Norway Spa Guide: The Best Spas in Oslo

Oslo, Norway. [Photo credit: Benjamin Esteves]

If you’re looking for rich Scandinavian and Viking history, Oslo has it in abundance. The original city in Norway was founded at the end of the Viking Age in 1040; however, it was destroyed by a fire in 1624 during the reign of King Christian IV. A new city center was built shortly thereafter where modern Oslo sits today, originally named Christiania after the king and (much) later renamed Oslo in 1925.

The old city center was not wholly abandoned, however, and is now considered a suburb of Oslo named Gamlebyen, which translates to “Old Town.” Here, visitors will find the stone and brick ruins of a city that once was, providing a sneak peek into the origins of Norway’s largest city.

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Beyond its history, Oslo has a wealth of attractions, culinary outlets, cultural sites, and stunning natural landscape to explore. Snø is Norway’s only indoor ski resort, offering up year-round winter fun for those looking to spend an afternoon skiing or snowboarding. Add some thrill with a visit to Norway’s largest amusement park, TusenFryd, with its more than 30 rides, attractions, shops, and restaurants.

Getting hungry? Dine on time-honored Norwegian fare at outlets like Syverkiosken, which is widely beloved for its pølse i lompe, a traditional take on a hotdog made with sausage in a soft potato flatbread. Try some waffles topped with brown goat cheese or jam and sour cream at Harald’s Vaffel, or fresh caught seafood at Lofoten Fish Restaurant or Skur 33.

For some art and culture, The National Museum houses both old and contemporary artworks, the Nordic Bible and Book Museum features some 6,000 Bibles on display, and The Historical Museum houses the country’s largest collection of items from pre-historic times and the Middle Ages.

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And, of course, round out a visit with sightseeing expeditions of Norway’s stunning fjords—which consist of perhaps the most famous in the world, Geirangerfjord, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and comprised of deep blue waters, towering mountain peaks, and striking waterfalls. You might choose between a chartered cruise or boat tour to see it and other fjords including Aurlandsfjord, Nærøyfjord, Lysefjord, Sognefjord, and Nordfjord, among others.

After all of that, take some time to relax and recoup with a visit to some of Oslo’s top spa and wellness outlets. Whether you’re in the mood for a simple facial or a more intensive wellness experience, the city has countless options that will leave you feeling like your best—Norwegian style.

Our Norway spa guide shines the spotlight on the best spas in Oslo. Read on to discover our top spa picks s and find the best flight deals to Norway when booking your next getaway

Artesia Spa at Grand Hotel Oslo

Karl Johans, Gate 31, 0159, Oslo, Norway; (+47) 23-21-20-00

[Photo credit: Fratres Film]

Grand Hotel Oslo is located in the heart of the city within walking distance of distinguished sites such as The Royal Palace, Akker Brygge, Akershus Fortress, and the National Theater. Dating to 1874, the hotel celebrates its 150th anniversary this year and is known for its expansive sustainability practices.

Treat yourself to luxury wellness facilities at the on-site Artesia Spa, an independent spa brand that operates in tandem with the hotel. It features exclusive treatment rooms, a heated wellness pool, steam bath, sauna, and an infrared cabin.

Treatments to note include Aroma, Shiatsu, and Deep Tissue massages; facials, chemical peels, and lash tints; and full-body scrubs and manicures. Consider one of its comprehensive packages like the Time Out, New Glow, and Fresh & Fabulous.

KOK Oslo

Langkaia 1, 0150, Oslo, Norway; (+47) 93-40-05-22

Take your wellness experience out on the Norwegian waters with a floating sauna outing through KOK Oslo. Choose a private sauna, sauna cruise or shared sauna, all of which have docked locations at Langkaia near the center of Oslo with views of the Opera House, and at Aker Brygge with views of the archipelago and Akershus Fortress.

The private saunas—known as Privatkok—are available for two-hour bookings and stay at the dock with access to a wireless stereo and shared changing room. The sauna cruise—named Kokcruise—drifts out into the surrounding fjord and its islands off the coast of Oslo.

When you’ve heated up enough, you might even ask the skipper to stop the boat so you and friends or family can cool off with a refreshing dip in the water. The shared sauna—called Felleskok—offers a way to gather and connect with up to eight people; this option also keeps the saunas at the dock and lasts an hour and a half.

Oslo Guldsmeden

Parkveien 78, 0254, Oslo, Norway; (+47) 94-01-30-91

Nestled within Oslo’s lively Vika district, Oslo Guldsmeden is a cozy hotel located amid local restaurants, art galleries, and boutiques. Access to the city center is easy with the hotel’s proximity to tram and bus lines, and a short walk will bring you to the Aker Brygge and its bars, restaurants, and stunning fjord views.

Oslo Guldsmeden’s spa comprises a Turkish-inspired hammam with dry and infrared saunas, bath tub, steam bath, and a relaxation area—all of which can offer the perfect respite before, during, or after a day spent exploring the city or cruising through the fjords.

Appease your appetite at the hotel’s all-organic Oslo Restaurant, serving up delectable bistro cuisine.

The Well Spa

Kongeveien 65, 1412, Sofiemyr, Norway; (+47) 48-04-48-88

Comprising a 104-room hotel, ritzy spa amenities, and delectable culinary outlets, The Well is located about a 20-minute drive south of Oslo’s city center. Its Restaurant Mori serves up satisfying Asian flavors while Brasseriet features a menu of French-inspired plates.

Most notably, The Well Spa is the largest and most comprehensive spa in the Nordic region, containing 11 pools, 15 saunas and steam baths, more than 100 showers, and an outdoor component with more than 200 lounge chairs, cabanas, and pools. The steam baths emulate traditional Roman steam baths and there are four to choose from: the Crystal Steam Bath, the Rhassoul Steam Bath, the Art Deco Tepidarium, and the Japanese Steam Bath.

Explore the Japanese Bathhouse and traditional Japanese bathing culture, sweat your stress out in the Finnish Sauna—the hottest sauna at The Well—or choose from its diverse menu of wellness treatments spanning facials, massages, manicures, and cosmetic services.

Thief Spa at The Thief

Landgangen 1, 0252, Oslo, Norway; (+47) 24-00-40-00

The Thief is a waterfront boutique hotel near the Astrup Fearnley Museum of Modern Art. The building was designed by Mellbye Arkitekter and features on-site dining, elegantly designed guest rooms, and Thief Spa.

Spa experiences to note here include the Revitalizing Retreat, Afternoon Tea & Massage, Thief Classic Massage, and Thief Classic Facial. The Thief Spa Luxury Evening Package includes access to the Thief Spa, a robe, slippers, a towel, a 50-minute traditional massage, and a three-course dining experience at Thief Restaurant featuring a delectable mix of Scandinavian and global flavors.

The Thief Spa Morning package comprises a Nordic breakfast buffet, access to the Thief Spa, a robe, slippers, a towel, and tea service. Keep it simple with one of its massage packages that pairs a massage with a meal—Massage  & Brunch, Massage & Lunch, or Massage & Dinner.

Individual treatments are abundant, too. The Diamond Well Living Signature Scrub uses salt crystals from the Dead Sea and rice powder to remove dead skin cells and renew the skin, while The Citrus Essence features an antioxidant facial treatment rich with vitamin C.

[Photos courtesy of spas and hotels]

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Amanda Christensen is a writer and editor based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with experience covering a range of business, lifestyle, and tourism topics. She has a passion for traveling and experiencing the world through a multitude of lenses, using her work to share with readers how they might best accomplish that themselves. View her work at amandachristensen.journoportfolio.com.