Did you know Norway has one of Europe’s most luxurious wellness resorts? One of the most famous resorts, The Well, in Oslo, opened in 2015 after a massive investment of 35 million dollars. It’s a three-story oasis with saunas, steam rooms, outdoor plunges, and hot baths for the ultimate spa experience. This is going to be a bummer for some, but Norway doesn’t have the traditional hot springs like you see in Iceland. Geothermal activity in Norway is not as frequent, so hot springs are rare. But Norway still has amazing hot springs and spa facilities that add to its amazing sauna culture. But what can you expect from hot springs in Norway? Is it worth it? Can you take a weekend trip to hot springs in Norway and enjoy your time there? Yes, you can, and you can expect a lot!
Check this article out, too: 5 Best Norway Travel Guide Book List For Your 2025 Trip
Hot Springs in Norway: Therapeutic Gift
As I said, Norway doesn’t have nature’s own hot springs. Or it’s extremely rare. What Norway has is heated pools – that mimic natural hot springs. What makes them really good is that most wellness resorts are in fjords, in nature. You get amazing views in a state-of-the-art facility while soaking in the warmth of hot springs. They also provide health benefits like better circulation and muscle relaxation, helping to reduce stress.
The scenery around these pools is breathtaking. You’ll see dramatic cliffs, lush forests, and untouched landscapes. It’s no surprise that people in Norway are happier and more satisfied. Their healthy lifestyle, including these hot springs, plays a big role. Wellness and nature are closely connected. Just a few hours outdoors each month can boost your energy and heart health. Norway’s hot springs, set against stunning scenery, offer an experience to combine everything together.
Why Norway’s Hot Springs in Wellness Resorts Are Famous
The wellness resorts and hot springs are famous in Norway because of the huge investment and amazing places. There are resorts in most parts of Norway that combine spas, wellness, saunas, and many other relaxing things in one place – with amazing views. Yes, doing it under the Northern Lights‘ ethereal glow is also possible! The Stave Hot Pools on Andøya Island stands out, for example. They are Norway’s one of most famous wellness spas. The water in the tubs is around 40 Celcius, perfect for cold winter days. Family pricing is available until 2:00 pm daily, so you can also make it on budget.
Norway is also known for its floating saunas. Companies like KOK in Oslo offer heated saunas with wood fires. You can create steam by dousing water on the sauna, then take a refreshing plunge in the fjord. The Preikestolen BaseCamp in the mountains also offers rentals for a nature experience.
How Norway’s Hot Springs Are Different From Others
Hot springs in Norway don’t look like the famous ones in Iceland or Japan. They’re smaller, calmer, and not as hot. You won’t see big clouds of steam or bubbling water here. Instead, Norway’s hot springs are a quiet, peaceful experience. Many are in nature, surrounded by mountains, forests, or even snowy landscapes. The reason is simple: Norway has less volcanic activity than places like Iceland. This means fewer hot springs and the water isn’t heated to high temperatures. Most places, the wellness hotels, use man-made pools to enhance the experience. Norway’s hot springs are special because they let you relax in beautiful, natural surroundings.
Geothermal vs. Hot Springs
Geothermal pools come from volcanic heat. Like Iceland’s Blue Lagoon, they’re hotter, steamier, and often dramatic. Norway’s hot springs are different. They’re warmed by the Earth but not as hot or intense. These springs are more about comfort than heat. You can soak in warm water while enjoying the peaceful Norwegian scenery. If you’re looking for a quieter, simpler experience, Norway’s very few hot springs are the perfect choice. They’re all about connecting with nature in a relaxing way.
Scenic Resorts: Top 5 Hot Spring Resorts in Norway
As I said, Norway’s Hot Springs combine man-made improvements with some, very few, hot springs. This results in places where you can relax and enjoy your time with amazing views and luxurious settings. Most of the resorts also offer the ability to combine relaxation with outdoor adventures. Imagine snowshoeing through a snowy forest or skiing down untouched slopes. Then, relax in the warm Scandinavian thermal baths. Norway’s spa resorts offer all this in one place. They provide wellness experiences with natural beauty and outdoor fun.
Top Resorts That Offer Scenic Views and Serenity
Norway has many stunning spa resorts. Angvik Gamle Handelssted in Møre og Romsdal has a spa with 18th-century charm and modern comforts. It has “Bath and Wellness” and “Skin and Body Care” departments for a full rejuvenation. Let’s take a look at 5 top hot spring resorts in Norway.
- Stave Hot Pools – Location: Andøya, Northern Norway. Nestled by the rugged coastline and the Måntinden mountain, Stave Hot Pools features heated outdoor saltwater pools. Visitors can soak in warm waters while enjoying panoramic ocean views and surrounding wilderness.
- Fjord Spa at Hotel Union Geiranger – Location: Geiranger. This spa overlooks the UNESCO-listed Geirangerfjord, offering both indoor and outdoor pools. The heated outdoor hot tubs let guests relax, surrounded by dramatic fjord cliffs and cascading waterfalls.
- Panorama Wellness at Solstrand Hotel – Location: Near Bergen, by the Bjørnefjord. This resort combines a rich history with stunning fjord views. Guests can enjoy the outdoor hot pools while gazing across the still waters of the fjord and the distant mountains.
- Skarsnuten Hotel Spa – Location: Hemsedal. On a mountainside, this spa resort provides breathtaking views of the Hemsedal Valley. After skiing or hiking, unwind in the warm pools and enjoy the serene alpine landscape.
- Lyngen Experience Lodge – Location: Lyngen Alps, Troms. This remote retreat offers a hot tub with incredible views of the Lyngen Fjord and surrounding peaks. The Northern Lights can add an unforgettable touch to your soak on clear nights.
