5 unforgettable cold plunges in Norway

Boost your wellness strategy when in Norway with these cold plunges from Oslo to the Svalbard Islands

The age-old practice of immersing oneself in icy waters has gained significant popularity recently. Endorsed by celebrities like Hailey Bieber and Chris Hemsworth, invigorating cold plunges are praised for their health benefits, including improved circulation, boosted immunity, and enhanced mental clarity. In Norway, cold plunges coupled with hot sauna sessions are a staple of the wellness culture. Leading sustainable luxury travel curator Up Norway has shared its list of the top five cold plunge spots across the country.

Urban Oslofjord Plunge – Oslo

In the heart of Oslo, saunas along the harbour promenade offer an urban cold plunge experience. Visitors can start their day with a private morning sauna session at Oslo Badstu Forening, followed by a refreshing dip into the Oslofjord. The year-round activity provides a rejuvenating experience while immersed in the city’s cosmopolitan views.

Arctic Plunge at Isfjord Radio – Svalbard Islands

Part of Up Norway’s exclusive “Far Out in Svalbard” itinerary, this remote plunge experience at Isfjord Radio Adventure Hotel is located halfway between Norway and the North Pole, in a region known for its rugged terrain and Arctic wildlife. After a day of adventures, travellers can visit the hotel’s sauna on the tundra’s edge, with views of Isfjorden, Forlandet islands, and passing whales.

Secluded Beach Plunges from Kalvåg

Travellers can explore the traditional fishing village of Kalvåg before taking a boat to Grotlesanden or Vetvika Beach. The 700-metre shoreline of Norway’s best beach offers year-round plunges. Reaching Vetvika requires a hike over rugged mountains, but the breathtaking views and the sea dip make it worthwhile. After, visitors can return to Kalvåg and enjoy the floating sauna along the Frøysjøen strait.

Northern Lights Plunge – Varanger Lodge, Finnmark

For the truly adventurous, the Northern Lights Plunge at Varanger Lodge in northeastern Norway offers a dramatic ice-hole dip. Guests warm up in a wood-fired sauna before plunging into a frozen mountain lake, with a motorised saw cutting a hole in the ice daily. The chance to witness the Northern Lights and thousands of stars heightens the experience.

Sauna Ritual in the Mountains – Geilo

Geilo, a mountain village between Oslo and Bergen, combines the thrill of a mountain hike with the relaxation of a private sauna ritual. Guided by an experienced sauna therapist, visitors will enjoy aromatic essential oils and herbs such as chamomile and lavender. After the sauna session, a dip in the ice-cold lake completes the cold plunge experience.

upnorway.com