Kajkanten Floating Sauna

The ferry from Gothenburg eased into Vrångö's harbor on a cool autumn day. I stepped off onto the quiet island, where cars are rare and paths wind through rocky shores. Kajkanten's sauna raft floated nearby, tied up in the inner harbor next to the hotel. It looked sturdy, about 60 square meters of wood and decking, ready for a group of us to unwind.

We had booked the afternoon session from 1:00 to 5:00 PM, which cost 3,500 SEK. Since a few friends were staying overnight at the hotel, we got a 1,000 SEK discount on that. The raft promised a mix of heat, sea swims, and some cooking if we felt like it.

I climbed aboard and felt the gentle rock of the water underfoot. The wood-fired sauna sat at one end, its stove already warming the air with a faint smoky scent. We tossed in some logs to build the heat, and soon the room grew steamy.

A hot tub bubbled nearby, fed by the same warmth. I settled on a bench inside the sauna, letting the temperature climb slowly. Sweat beaded on my skin as the group chatted about the island's trails. The raft had space for up to 15 people, but with just eight of us, it felt open and easy.

Outside, a wooden deck wrapped around the whole thing. It offered extra seats and views of the harbor, where boats bobbed in the distance.

After about 20 minutes in the heat, I stepped out and headed for the bathing ladder. The sea water looked dark and inviting, even in the fall chill. I lowered myself in, the cold hitting like a shock that cleared my head. Back on deck, I slipped into the hot tub to warm up again. It was a good cycle: sauna, sea dip, tub, repeat.

A shower and bathroom were tucked inside, handy for rinsing off salt. We took turns, laughing as the waves lapped against the raft.

Later, we moved to the relaxation area, which doubled as a spot to mingle. The setup encouraged that, with plenty of room to stretch out and talk.

As the session wore on, we explored the kitchen. It was well stocked for about 12 people, with a gas stove, oven, microwave, coffee maker, fridge, and freezer. We had brought some simple ingredients and put together a light meal, plates clinking as we worked.

A barbecue area waited on the quay next door. One friend fired it up for grilling, while we ordered a seafood delivery straight to the raft. The fresh catch arrived just in time, pairing well with the salty air.

By the end of our four hours, the sun dipped low over Bohuslän's archipelago. We packed up, feeling refreshed from the heat and the sea.