Badstuflåten Lillesandkogen

The fjord water lapped gently against the dock as I arrived at Badstuflåten Lillesandkogen on a crisp autumn morning in Southern Norway. Lillesand's white wooden houses dotted the shoreline nearby, and the air carried a salty tang from the sea. I had booked my spot ahead, as they suggest, though drop-ins are fine too. The floating sauna setup sat idyllically by the recreational area at Kaldvell, promising a mix of heat and chill right on the water.

I changed into my towel and stepped onto the raft, feeling it bob slightly underfoot. The place felt welcoming, with space for groups if you rent it out. I opted for one of their Aufguss sessions, led by an experienced saunamester. It was a small gathering, just a handful of us settling onto the wooden benches inside.

The saunamester started by placing ice balls laced with essential oils onto the hot stove. Steam rose as he poured water over them, filling the air with a fresh, herbal scent that eased into my lungs. The humidity climbed, and the temperature built steadily, making my skin prickle with sweat.

We sat through waves of heat, the ritual unfolding in quiet focus. He fanned the air with a towel, directing the scented vapor around the room. It was intense but controlled, each pour ramping up the sensation without overwhelming. After about fifteen minutes, the session wrapped, and I felt that deep flush of relaxation.

Stepping out, the contrast hit. I headed straight for the sea bath, plunging into the cool fjord water. It shocked my system awake, the salt stinging lightly on my warmed skin.

Back on the raft, I slipped into the hot tub for a gentler unwind. Bubbles churned around me, easing the chill from the dip. The view stretched out over the water, with distant islands breaking the horizon. It was a peaceful spot, the kind where time slows down.

I lingered there, chatting with another visitor about the local coast. The whole visit lasted a couple of hours, including the ritual and soaks. If you're in Agder, it's worth the trip; just call +47 901 46 733 or email ocean.invest1@outlook.com to set it up. As I dried off and walked back along Østre Kystvei, the morning fog was lifting, revealing more of the rugged shoreline.