Saunas and ice bathing in Telemark

Saunas and ice bathing are the perfect way to end a winter day in Telemark. Whether you’ve been skiing, cross-country skiing, exploring the winter landscape or simply want to slow down and relax, you’ll find unique sauna experiences close to some of Telemark’s most popular winter destinations. Here are five hot tips to try this winter.

Soria Moria – award-winning sauna by Lake Bandak

On the shores of Lake Bandak in Dalen, you’ll find Soria Moria – one of Norway’s best-known and most highly acclaimed saunas. Inspired by the Norwegian fairy tale of Soria Moria, this golden sauna has won several awards for its unique architecture. With views across Lake Bandak and the snow-covered mountains of West Telemark, it offers a memorable combination of design, nature and wellbeing.

When winter settles over Dalen, Soria Moria is the perfect place to unwind. For an extra rush, take a refreshing ice bath in Lake Bandak before warming up in the sauna again. Combine your sauna experience with skiing at Hallbjønnsekken, around 30 minutes away, or Haukelifjell Ski Centre, approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes away. You can also enjoy a winter walk along Lake Bandak, have a delicious meal at Restaurant Bandak and end the day with an overnight stay at the historic Dalen Hotel.

Sauna with views of Gaustatoppen

Gausta is one of Telemark’s most popular winter destinations, and there are few better ways to end the day than in a warm sauna overlooking Gaustatoppen. At Gaustablikk, you’ll find popular floating saunas idyllically located on Lake Kvitåvatn, with panoramic views of one of Norway’s most iconic mountains. For the classic contrast between hot and cold, combine your sauna session with a refreshing ice bath in the clear mountain lake.

Gausta offers much more than great skiing. Explore groomed alpine slopes and kilometres of cross-country trails, take the Gaustabanen mountain railway to the top of Gaustatoppen and experience spectacular views before skiing off-piste. If you’re interested in history, the Norwegian Industrial Workers Museum and the Heavy Water Cellar at Vemork in Rjukan are well worth a visit. After an active day, enjoy a delicious meal at one of Gaustablikk’s restaurants before relaxing at Gaustablikk Fjellresort, or stay in a ski-in/ski-out cabin or apartment overlooking Gaustatoppen.

Panorama Sauna in Vrådal

After a day on the slopes, Panorama Sauna at Vrådal Panorama Ski Centre is the perfect place to warm up. This wood-fired sauna is beautifully situated with views of the lake and Tverrfjell and can be booked privately for up to six people. For the classic hot-and-cold experience, take a refreshing winter dip before returning to the warmth of the sauna.

Vrådal is a family-friendly winter destination with alpine slopes for beginners and experienced skiers, groomed cross-country trails and a variety of winter activities. After an active day, enjoy a good meal at the ski centre or at the historic Straand Hotel, around 20 minutes away. The hotel also offers winter experiences such as stargazing, Forest Barista and a visit to the Trapper’s Cabin. Choose between hotels, cabins and apartments, and enjoy a relaxing winter holiday within easy reach of both the slopes and the sauna.

Saunas at Vierli – relax with views towards Hardangervidda

Rauland is known for reliable snow conditions, an authentic mountain atmosphere and some of Norway’s finest cross-country skiing. At Vierli in Rauland, the Møsstrond and Rauland saunas offer relaxing warmth with views towards Hardangervidda – the perfect way to end a day in the fresh mountain air.

Rauland offers winter adventures for all ages. Explore the groomed cross-country trails in Silkedalen, go alpine skiing at Rauland Ski Centre, join an unforgettable dog-sledding trip with Telemark Husky or head out on a snowmobile safari. To learn more about the nature and wildlife of Hardangervidda, visit the Hardangervidda National Park Centre. After an active day, enjoy a good meal and an overnight stay at Austbø Hotel, or choose a ski-in/ski-out cabin or apartment at Rauland Feriesenter – close to the slopes, cross-country trails and saunas.

Skogens Rom – winter tranquillity along the Telemark Canal

Skogens Rom offers a different kind of sauna experience, surrounded by forest, tranquillity and beautiful scenery along the Telemark Canal. This architect-designed, wood-fired floating sauna is idyllically located between Lunde and Vrangfoss Locks. Settle into the warmth and enjoy the peaceful surroundings – perfect for a relaxing winter weekend close to nature. Whether you book the sauna privately or join a shared session, this is a place where tranquillity, design and nature take centre stage.

Combine your sauna experience with a winter weekend in Mid-Telemark. Around 35 minutes away, Lifjell Ski Centre offers family-friendly alpine slopes and approximately 80 kilometres of groomed cross-country trails. If you enjoy cross-country skiing, the trail to Hollane is one of the area’s finest winter experiences. The next day, slow things down with a peaceful alpaca walk at Svenseid, just ten minutes from Skogens Rom, before staying overnight at Lifjelltunet, close to both the ski slopes and outdoor adventures.

Plan your sauna experience

• Open year-round – Most saunas in Telemark can be enjoyed throughout the year, but always check opening hours before you travel.
• Perfect for ice bathing – Many saunas are located beside lakes, fjords or the sea, making it easy to combine the heat of the sauna with a refreshing dip.
• Book in advance – Many saunas require advance booking, particularly at weekends and during holidays.
• What to bring – Swimwear, a towel and drinking water. A bathrobe and sandals or woollen socks are also useful on cold winter days.

Find your favourite sauna in Telemark

Whether you dream of an award-winning sauna beside Lake Bandak, a floating sauna overlooking Gaustatoppen, a family winter holiday in Vrådal, mountain tranquillity in Rauland or a relaxing winter weekend along the Telemark Canal, you’ll find a sauna experience to suit you in Telemark.

Combine warming sauna sessions with alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, great food and unique places to stay – and discover why saunas and Norwegian winter are such a perfect match.