "Vannvegens fortellingar" - The main idea is that travelers and locals should experience the canal landscape in a new way, says architect David Fjågesund at Feste Landskap/Arkitektur. The sauna has won the DOGA Prize for Norwegian design and architecture in 2020 and has received great national and international attention. Soria Moria has been described as one of the world's finest saunas.
We recommend combining it with a trip on the Telemark Canal, a visit to Eidsborg stave church and Vest Telemark Museum Eidsborg, a hike to Rui-plassen, and a stay at the historical Dalen Hotel, which is only 5 minutes away (open May - October). For the rest of the season, it can be nicely combined with stays at Vidsyn Midjås, Birdbox Tokke, or Lårdal Tretopphytter. Soria Moria is open all year round.

2. Floating saunas - with a view of Norway's most beautiful mountain, Gaustatoppen

On Lake Kvitåvatn near Gaustablikk, Rjukan, two floating saunas have been launched. Here, you can enjoy the heat while gazing out over the beautiful natural landscape, with Mount Gausta itself as a centerpiece. If you're brave enough, you can combine sauna and ice bathing in Kvitåvatn during the winter. The saunas are connected to Gaustablikk Fjellresort, a hotel that offers skiing experiences in the winter and activities like hiking, kayaking, fishing, and cycling in the summer and fall. In addition to the saunas, the hotel has a spa and swimming pool.
A short drive away, you'll find several attractions, including Gaustabanen & Mount Gausta, the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum Vemork with the new Heavy Water Basement and the sun mirror in Rjukan, which is on UNESCO's World Heritage List.

3. Sauna Boats Telemark - in Urban Telemark

Urban sauna culture has also arrived in Urban Telemark. Try out the sauna boats Leo and Frank, both located in the heart of the city of Skien, at the beginning of the Telemark Canal. Relax and enjoy the fantastic view over the city. When the sweat pours down, jump right into Hjellevannet for cooling off. You can easily combine this with culinary experiences at one of Telemark's best gourmet restaurants, Jacob & Gabriel Restaurant, cultural experiences at Ibsenhuset, and shopping in the city. You can also take a leisurely stroll in beautiful Brekkeparken and, most importantly, cruise on the Telemark Canal from May to October. Stay at Hotel Bryggeparken or the newly renovated Thon Hotel Høyers, both within walking distance of Sauna Boats.

4. Sauna at Kragerø 

Nestled along the picturesque Telemark coast, in the heart of Kragerø, you’ll discover a floating sauna offering breathtaking views of the Gunnarsholmen coastal fort and the serene sea.
For those eager to explore the area, the enchanting Jomfruland National Park is just a short boat ride away and is a destination to be enjoyed year-round. While Kragerø is celebrated as a vibrant summer town, it also offers an array of exciting activities in the fall. From charming small-town weekends to guided trail biking and bird safaris, there’s something for everyone.
Come mid-November, Kragerø transforms into a magical Christmas town, complete with festive streets and an abundance of holiday events to spark the holiday spirit.
Fun fact: Did you know that Edvard Munch once lived in Kragerø? It was here that he created one of his most iconic works, The Sun. He fondly referred to Kragerø as the "pearl among coastal towns.

5. Sauna at Sandviken Camping

Sandviken Camping is idyllically located on the shore of Tinnsjøen in Tinn Austbygd. Here, a cosy sauna has been set up right by the water's edge. Take a refreshing dip and warm up in a comfortable and heated sauna with an unbeatable view of Tinnsjøen. Here, you can recharge your batteries while your eyes rest on the water in front of you. You can easily combine this with a hike to the popular peak Gjuvhovd, which offers fantastic views of Tinnsjøen and Mount Gausta. We also recommend a trip to the World Heritage town, Rjukan, which is only a half-hour drive away.

6. "Heit Telemark Sauna"

In the heart of Telemark, surrounded by fruit trees in the Fruit Village of Gvarv, you'll find "Heit Telemark" at the beautiful Lien Farm. The floating sauna, idyllically situated by the shore of Lake Norsjø, creates the perfect setting for relaxation and enjoyment. Take a break from the heat of the sauna with a refreshing dip in the clear water. Explore the unique atmosphere and consider combining your sauna visit with a trip to the farm, where you can order a picnic basket, try cider tasting, or purchase local food products at the farm shop.
Explore the surrounding area; in summer, spring, and autumn, you can combine it with a hike to the spectacular Gygrestolen, cycling in the Fruit Village, and a trip on the Telemark Canal. In winter, you can easily combine it with skiing on Lifjell. For an exclusive culinary experience, we recommend Provence Restaurant in Bø. Get close to nature at Grend, Breiva Guesthouse, pods at First Camp Bø, or check in at Bø Hotel.

