What to Know Before Visiting Pust Sauna in Tromsø, Norway

Floating in the middle of Tromsø harbor, you will find the well-known Pust Sauna. Built in 2020, Pust Sauna is made up of three different saunas: the Original Sauna, the more intimate Quiet Sauna, and the Lavvo Sauna.

In the middle of the saunas is a roped-off section of the harbor where you can submerge yourself in frigid water to shock the system and get your blood flowing. It is one of my favorite things to do in Tromsø (at any time of the year).

In this guide, I cover what to know before you visit Pust Sauna in Tromsø. If you have any questions, please leave a comment!

Why You Should Visit Pust Sauna in Tromsø

Tromsø can get busy, especially during the wintertime. The small streets bustle with tourists, and the non-stop activities can be draining. Luckily, Pust Sauna provides the perfect opportunity to take some time for yourself and relax!

While a sauna located in the middle of the city might not sound like the most relaxing experience, Pust has managed to create an area of tranquility, where you can sit inside the beautifully crafted sauna looking out over the water and the mountains across the fjord.

After spending time enjoying the heat of the sauna, you can step out and cool your body off in the fresh air or challenge yourself and take a polar plunge in the harbor. The water in Tromsø harbor does not freeze, which means you can enter the water all year round.

Just be aware that even in the middle of summer, the water temperature hovers around 7C (45F)! While swimming in Arctic waters might not be on everyone’s bucket list, it is a truly invigorating experience, especially in the middle of winter!

I took the opportunity to visit Pust in the early hours of the morning. The sauna was basically empty (I visited in summer; this may be a different experience in winter) when I arrived, and I was able to use the Lavvo Sauna on my own.

In my hour-long session, I split it into 10-minute saunas followed by dips into the water. I have to admit, my first attempt at getting into the water was less than successful, and I was briefly in and out of the water.

However, by my final dip, I was able to swim a little bit and fully control my breathing. While I opted for the morning, evening sessions during autumn and winter could allow you to relax while the northern lights dance above the city. 

How to Book a Session at Pust Sauna

You can book the sauna in advance online or in person. I would recommend booking in advance during the winter, as slots start getting booked up months in advance. 

You can choose to book single entrance tickets to the sauna for one or two hours, where you will share the sauna, or rent out the whole sauna for a private group. 

Single entrance adult tickets for the shared experience cost 340 NOK for an hour or 540 NOK for two hours. This price is the same for each of the sauna options. There are also discounted prices for youths (12-18 years old), children (under 12 years old), and students.

For a private experience, the prices are dependent on the sauna you choose. I have detailed the prices for private bookings below, including the number of people the sauna fits.

Quiet Sauna – 8-10 people

• 1 hour – 2000 NOK
• 2 hours – 3500 NOK

Original Sauna – 12 people

• 1 hour – 3000 NOK
• 2 hours – 5000 NOK

Lavvo Sauna – 20 people

• 1 hour – 4500 NOK
• 2 hours – 7500 NOK

Booking online is very easy, simply choose if you want a single ticket or a private booking. You will then be taken to a booking page depending on your option. For single tickets, you will then need to choose your desired length, the number of people per price bracket, the date, and then your desired time slot.

Payment can be done either by bank card or via Vipps (for those living in Norway). Once you have booked the sauna, you will be sent a code for accessing the sauna and changing rooms. If this does not arrive, there will be someone at the front desk who can help you out when you get there. 

The private booking platform is pretty much the same, apart from you only need to choose your sauna length, the date, and the desired time slot.

Alternatively, you can book in person. The prices are the same, and the person working at the front desk will provide you with a code and all the information you need.

What to Bring

You will need to bring the following items with you to the sauna:

• Swimwear (this is not a naked sauna!)
• A towel
• Slippers/flipflops/crocs
• A filled water bottle

If you don’t have a towel, you can purchase one at the front desk for around 200 NOK. The shop also sells branded wool sauna hats and water bottles.

Pust Sauna FAQ & Visitor Tips

When is Pust Sauna open?

The sauna is open every day of the year from 6 am to 11 pm.

Are there guided sauna experiences?

Yes! On their website, you can see the available slots for sauna rituals. The Nordic Aufguss is the perfect session to learn how to sauna and truly enjoy the experience.

During the 1.5-hour session, beginners will be guided through the right techniques for dealing with the heat and going into the icy water. More experienced sauna-goers will have the chance to learn how to immerse themselves deeper into the sauna culture and learn new techniques.

When is the best time of day to visit?

In my opinion, the best time to visit is either one of the first morning sessions or late at night. The later sessions during winter are likely to be the busiest due to the chances of seeing the aurora above. An early sauna is a great way to start the day off, as you will go about your activities fully relaxed.

Can I see the northern lights from Pust?

Yes, although the display would need to be strong as they have to compete against the lights of the city. I wouldn’t rely on seeing them during your visit to Pust Sauna in Tromsø. I recommend booking yourself onto a northern lights tour if that is your goal, and doing the sauna visit in the morning.

Are there toilets at the sauna?

No, but public toilets are available close by!

Can I shower at the sauna?

Yes, there is a shower in the changing rooms. However, you cannot use soaps or shampoos in the shower as the water drains directly into the sea. You will want to shower again once home, especially if you get in the water.

Does Pust Sauna have any other locations?

Yes, if you are travelling around Norway, you can visit one of Pust’s other locations in Bodø, Sortland, or Kadettangen in Bærum. 

A Few Tips for Enjoying a Sauna Experience

I have found it takes a few visits to fully enjoy a sauna. My sauna love has been forged in Finland, where people take it to a whole different level. However, I have learned some things that I think are worth knowing, especially if you do not have much sauna experience. 

Tip 1

Take it easy… saunas are supposed to be relaxing. Limit your heat exposure if you are not used to it. I try to aim for 10-15 minute sessions; however, if someone adds a lot of water and really heats up the sauna, I am not ashamed to only spend 5 minutes in the heat. Your body will let you know when it can’t handle it anymore!

Tip 2

Choose where you sit wisely. The top row tends to be the hottest, and the lower benches are slightly cooler. In larger saunas, the lower section by the door is often the coolest place for those who don’t think they can handle the heat. 

Tip 3

Obeying sauna etiquette is a must! Shower before entering. Ask people before putting a lot of water on the sauna stones. Make sure you open and shut the door quickly. It is also normal to put more water on the stones after the door has been opened.

Tip 4

Be careful with going in and out of the icy water! Do not go into the water if you are alone, and I would not recommend jumping in. If it is your first time going into the water, I recommend just going down the ladder and submerging yourself slowly and exiting if you cannot handle it. Your feet will feel the pain first, especially on the steps, so be prepared for that! Once you get into the water, breathe slowly and remain calm, and exit the water if you are not feeling it!

Tip 5

Bring plenty of water with you. Saunas can make you thirsty, and you will want to drink regularly. The person at reception told me there is a place to fill up water, but I couldn’t find it when I was there. So I would make sure you bring some along with you!

Do you have any questions about visiting Pust Sauna in Tromsø? Let me know in the comments.

And if you’re visitings Tromsø’s saunas, be sure to check out our guide to the Vulkana Arctic Spa too!

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