Something odd is happening over in Sweden. Looking across their ports, you may notice a type of property unfamiliar to some. They’re floating saunas. Although technically banned by port authorities, owners of Oslo’s first floating sauna said the heck with it and begun essentially taking it on a tour which has sparked major attention.
Saunas in Sweden have a long history. After all, sweat rituals are a huge part of European culture. Millennials have been brought to sweat rituals and saunas through a search for something real, healthy, and authentic. In next-door Finland, there are saunas almost everywhere. In people’s homes, businesses, spas, and yes, even on their ports. In Sweden however, the admiration for saunas is a little less. How they came to arrive at the concept of a floating sauna has to do with Oslo’s re-building port culture.
Years ago, Oslo’s ports were filled with bustling industry – warehouses, shipyards, and water unfortunately heavily pollute. Since the early 1980s when the shipbuilding industry in the city was shut down due to mounting competition in Japan and Korea, Sweden’s ports have only been getting lonelier. In 2000, Oslo decided to open its ports to the general public and redeveloped over 52 hectares of parks and public spaces, brought in more than 50,000 workplaces, and apartments.
In this hub of activity, within the past few years, the friendly floating sauna in Oslo, Sweden has arrived. Built with a driftwood exterior, it resembles as if the sauna was born from the ocean. All clean and cozy, these floating saunas fit about 12 people. Unlike contemporary sauna design trends which focus on minimalism and sleekness, these floaters are more anarchist and artistic. Unfortunately, Oslo authorities didn’t appreciate it very much when these saunas first began making their appearance. The response was that it looked like garbage and thereby, was banned.
In an effort to avoid having their Oslo floating sauna seized, the owners moved it all over the waterfront more than 14 times. Soon, it became a hot property by recreational visitors. Instagrammed selfies began shown up now and again. Suddenly, Oslo authorities saw its value. After it became legalized, more floating saunas began popping up in Sweden’s ports. Now, multiples exist. Within the next few years, the number is expected to increase to 15 or more. It’s become a sort of tourist attraction.
Although the licenses provided to the owners of Oslo’s current crop of floating saunas are temporary, in all likelihood, this will be something that continues to grow and be featured in Swedish tourism.
Could the same thing ever happen in a Canadian port? We’d like to think so. Major cities like Vancouver have major opportunities to have floating saunas although it would take a lot of planning, commitment, and passion. Maybe we will one day live in a Canada where floating saunas become the norm. It remains to be seen where this trend will end up, be it as a hit or a moment in time.
Are you looking for saunas in Canada? Choose Steam Sauna to get yourself set up with a customized steam room, traditional Finnish sauna, or infrared sauna for your home or place of business. We’ve helped homeowners, gyms, hotels, spas, and more purchase and install the right sauna for their needs. If you need some guidance, speak with an expert today.