Retreats
Take Our Sauna Culture Back to Where It Started
Building Scottish Seaside Saunas took me all over the UK, Ireland and the Nordic region, visiting saunas and learning from the people who run them. These retreats are how I get to share that directly - small-group trips to Oslo and Finland, co-hosted with Imogen Murray of Nàdair Adventures, built around genuine, hands-on sauna culture.
-Judith
Why We Run These Trips
These aren't packaged holidays with a sauna bolted on - they're built around genuinely experiencing Nordic sauna culture from the inside: floating community-owned saunas, sauna boats, forest bathing, smoke saunas, and the rituals and etiquette that go with all of it.
Oslo Sauna Retreat 2027
Sauna, sea, snow and the magic of Oslo in winter
Imagine stepping from a hot sauna into the crisp Nordic air, plunging into icy water before warming up again beside the Oslo Fjord. Spend an evening drifting through the city’s floating sauna culture, discover the rituals and traditions that make sauna such an important part of Norwegian life, and unwind in one of the Nordic region’s largest spa destinations.
Join Scottish Seaside Saunas and Nàdair Adventures for four unforgettable days in Oslo, from Monday 8 February to Thursday 11 February 2027.
Following our trips in 2025 and 2026 we’re delighted to return for one very special winter retreat — bringing together the best of Oslo’s sauna culture, the beauty of the fjord and the warmth of Norwegian hospitality.
Your Hosts
Based at one of the Nordic region’s largest spa destinations on the outskirts of Oslo, you’ll be hosted by Judith Dunlop, founder and owner of Scottish Seaside Saunas, and Imogen Murray, experienced adventure tour organiser and founder of Nàdair Adventures.
Together, we’ll introduce you to some of the very best of Oslo’s sauna scene — from community-owned floating saunas and an exclusive sauna boat trip on the Oslo Fjord, to traditional sauna rituals and Aufguss experiences at our hotel base.
A sauna experience like no other
Our luxurious hotel and spa provides the perfect base for your Oslo adventure.
With 15 different saunas and steam baths, numerous swimming pools, a cold plunge pool, more than 100 experience showers and an extensive treatment department, there is plenty to explore.
You can also discover the Japanese-inspired bathhouse, complete with onsen, Hamam and Rhassoul, alongside a programme of exciting sauna rituals and Aufguss ceremonies.
There will be plenty of time to relax and enjoy the facilities at your own pace — whether that means trying something new, joining a sauna ritual or simply slowing down and soaking up the atmosphere.
Into the Oslo Fjord
Our adventure doesn’t stop at the spa.
We’ll head into Oslo to experience the city’s unique sauna culture for ourselves, including an exclusive floating sauna experience on the Oslo Fjord, hosted by our charismatic captain.
We’ll also visit some of Oslo’s community-owned floating saunas and discover the stories behind them — learning how these grassroots sauna communities have become such an important part of the city’s culture.
Exploring Oslo
There will also be time to experience some of Oslo beyond its saunas.
You’ll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch at the architecturally stunning MUNCH Museum, as well as exploring the city and taking in some of its sights, culture and atmosphere.
This is more than a spa break. It’s an opportunity to experience Oslo through its sauna culture, explore the wintery beauty of the fjord, meet the people behind the city’s sauna movement and share an unforgettable Nordic adventure with a small group of like-minded people.
Dates & Pricing
WINTER Retreat
8 February to Thursday 11 February 2027
from £1,200
(single & shared occupancy options)
By booking, you agree to our Retreats Terms & Conditions.
Optional Extra: Sagene Folkebad
For those who want to experience even more of Oslo’s sauna and bathing culture, why not join us for an optional visit to Sagene Folkebad, one of the city’s most beautiful and historic bathhouses?
Enjoy a relaxing sauna session followed by a traditional Norwegian lunch, before we take care of the transport and drop you in Oslo city centre at 3pm — giving you the rest of the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
It’s the perfect way to round off your Oslo sauna experience, combining traditional Norwegian bathing, good food and a little more time to discover the city.
