Soria Moria Sauna

The road into Dalen wound through quiet hills, and I arrived just as the afternoon light softened over Lake Bandak. I parked at the lot on Markensvegen, grabbed my bag with towels and swimwear, and walked the 200 meters down to the sauna. The path led through a small park area, and I could see the water ahead, calm and wide.

Soria Moria sat right by the lake, a simple wooden structure that blended into the landscape. I had booked a two-hour slot for myself and a couple of friends, paying the 400 kroner total for up to five people. It felt like a fair deal for the privacy and the setting. Before heading in, I stopped at the sanitary building to shower, as the rules required. No one with a cough or sneeze was allowed, and we all needed to wear swimwear and sit on towels inside.

Once clean, I slipped on my sandals and made the short walk in my bathrobe. The air carried a chill, even in summer, so I was glad for the extra layer.

I picked up the key as instructed in the email after booking. The sauna could hold up to 15 people, but with just three of us, there was plenty of room to spread out. We stepped inside, and the warmth built steadily from the stove.

We sat on the benches, towels beneath us, and let the heat sink in. Conversation flowed easily, about the day's hike up from the mountains or the bike ride along the canal. This place was meant for gatherings like that, whether locals hosting evenings or visitors like us dropping by. I sipped from my water bottle, careful not to overdo it in the rising temperature.

After a while, we stepped out for a break. The lake was right there, inviting a quick dip to cool off. Back inside, the cycle repeated, heat followed by cold water. Alcohol was allowed in small amounts, but we stuck to water, keeping things simple.

I heard they offer drop-in sessions every Wednesday from six to eight in the evening. If someone uses the sauna more than twice a month, a membership makes sense for those. On my visit, though, it was a private booking, so we had the place to ourselves.

As the two hours wound down, we gathered our wet towels in a bag and tidied up. The walk back to the car felt refreshing, with the lake still visible in the fading light. I thought about the gift cards they sell, a nice way to share the experience with someone else.

Dalen's location in Telemark, with its fjords and forests nearby, added to the appeal. Cyclists and hikers often stop here, and I could see why. The sauna provided that quiet reset after a day outdoors.