Body and soul without breaking the bank: Wellness and SPA experiences in Norway — prices, life hacks and the best locations for 2025.

The Scandinavian way of life, with its love of friluftsliv, makes taking care of your body as easy as going for a hike in the mountains. But a spa package for 1,900 kr and a sauna for 300 kr/hour may be a bit out of the price range for budget travellers. The great thing is, prices vary, and flexible rates, quiet weekdays and natural springs allow you to relax without breaking the bank. We've put together a list of the 10 most common questions we receive about wellness and spas in Norway. We've also included some detailed answers, current prices and money-saving tips.

How much does a day at the flagship Oslo The Well complex cost and when is it cheaper?

The Well (Kolbotn, 15 km from the centre) is a wonderful place to visit if you're interested in spa complexes. It's the largest in Scandinavia, with 11 saunas, 15 pools, a hammam and an onsen. You'll be pleased to know that our Weekday Day Spa ticket is just 595 kr, and if you're visiting at the weekend, it's only 695 kr. After 6 p.m., the Kveldskort is available for 395 kr, which is a great option for tourists. Here's a little life hack for you: Hey, just a heads-up that Tuesday is Textile Tuesday! 🌟 You can rent a bathrobe for just 99 kr, and if you're a student, you'll get an awesome 20% discount with your ISIC card. ☺️ The lovely Morning Zen package (07:00-11:00 on weekdays) is just 295 kr + coffee, and you can enjoy the photo zones for free! There are not many visitors, so you'll have plenty of space to relax and enjoy your morning. Hey, I just wanted to let you know about this sweet deal with the Oslo Pass e-coupon. You can get a 10% discount on the day rate, and I don't think many people know about it yet.

Hey, have you ever wondered how much a private floating sauna costs? Or maybe you're curious about how the bill is divided?

If you're looking for a unique and relaxing experience, why not try floating saunas? You can find these amazing saunas in the beautiful Oslo Fjord (Sørenga, Bjørvika) and the enchanting Bergen (Nøstebryggen). We totally get it – sometimes you just need a spot for a few hours, and sometimes you're looking to enjoy a whole cabin to a group of up to 10 people. Either way, we've got you covered at a rate of 220 kr/hour for a drop-in spot or 1,150 kr/hour to rent the entire cabin. Hey, why not split the cost? That way, it works out at just 115 kr/hour! And if you visit before 2 p.m. on weekdays, you'll pay just 150 kr. Good morning, lovely people! 🌞️ If you're here from 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m., you'll get 99 kr, and your coffee is on us! ☕️ In the beautiful north (Tromsø Pust), you'll be delighted to know that the price is just 195 kr/hour, and what's more, in winter, you'll be treated to a magical view of the northern lights! Please be sure to book a week in advance: Please remember that Friday slots are available for booking until 30 minutes before the venue opens.

Hey, have you ever thought about checking out spa hotels? I know it can be expensive, but is it actually possible to find a retreat for less than 1,200 kr per night?

Absolutely! The mid-week (Sunday-Thursday) Sleep & Spa package at Hotel Union Øye is an absolute bargain at just 1,190 kr per person: one night's stay, breakfast, and three hours of access to the fjord spa. You might also like to know that similar prices are available at Sundvolden Hotel (Ringerike) — 1,050 kr/person. The secret is to book 30 days in advance and catch the 'senior week' — there's no age requirement, it's just marketing. And if you're in the south, don't miss out on Farris Bad (Larvik)'s amazing 'Sunday Deal'! For just 1,150 kr, you can enjoy a delicious buffet dinner and an incredible 35% discount from the Friday price.

How much does a massage cost and which packages are the best value?

The lovely people of Oslo, Bergen and Tromsø charge on average 950 kr, 890 kr and 920 kr for a 50-minute 'klassisk massasje'. The Well sells a 'Klippekort 5' — 5 treatments of 45 minutes for 3,750 kr (750 kr/session). Hey, I just wanted to let you know about another option for those of you looking for a massage. Axel's Massage School is a great place with student practitioners offering 60-minute sessions for just 450 kr. The quality is always checked by a teacher, so you know you're in good hands. You can book online, and while there's a wait of 1-2 weeks, you'll be saving 55%!

Are there any free or inexpensive natural hot springs?

While volcanic hot springs are usually associated with the region, there are actually fjord hot pots, which are tubular pools heated by wood. Hey, if you're ever in the area, you should definitely check out Lysebotn Road #9 in Rogaland. It's got free access, so you don't have to worry about that, and you can bring your own wood if you like (they sell a net for 69 kr). At North Cape, there are hot water tanks called 'Sarnes Bath' — a kind gesture on the part of the locals, who have installed an 'honesty box' for a mud bath with 70°C water, which is open 24/7. A small symbolic fee helps to keep it clean and welcoming for everyone.

How to save money on solar spa treatments (scrubs, wraps)?

Large spas offer an 'upgrade menu': salt scrub bucket 65 kr, honey-yoghurt wrap 75 kr (you can help yourself to this one). You can bring your own — there is no limit to the size of the container you can use. You could save 300 kr.

Are there student or corporate passes?

OsloMet and BI offer a Student Spa Pass: you can visit The Well five times for 2,200 kr (440 kr per visit). SATS + Wellness corporate cards give you a 20% discount on personal tickets. Look for 'bedriftsidrettslag' – that's the Norwegian word for employee clubs. These often pay for one visit per month for employees (as part of a wellbeing budget).

What do the 'Arctic Spa' packages in the north include?

Arctic Bath on the Torne River (border) — 2-hour floating sauna + ice hole, sea buckthorn scrub, Lapland herbal tea — 1,450 kr. Here's a great tip for your evening: go for a swim between 10 p.m. and midnight. It costs 690 kr, and there can be a maximum of 12 people. The best part is that you'll have the best chance of seeing the Northern Lights. Tromsø Ice Sauna — 350 kr for 90 minutes, group only, bring your own swimsuit.

Do you need to book a wooden outdoor bath (called a 'badstu') in Oslo?

Yes. Oslo Badstuforening runs eight floating baths, and you can book a slot 14 days in advance. You can usually go on weekday mornings, but you have to book for Friday evening in advance because it's very popular. The cancellation list on Instagram Stories helps you find last-minute slots in the evening. The link is active for 15 minutes. If you catch a live slot, it's 150 kr instead of 195 kr.

Do OsloPass and BergenCard help you save money on spa treatments?

Yes. The OsloPass 'Wellness add-on' (costs an extra 95 kr) gives you 20% off The Well, Fjord Saunas and Massage Schools. You'll get your money back after just two visits within 48 hours. With the BergenCard, you can get 15% off City Sauna and 10% off Fjord Spa cruises. Simply show the cashier the QR code before paying.

Norwegian wellness has something for everyone, from floating saunas in the centre of Oslo for 150 kroner to Arctic tubs with views of the Northern Lights. Choose a morning or weekday slot, share a private sauna with friends, get student passes and combine the OsloPass with 'evening tickets'. And if you want it for free, find a hot pot by the fjord, add a few logs to the fire and enjoy the most authentic spa treatment in the world. Then both your body and wallet will say “takk” – the impressions will warm you even during the long northern winter.