Damp Sauna "Melvin"

The river breeze carried a chill as I walked along the promenade in Porsgrunn. It was a clear afternoon in Telemark, with the water lapping gently against the docks. I had booked the sauna boat Melvin for a two-hour slot, starting at midday. The boat sat there, 33 feet long and 13 feet wide, ready for up to 15 people, though I was with a smaller group that day.

I stepped aboard, noting the changing room where we left our clothes. We had brought towels and swimwear, as required. The boat was open year-round, from ten in the morning until nine at night, every day of the week. Booking had to be done at least a day ahead, which I had managed without issue.

Inside, the heat came from an electric Harvia unit. It warmed the space steadily, building a comfortable sweat. The stereo system played soft tunes, and a refrigerator kept our drinks cool, though we left the food outside since nothing was allowed in the sauna itself.

We had the place to ourselves for those two hours. A shower stood ready for rinsing off. The wood felt smooth underfoot, and soon the air grew thick with steam.

Someone turned up the heat a bit more. I leaned back, letting the warmth sink in. The group chatted quietly, sharing stories from travels around Eastern Norway.

After a while, we decided to cool down. A hatch in the floor opened right to the water below. I lowered myself through it, feet first, into the river. The cold gripped me instantly, a sharp contrast to the sauna's heat.

I dipped quickly, then climbed back up, dripping. Others took turns, laughing at the shock. It was a simple thrill, that direct plunge from boat to water.

We repeated the cycle: heat up inside, then cool off outside. The boat rocked gently with the current, adding to the rhythm of the session.

Stairs led to the roof, a flat space for lounging. I climbed up and lay back, gazing at the sky and the town beyond. On nice days like this, the view stretched out over the water and the surrounding hills.

The sun warmed my skin between dips. Down below, the group continued their rounds. Parking had been easy: free spots along the promenade, with two hours gratis during weekdays until five, and unlimited otherwise.

As the session wound down, I felt refreshed. We gathered our things, stepped off the boat, and walked back along the dock. The river still flowed, steady and inviting.