7. "Dugg Sauna"

The "Dugg Sauna" is another warm oasis located by the guest pier in Notodden, behind the Book and Blues House. This sauna not only provides warmth but also offers a fantastic view of Lake Heddalsvatnet and the majestic mountains to the south. If it gets too hot, feel free to take a dip in Lake Heddalsvatnet!
Explore the surrounding area! Notodden is known as the Blues City, but did you know that the city is on the UNESCO World Heritage List? Feel free to visit the Telemark Art Museum and the World Heritage Center where you can learn more about industrial history and experience contemporary art. Nearby, you'll find another major attraction – Heddal Stave Church, Norway's largest stave church. The stave church was built in the 1200s and is a national cultural treasure showcasing fantastic wooden architecture. For a delightful culinary experience, visit Stasjonen Kafe and check in at the idyllic Bolkesjø Farm for a good night's sleep, just 20 minutes away from the "Dugg Sauna".

8. Rauland & Møsstrond

Experience pure relaxation and natural well-being in Rauland! Rauland & Møsstrond are located by Lake Uvatn at Vierli and offers fantastic views towards Farhovd and the edge of the Hardanger mountain plateau. Whether you've spent the day skiing in the winter months or exploring the scenic trails in the summer, the sauna provides the perfect end to the day. Want a different experience? Then we recommend husky sledding with Telemark Husky Tour. For a unique culinary experience, visit Lega. Learn more about the wild reindeer on the Hardanger mountain plateau at the Hardangervidda National Park Centre and gain insight into traditional crafts at the Raulandsakademiet.
Stay in a cabin at Rauland Holiday Centre, at the Austbø Hotel, or try out unique accommodation in the heart of nature - in an arctic dome.

9. Floating sauna at Langesund

Prefer the sea breeze? Then the floating sauna at Quality Hotel Skjærgården, Langesund is exactly what you're looking for. Relax in the sauna while enjoying the magnificent view over the sea, breathe in the fresh sea air, and take a refreshing dip in the saltwater. The hotel also offers access to a first-class water park spanning 4000 square meters, a restaurant with exciting food concepts, and newly renovated rooms. Feel free to combine your visit with a walk on the coastal path or a kayak trip in the archipelago. The charming coastal town of Langesund in Bamble can be experienced all year round – enjoy the winter tranquility or experience lively crowds and festive atmosphere in the summer.

10. Panorama sauna

Panorama Sauna is the newest addition to the Telemark sauna family, located in beautiful Vrådal. Enjoy panoramic views over the water and the majestic Tverrfjellet mountain in the steam from a wood-fired sauna. Take the time to create memories, and don't forget to capture the moment with a selfie by the mirrored wall as a lasting memory of your visit to Vrådal. In winter, combine your sauna experience with a skiing trip, and in summer, explore the trails on a hike or bike ride. Enjoy delicious culinary experiences and stay in historic surroundings at the historic Straand Hotel.

5 good reasons to take a sauna:  

Strengthens your mental health

A sauna visit calms your nervous system and lowers your heart rate.
In combination with ice bathing, it releases endorphins, also known as happiness hormones, which contribute to making you happier.

Boosts the immune system

Due to the heat (80 degrees) in the sauna, the body receives a shock that increases the white blood cells in the blood. Just 15 minutes in the heat reduces the likelihood of getting a cold by 30%.

Improves sleep and cleanses the skin

A sauna visit promotes deep relaxation and relief from chronic muscle pain, resulting in better sleep. Deep sweating cleanses the pores and improves capillary circulation.

Acts (almost) like exercise 

A German study shows that spending 20 minutes in the sauna has the same
effect as a moderate-paced bike ride. The explanation is that blood flow increases as much as it does during cardiovascular exercise, but without using your muscles.

Expands your social life

In normal circumstances, the sauna is a great way to socialize, either with friends or colleagues, but it's also a nice way to expand your social network.