Imagine stepping out of a steaming hot sauna, your skin tingling with warmth, only to plunge into an ice-cold lake or sea. This contrast of heat and cold is the essence of Swedish sauna culture – a rejuvenating ritual that invigorates both body and mind.
In Sweden, connecting with nature is a way of life – a healthy and rejuvenating tradition rooted in centuries of practice. From the serene art of forest bathing and foraging for wild delicacies to the age-old spa culture, the Swedes have perfected the balance of mind, body and nature. The ritual of sauna bathing combined with cold-water dips isn’t just a pastime – it’s a cornerstone of wellness that offers an exhilarating experience and brings numerous health benefits:
Sweden is home to some of the world’s most spectacular saunas, ranging from floating and underwater designs to those set deep in a mine or overlooking wild rivers. Whether you’re after a luxurious retreat or a rustic, off-grid experience, here are seven of Sweden’s most unique saunas:
This golden, egg-shaped public sauna and work of art travelled the world for seven years but has recently returned to its original home in Kiruna, Sweden’s northernmost town. Designed by Swedish artists Bigert & Bergström, the Solar Egg symbolises rebirth and creativity. It can be booked via Kiruna Bryggeri. While there’s no cold bath nearby, Kiruna offers plenty of snow for a large part of the year, perfect for the classic roll-in-the-snow cool down.
A floating spa hotel with a circular open-air cold pool at its heart, Arctic Bath blends luxury and nature. The spa features two dry saunas and one steam sauna. Located on the Lule River, this striking structure is surrounded by water in summer and ice in winter, offering a one-of-a-kind hot-cold immersion. For an even more extraordinary experience, Arctic Bath hosts a 'Fire and Ice' event, combining sauna sessions, cold baths, and curated culinary delights.
Celebrating Sweden and Finland’s shared sauna heritage, Kukkolaforsen offers a collection of 13 saunas, from traditional wood-fired designs to a smoke sauna. Overlooking the mighty Torne River, visitors can quickly cool off with a dip in the lively, fast-flowing waters. The site also features guided sauna experiences where you can learn about sauna traditions and enjoy local culinary specialities.
Set 80 metres underground in a former mine, this sauna experience is truly one-of-a-kind. The steamy warmth contrasts with the crystal-clear, cool water, which maintains a temperature of around 4–5 degrees Celsius throughout the year, surrounded by natural rock walls. This extraordinary adventure includes local food and beverages and takes about 3.5 hours to complete.
An architectural gem in Gothenburg’s Frihamnen district, this award-winning public sauna is built from recycled materials, including corrugated steel and colourful glass. Overlooking the Göta River, the sauna reflects Sweden’s commitment to sustainability and innovation. Adjacent to the Harbour Bath with its three floating pools – one open year-round for cold bathing enthusiasts – it offers a unique space for relaxation. The sauna is free to use but requires online booking.
One of Sweden's most beautiful sea bathhouses, Kallbadhuset Varberg, is a Moorish-style wooden palace perched on the water. Dating back to 1903, this historic site offers traditional sauna bathing combined with refreshing ocean dips. With stunning views of the Kattegat Sea and the nearby Varberg Fortress, it’s an idyllic coastal experience steeped in tradition and charm.
Located at one of Sweden’s top vineyards, Ästad Vingård, this wood-fired underwater sauna offers a genuinely unique perspective. Guests can unwind in the heat while observing rainbow trout swim by and crayfish scuttle along the lakebed outside its submerged windows. Follow this with a dip in the spring water pond or relax at the on-site Sinnenas Spa.
In Sweden, saunas are a pathway to well-being and a healthier lifestyle. With their stunning designs and the invigorating contrast of heat and cold, Swedish saunas offer an exceptional way to reconnect with tradition and immerse yourself in nature. Why not take the plunge and experience this time-honoured Swedish tradition for yourself?