What's Included:
Your three-night, four-day Oslo sauna adventure includes:
- Three nights’ accommodation at our luxurious hotel and spa base, with spa access throughout your stay, including guided Aufguss sauna rituals.
- A two-hour session at Sukkerbiten, Oslo’s iconic floating sauna complex, where you’ll experience the city’s unique community sauna culture.
- A floating sauna adventure on the Oslo Fjord, taking in the winter scenery from the water.
- All meals throughout your stay, including a memorable five-course tasting menu at an award-winning restaurant.
- Exclusive branded swimwear for you to use during your time at the hotel spa.
- All transport during the retreat, from the moment you arrive in Oslo, excluding flights.
- Time to explore Oslo, with opportunities to discover the city’s architecture, culture, food and unique sauna scene.
Not included:
Flights to and from Oslo, drinks and snacks (including alcohol), and optional museum entry are not included.
OSLO RETREAT FAQs
Do I need to be a sauna expert?
Not at all. Our Oslo sauna retreat is suitable for everyone, whether you’re completely new to sauna culture or already a regular sauna-goer. We’ll guide you through each experience, and you’re always welcome to take things at your own pace.
Can I come alone?
Absolutely. Many of our guests are solo travellers, and our retreats are a friendly and welcoming way to meet like-minded people while exploring Oslo together.
What about flights?
Flights aren't included - you're responsible for arranging your own travel to the meeting point, and we recommend not booking travel until the trip is confirmed (i.e. minimum numbers are met).
When is the drop-off?
The retreat ends on Thursday morning, with drop-off at Oslo Gardermoen Airport or in central Oslo.
If you’ve booked the optional Sagene Folkebad experience, the trip will finish with drop-off at Oslo S at 3pm, giving you time to enjoy a sauna, traditional Norwegian lunch and a little more time in the city.
Do you have another question?
If there’s anything we haven’t answered, please drop us an email and we’ll be happy to help.
Finland Sauna Retreats
New for 2026: a five-day trip to the home of sauna itself. We start in Nuuksio National Park, staying in lakeside cabins — each with its own sauna — at the award-winning Hawkhill, before moving to the contrasting pace of Helsinki for city saunas, floating pools and a smoke sauna session at Löyly, named one of Time Magazine's Top 100 Places in the World to Visit.
The Itinerary
Day 1 — Meet at Helsinki airport at 13:30 and travel to Hawkhill in Nuuksio National Park. Settle in with hot lingonberry juice by the fire, getting to know the group and an introduction to Finnish culture. Optional lake swim, sauna and time to unwind before a two-course dinner.
Day 2 — Optional morning yoga, swim or sauna, then breakfast before a guided hike through Nuuksio National Park with foraging for mushrooms and berries and an introduction to Finnish flora, fauna and lifestyle. Free time for swimming, sauna and relaxation, followed by a traditional Finnish evening meal in a forest restaurant.
Day 3 — A morning of optional yoga, swimming, sauna or walking the park's marked trails before travelling to Helsinki. Settle into your city-centre hotel, then head out for lunch and a visit to Allas Sea Pools. Evening meal in the city centre.
Day 4 — A free morning to explore Helsinki, followed by lunch together and an evening at Löyly, including the chef's menu.
Day 5 — A short transfer to Furuvik seaside sauna for a final sauna, swim and traditional Finnish picnic lunch, before transferring to the airport.
Dates & Pricing
Autumn Retreat
‘September 2027’ Dates TBC
By booking, you agree to our Retreats Terms & Conditions.
FAQs
Do I need to be an experienced sauna-goer?
No - all levels are welcome on both trips.
Can I travel alone?
Yes, solo travellers are welcome on both retreats. On the Oslo trip, shared occupancy may be arranged on request; on the Finland trip, accommodation at Hawkhill is always shared, with a single room available only during the Helsinki leg.
What about flights?
Flights aren't included - you're responsible for arranging your own travel to the meeting point, and we recommend not booking travel until the trip is confirmed (i.e. minimum numbers are met).
Can I bring a partner or friend?
Yes - just note that at Hawkhill on the Finland trip, you'll need to be prepared to share a room with them (or another solo traveller, if travelling alone).