MS Vulkana Arctic Spa: How to Book, What to Know, & Tips

I have traveled to Tromsø multiple times and before returning to the city, I am always looking for new and unique things to do there.

That is when I discovered the MS Vulkana Arctic Spa, one of Tromsø’s newest (and best, in my opinion) experiences. I couldn’t book a session fast enough!

In this guide, I will detail how to book a spa session at Vulkana, why you should, and some tips for your time slot. I also discuss the other ways you can hop on board the MS Vulkana (because they run a few tours out to sea!).

There is no better way to break up your winter trip to Tromsø than to spend a few hours relaxing at the MS Vulkana Spa at the harbor.

Trust me, it is one of my favorite things to do in the Norwegian city and one I am sure you will love too!

MS Vulkana Spa Visitor Information

• Address: MS VULKANA, Søndre Tollbodgate 17 – 9008 Tromsø, Norway
• Opening Hours: Wednesday to Friday (12 pm – 10 pm), Saturday (11 am – 10 pm), and Sunday (12 pm – 4 pm)
• Ticket Prices: Prices vary depending on your reservation 
• Parking: There are several parking lots found nearby (it is easily walkable from anywhere in the city center, however)
• How to Book: You can book spa cruises or timeslots on their website

Where is the Vulkana Spa?

It’s located on the MS VULKANA, an old fishing and whaling vessel that dates back to 1957.

This boat is just a short walk from the Polar Museum and Perspective Museum and is located in front of Full Steam Tromsø AS, a popular restaurant.

Vulkana Spa sits on the Tromsø harbor.

How to Get There

The Vulkana sauna and spa is easily accessible for those staying in Tromsø!

It’s located near several tourist attractions and there are parking lots nearby if you’re driving into the city. Tromsø bus terminal is also around a 10-minute walk away.

If you need to take a bus to reach the city center, you can get off at the bus stop ‘Kystens hus’ (bus 20 or 24) and walk from there.

Alternatively, you can take bus 28 to the stop ‘Skippergata’.

Highlights & Facilities on MS Vulkana

You will find plenty of facilities on board the MS Vulkana. I list a few of them below. If you are simply booking a session, you will be given a changing room to get ready (and a robe/towel/slippers).

My room was an old cabin with two bunks. I am not sure if this policy has changed as it is not on their website, but I was charged a small amount extra for the robe, towel, and slippers.

So, if you’re on a budget, bring your own!

• Wood-fired hot tub
• Traditional wood-fired Finnish sauna
• Turkish Hamman
• Ice Bath 
• Japanese-inspired Zen Lounge
• Fully-licensed bar and restaurant 
• Viewing deck

There is also a shower (shampoo/conditioner and soap provided inside) that you can use before stepping into the sauna.

Our session came with water as well as frozen fruit. It was so delicious and refreshing as it was served to us in the zen room after a sauna session!

Another cool thing you can do on the MS Vulkana is do a polar plunge! They have a ladder hanging off the side that you can go down slowly if you don’t want to jump from the side of the boat.

While I didn’t participate, my friend quickly went in!

Vulkana Spa Time Slot

You have two options for how to visit the Vulkana Arctic Spa; you can book a cruise or a timeslot. I didn’t do a sailing excursion and merely did a timeslot.

To see the timeslot options, including pricing (it fluctuates with season!), check out the appointment calendar on their website.

Vulkana Spa Cruises

It’s also possible to combine this epic spa experience with a cruise. Here are the three options! 

Fishing and Sauna Cruise

This 4-hour cruise will take you on a fishing adventure around the surrounding fjords of Tromsø. During this time, you’ll have use of the sauna.

A maximum of 12 people are allowed for this cruise and you’ll need to contact the team in advance. 

Fjord Spa Cruise

There’s no better way to relax than by cruising around Tromsø’s epic fjords.

Depending on the time of year, you can look out for the northern lights or marvel at the midnight sun while relaxing in the sauna or hot tub. A maximum of 12 people are allowed.

Ski and Sail Cruise

Finally, there’s the Ski and Sail cruise where you can visit the Lyngen Alps.

The MS VULKANA will take you on a cruise through the fjords, where you’ll then get to enjoy off-piste skiing. This is a great option for adventure lovers!

I saw a lot of people doing this in February/March/April when I was there as the ski seasons had wrapped up early in France, Italy, and Switzerland.

Other Events

Throughout the year, events take place at the onboard Vulkana Zen Lounge.

These include small intimate concerts, cultural activities, and shows. If you’re after a unique experience, check what’s on before you send a booking request.

Things to Know Before You Go

• As I mentioned above, the robe/towel/slippers may be a slight upcharge so bring your card with you. I was charged but I don’t see on their website that they have this listed. It was no more than $10 when I went.
• If you get seasick, do be aware that this may not be the experience for you. While the seas were calm when I was on board, I did feel a bit of movement from inside the zen room and I think that those that get seasick probably will too. The cruises may also bother those prone to seasickness.
• I am claustrophobic and while I loved this experience, I did find myself having to escape outside the boat fairly often. Since this is an old fishing vessel, it has tight quarters! Just be prepared if you struggle in confined spaces.
• The staff is incredible! They were helpful, spoke English, and made the experience memorable.

I hope you can take advantage of this unique experience in Tromsø! It is such a photogenic and rejuvenating experience and one I recommend to all.

More Tromsø Experiences You Might Like

• Whale-watching tours in Tromsø
• Northern lights tours in Tromsø

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