Anfasteröd Gårdsvik Sauna Raft

The road to Anfasteröd Gårdsvik wound through dense woods, the kind that hug the coast in Bohuslän. I arrived on a crisp autumn afternoon, with the sea breeze carrying a hint of salt and pine. This spot sits on a wooded slope overlooking Ljungskile Bay, part of Sweden's inner archipelago, where the water stays calm and the islands dot the horizon like scattered stones.

I had booked the wood-fired sauna raft for a 105-minute session, costing 850 SEK. It floats out on the bay, a public setup that can hold up to 12 people, though on this day it was just a small group of us. The raft bobbed gently, tied to the shore, with direct sea access right from the door. I stepped aboard, feeling the wooden planks shift underfoot, and settled into the rhythm of the place.

Inside the sauna, the wood-fired stove crackled as it warmed the air. The heat built steadily, drawing sweat from my skin while the panoramic views of the bay unfolded through the windows. We sat on the benches, chatting about the area's history, how this bay was once famous for its spa era and balsamic climate.

After a while, the steam thickened, and I felt ready for a break. The relaxation room next door offered a cool spot to pause, with seats facing the water. It was simple, just a place to catch your breath before heading back in. The group took turns, some lingering longer in the heat, others stepping out sooner.

What struck me was the floating aspect: every wave nudged the raft, adding a subtle motion to the session. It made the experience feel tied to the ocean, not separate from it.

When the heat peaked, I pushed open the door and climbed down the swimming ladder straight into the sea. The cold water shocked my body, but in a good way, like waking up fully. The bay here is protected by Orust island, keeping the waves gentle, perfect for a quick plunge even if you're not an expert swimmer.

Back on the raft, I warmed up again, repeating the cycle a couple of times. Nearby, on the beach, they have wood-fired hot tubs filled with seawater, and a small pavilion called the beach house with a fireplace and seats overlooking the view. I didn't book those this time, but I saw others heading there after their sauna. The whole setup encourages mixing sauna with sea activities, like kayaking or just cliff swimming from the rocks.

As the session wrapped up, the sun dipped lower, casting a golden light over the inner archipelago. I rowed a small boat back to shore, feeling refreshed from the nature and the ritual.