Tips for First-Time Visitors to Norway’s Hot Springs
Starting your journey to Norway’s geothermal spas is thrilling! Here are some tips from a detailed hot spring in Norway guide to make your trip smooth. They will help make your visit unforgettable.
- Check Availability and Book in Advance
Hot spring resorts in Norway are popular, especially during the peak travel seasons. Make reservations early to secure your spot, especially if you plan to visit smaller or remote locations.
- Dress for the Weather
Norway’s weather can be unpredictable, even in summer. Bring layers and waterproof clothing for your trip, as many hot springs are outdoors in natural surroundings. Also, the weather in Norway can change quickly. So, wear layers to stay comfortable. Be ready for both sunny and cool days. The best time to visit is from June to September. The weather is better, and tours run smoothly.
- Respect Local Customs
Norwegian hot springs are often quiet, peaceful places. Keep noise levels low and follow any posted rules to ensure a relaxing experience for everyone.
- Stay Hydrated
Soaking in warm water can be dehydrating. Bring a reusable water bottle and sip regularly, especially if you plan to stay in the pools for an extended period.
5 Overall Best Hot Springs in Norway
Explore Norway’s top hot springs and saunas. We’ll show you the best places for a natural retreat.
- The Well Spa Resort – Location: Just outside Oslo. As Norway’s largest spa facility, The Well boasts over 11,000 square meters of pools, saunas, and steam rooms. Guests can enjoy various international bathing traditions, including Japanese baths and Moroccan hammams, in a serene environment designed for ultimate relaxation.
- Stave Hot Pools – Location: Andøya, Northern Norway. Situated beneath the Måntinden mountain and near a picturesque beach, Stave Hot Pools offers heated outdoor saltwater pools. Visitors can soak in 38°C water while taking in the wild and spectacular beauty of Andøya’s west coast, regardless of the weather.
- Britannia Spa – Location: Trondheim. Part of the historic Britannia Hotel, this spa combines classic elegance with modern wellness facilities. You have access to a heated pool, various saunas, and a range of treatments. All are in a really luxurious setting that reflects the hotel’s rich history.
- Norefjell Ski & Spa – Location: Noresund, Buskerud County. Renowned as Norway’s leading spa resort, Norefjell offers a unique combination of skiing and spa treatments. The wellness area includes hot tubs, saunas, and relaxation rooms, providing a perfect après-ski retreat with panoramic mountain views.
- Wood Hotel by Frich’s – Location: Brumunddal, near Lake Mjøsa. This hotel opened in 2019 and is one of the world’s tallest wooden buildings. It features a wellness area with a heated pool and sauna, offering guests a warm and relaxing experience complemented by sustainable architecture and scenic lake views.
Unique Sauna Experiences: Floating and Forest Saunas
Norway is mostly popular for its saunas. The Norwegian Sauna is a term that is known all over the world, not just Europe. There are all types of saunas all over every big and small city and town. Norway’s spa culture invites you to explore forests and floating saunas. These experiences mix traditional sauna benefits with Norway’s wild landscapes for a unique adventure. Two of the most special are floating saunas and forest saunas. Both let you relax while staying close to nature.
Floating saunas sit on lakes or fjords, giving you amazing views while you sweat out stress. After your sauna, jump into the cold water for a refreshing swim. In Oslofjord or Tromsø, you can enjoy these saunas and maybe even see the Northern Lights if you visit in winter.
Forest saunas are hidden in the woods and built from natural wood and stone. Big windows let you see the trees and wildlife as you relax. These saunas in places like Trysil or Hardanger are perfect after a long hike or ski trip.
Special Tip: Wild Sauna Voss
Don’t miss Wild Sauna Voss for an unforgettable experience. It is located in Voss and offers both forest sanctuaries and floating sessions on calm lakes. The steam rises as you enjoy breathtaking views, connecting deeply with nature. If you like saunas more than hot springs, you can have that and some of the hot springs at Voss.
Conclusion
Norway is famous for many things – its nature, saunas, amazing city breaks, Northern Lights, and many more. They are not so popular with natural hot springs, mainly because they’re extremely rare. The wellness resorts are famous, though. They have to add man-made improvements to existing hot springs to make them fun and exciting. And they do a great job! From The Well in Oslo to Jaameren Sauna’s Arctic dips, each spot connects you with Norway and its nature.
Norway offers a wide range of thermal experiences. There’s something for everyone, from the Stave Hot Pools to Wild Saunas in Voss. This makes Norway an amazing spot for nature break weekends in a hot pool, thermal baths, and saunas. When you are planning a trip to Norway in 2025, make sure to add at least one of them to your list. Hot springs in Norway are just beautiful.
FAQ
What are the best hot springs in Norway?
Norway has many amazing hot springs. The Well in Oslo, Jaameren Sauna, Stave Hot Pools, and Stiklestad Hot Spring are top picks.
Are there any Norwegian geothermal spas worth visiting?
Yes – although very rare! Spas like The Well in Oslo and Stave Hot Pools are famous for their healing waters and beautiful settings.
Can I combine hot spring visits with outdoor adventures?
Yes! Many hot springs are near great outdoor spots for hiking, skiing, and fishing. You can enjoy both adventure and relaxation in one trip.
Which are the top spa resorts in Norway for scenic views and tranquility?
The top spa resorts in Norway for views and calm are The Well in Oslo and Jaameren Sauna. They offer luxury and stunning landscapes, perfect for a peaceful retreat.
How do I explore Norway’s hot springs in a single trip?
A dedicated hot spring tour is a great way to see many places. Plan a route, book nearby stays, and check travel times to make the most of your trip.