Flytende badstue "Frank"

The river breeze carried a chill as I walked from the parking house at Tømmerkaia. It was just a five-minute stroll to the dock on Klosterøya, where the sauna boat Frank bobbed gently in the water. Skien felt quiet that afternoon, with the Telemark landscape stretching out in low hills and waterways. I had booked the session a day ahead, knowing the boat runs year-round from ten in the morning until nine at night, every day of the week.

I arrived with my towel and swimwear, as required. The boat, run by Damp, has siblings nearby: Leo also in Skien, and Melvin over in Porsgrunn. Frank promised space for up to ten people, but I went with a smaller group. We climbed aboard, ready for the two-hour slot.

The large changing room welcomed us first. We stowed our things and slipped into swimwear, the wood panels giving off a faint, earthy scent. Outside, the roof terrace looked inviting, with views over the river and the island's greenery. Klosterøya has that mix of old industrial spots and open spaces, a good spot for something like this floating setup.

We brought snacks and drinks, as allowed, but kept them out of the sauna itself. The rules were clear on that. Once changed, we moved toward the heat, the boat steady under our feet.

Inside the sauna, the wood stove crackled as it warmed the air. Flames flickered through the grate, building heat steadily without rush. We sat on the benches, sweat starting to bead after a few minutes. The space felt right for our group, not cramped even if we had hit the full ten.

I stepped out now and then to the terrace, cooling off with the river air. The contrast sharpened everything: hot wood inside, crisp breeze outside. Time slipped by in that rhythm, the two hours feeling just enough to unwind.

Later, as we wrapped up, the boat's gentle rock reminded me of the water below. We gathered our things, leaving the dock with that post-sauna calm.