Badstubåten Pysen

The river flowed steady under a gray southern Norway sky as I walked down to the dock outside Mandal Hotel. Mandal sits at the mouth of the Mandalselva, a quiet coastal town with white wooden houses lining the streets and beaches nearby that draw folks in summer. I had heard about this floating sauna named Pysen, after Norway's southernmost point just off the coast here. On this chilly morning, I decided to try the Sunday drop-in session.

I arrived around eight, paid 225 kroner at the hotel reception, and headed out to the boat. It floated right there in the river, simple and inviting, with room for up to fifteen people. A few others were already inside, chatting softly as the heat built.

I stepped aboard and felt the warmth wrap around me right away. The sauna had that clean, woody scent, and the benches were arranged to fit a group comfortably. We sat there, letting the heat sink in, while the boat rocked gently with the current.

Someone mentioned ordering drinks if we had booked ahead, but this was a casual drop-in, so we kept it simple. The session ran from seven to ten in the morning every Sunday, and the price included more than just the sauna. After about an hour, my skin felt flushed, ready for a break.

I lingered a bit longer, watching the steam rise and mix with the river air coming through a small window. The group grew to about ten, a mix of locals and visitors, all easing into the day.

Stepping out onto the deck, I eyed the Mandalselva below. The water looked cold and clear, perfect for a quick dip to cool off. I jumped in, and the chill hit sharp, waking me up fully. Back on the boat, I dried off and warmed up again inside.

For those who booked a private session, the boat could be rented for 1750 kroner for two hours, fitting a family or friends. They even offered the option to rent a hotel room for showers if space allowed, at 250 kroner for three hours. But on this drop-in day, the price covered sauna access, a shower at the hotel, and breakfast.

I headed back to the hotel for the buffet. Fresh bread, cheeses, and coffee waited in the dining area, a solid end to the morning. The whole visit left me relaxed, with the river's rhythm still in my step as I walked away through town.