Sauna Magazine

Sauna in the Arctic Circle hits different.

Floating in the harbor of Tromsø, Pust has quickly become one of the most iconic sauna destinations in Northern Norway — combining modern design with inspiration from Arctic traditions and Sámi culture.

One of the highlights is the Lavvo event sauna, inspired by traditional Sámi tents used by reindeer herders.

In the past, when moving with the reindeer herds, Sámi people would heat stones and create steam baths in lavvu tents to wash and warm up in the harsh Arctic climate.
Pust has taken this heritage and transformed it into a modern sauna experience on the water.

Over two days, we hosted aufguss sessions here and also worked closely with the team, sharing knowledge, teaching them techniques and learning them to develop their own sauna rituals — something we’re excited to see grow further in Tromsø.

On our final evening, something special happened.

During the last session, the Pust team had lit the fire pit on the rooftop terrace above the Lavvo sauna. Guests gathered around the flames, overlooking the harbor, sharing the moment together before stepping back into the heat for one final round.

That mix of fire, cold Arctic air, and human connection —
this is what sauna culture is all about.

As night fell, the floating saunas glowed across the water, fishing boats moved quietly through the dark, and underwater lights illuminated the sea below.

At Pust, you can choose between silent saunas, private sessions, or social event experiences.

And like the name suggests in Norwegian:

Sometimes the best thing you can do is simply Pust - breathe, slow down, relax and reconnect

In collaboration with .lifestyle

Some places are hard to describe… because they’re not just destinations — they’re experiences you feel.

About two hours outside Tromsø, we arrived late at night at Malangen Arctic Experience (Staff Camping).

Before we arrived, Johan — the owner — had quietly prepared everything for us.

The sauna was ready.
The firewood stacked.
All we had to do was light a match.

Within minutes, the wood-fired sauna was roaring — one of the hottest and most authentic sessions we’ve had on this entire trip.

Out here, there’s no city noise. No light pollution.
Just pure Arctic nature.

As we moved between heat and cold, we spotted white hares and even a fox passing by in the darkness.

And then… the sky opened.

The northern lights danced above us in a way that’s hard to put into words — powerful, emotional, and completely unforgettable.

After our session, Johan had one more surprise waiting.
Fresh pastries made by his wife Gunn Heidi, filled with cream and cloudberries picked from the surrounding nature.

That moment said everything about this place.

This is a family-run destination built on care, authenticity, and a genuine desire to give guests something meaningful — not just a place to stay.

Johan is continuously developing the place, always with a focus on preserving the calm, the authenticity, and the experience for every guest.
We truly hope more people get to discover this hidden gem — while still keeping the peaceful atmosphere that makes it so special.

This is a place built for slowing down.

Highlights of what you’ll find here:
• Wood-fired sauna
• Accommodations in different sizes and styles
• Cafe with homemade cakes, food and local traditions
• A free library — made for disconnecting and unwinding
• Free access to snowshoes, winter gear, and outdoor equipment
• ⁠Boat and car rental to explore the area
• Wildlife, mountains, and untouched Arctic nature

Johan even offers to pick up guests with his own minibus, helping you experience everything from reindeer visits to Arctic adventures — always with the same focus:

Peace, presence, and real experiences.

Places like this are rare.

Part of us wants to keep it a secret…
but it deserves to be discovered.

⚓️Several saunas. On a boat. In the Arctic.
That’s when we knew we had to check it out.

Vulkana is a former fishing vessel, now transformed into a floating spa in the Arctic — blending classic maritime design with heat, water, and adventure.

While docked, you can drop in for sauna sessions and Arctic plunges.
Or take it a step further and join a spa cruise, sailing out in search of wildlife or northern lights.

Onboard you’ll find a mix of experiences:
• Finnish sauna
• Event sauna
• Hammam
• Hot tub on deck
• Bar and lounge areas
• Sleeping quarters

The atmosphere here is something special — relaxing on deck with a drink, surrounded by mountains and cold Arctic air, before climbing down the ladder for a plunge into the sea.

And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even charter the boat for multi-day expeditions into remote fjords.

A floating spa experience unlike anything else.

🇳🇴Some places you plan to visit. Others you simply stumble upon and wish you had more time for.

That was our experience at Unstad Arctic Surf in Lofoten.

We initially stopped just to see the famous surf beach — a wild stretch of coastline where surfers ride cold Arctic waves surrounded by dramatic mountains. But once we arrived, we quickly realized this place is much more than a surf spot.

Unstad has created a full Arctic surf and wellness playground: multiple saunas, cold plunges, hot tubs, a restaurant, accommodation, and plenty of activities around the beach.

One detail that says a lot about the climate here: the massive hammer used to break the ice in the cold plunges during winter.

We were only planning a short stop and a coffee… but while we were sitting there, one of the staff members surprised us by saying he had heated up the sauna for us in case we wanted a quick session before continuing our journey.

Moments like that say a lot about a place.

If we had more time in Lofoten, this would absolutely be a destination to spend a full day — or even a few.

Some places in Lofoten feel almost unreal — Lofoten Basecamp is one of them.

About an hour after arriving in Lofoten by ferry from Bodø to Moskenes, we reached the basecamp late in the evening. As if on cue, the northern lights appeared above the fjord, dancing over the traditional rorbuer cabins and creating one of those truly iconic Lofoten moments.

The next morning started the best way possible: a calm sauna session overlooking the fjord, while our car charged nearby. In the daylight we could finally take in the full beauty of the place — steep mountains, calm water, and the quiet atmosphere that makes Lofoten so special.

After the sauna we met the owner, Rolf, who warmly showed us around and even gave us a preview of their new sauna that will soon be ready for guests. He also shared great tips about hidden spots and activities around Lofoten — something we truly appreciated.

Places like this remind you that a great destination is not only about the landscape, but also about the people behind it.

A beautiful stop in the heart of Lofoten.

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