The Best Pools and Baths in Oslo – from historic gems to urban sea baths

Oslo has a long and vibrant bathing culture – shaped by architecture, public health initiatives, and its close connection to the water. From historic indoor bathhouses to sea baths in the fjord, there is a wide variety of places to swim.

Whether you’re looking for relaxation and wellness, effective lap swimming, or summer swim days in the city, we’ve gathered our top recommendations – both indoors and outdoors.

1. VestkantbadeT - Iconic pool and wellness at Sommerro

Vestkantbadet opened in 1932 as a sanctuary for health and wellbeing, designed in Art Deco style by architects Bjerke and Eliassen. Following an extensive restoration, the bath reopened as part of Sommerro and is today considered one of Norway’s best-preserved Art Deco interiors. Original tiles, changing cubicles, and Per Krohg’s monumental mosaic wall have all been carefully preserved within the protected historic building.

Today, Vestkantbadet offers a calm and contemporary bathing experience with a pool, cold plunge, Finnish sauna, and infrared sauna, alongside a wide range of health and wellness treatments. Open to both hotel guests and external visitors, with drop-in access and clip cards available.

📍 Sommerrogata 1
🚶‍♀️ Located at Sommerro

2. The Thief Spa – Indoor pool with a relaxed lounge feeling

A stylish and atmospheric pool in the heart of Tjuvholmen, located at The Thief hotel. The Thief Spa combines modern design with relaxed luxury and offers a pool, sauna, and wellness treatments. Access is available through a day spa pass, depending on capacity.

📍 Landgangen 1, Tjuvholmen
🚶‍♀️ About 15 minutes from Sommerro

3. Bislett bad - Traditional and historical

One of Oslo’s oldest and most widely used indoor swimming pools. Simple, functional, and efficient — ideal for lap swimming and regular routines, with an authentic local atmosphere.

📍 Bislettgata 12
🚶‍♀️ About 15 minutes from the city center
🚊 Tram and bus nearby

4. Tøyenbadet – New and urban

A fully renovated and modern facility with spacious indoor pools and excellent amenities, reopened in January 2025. One of the city’s most popular swimming facilities, suitable for training, family swimming, and relaxed sessions. The main pool is 50 meters long.

📍 Helgesens gate 90
🚊 Metro to Tøyen

5. RøaBadET – Family friendly

A modern neighborhood swimming facility with well-maintained amenities. Equally suited for recreational swimming and families with children, the pool features a waterslide, baby pool, whirlpool, and a dedicated wellness area with jacuzzis and saunas.

📍 Tore Hals Mejdells vei 8
🚊 Metro to Røa + short walk

Which bath suits you?

Aesthetic wellness and swimming: Vestkantbadet
Relaxed boutique atmosphere: The Thief Spa
Traditional lap swimming: Bislett Bad or Tøyenbadet
Large modern facility: Tøyenbadet
Family swimming: Røa Bad

Practical info

Opening hours vary – check the facilities’ websites before visiting.
Drop-in is available at all locations.
Tip: Early mornings and late evenings often offer the most space and quiet.

---

Outdoor pools & summer favorites

1. Sommerro Rooftop Pool & Sauna – Rooftop Pool and Sauna with Views over Oslo

Sommerro’s iconic rooftop pool and sauna offer a relaxing bathing experience with panoramic views of the Oslo Fjord and the city skyline. The heated pool is open year-round and provides a peaceful retreat for both early morning swims and late evening relaxation.

Exclusively available for hotel guests.

📍 Sommerrogata 1
🚶‍♀️ Located at Sommerro

2. Frognerbadet – OPEN AIR PUBLIC BATH

The classic among classics. A large outdoor facility with diving towers, children’s pools, and grassy areas – an institution on warm summer days.

📍 Middelthuns gate 28
🚶‍♀️ Walking distance from Frogner and Majorstuen

3. Oslo Badstuforening – Swim in the Oslo Fjord & JUMP IN THE SAUNA, all year round

Combine a sauna session with a refreshing dip in the Oslofjord. With several locations, including Sørenga and Langkaia, this is an accessible and social swimming experience – for ice bathers, first-timers, and everyone in between.

📍 Sørenga / Bjørvika
🚶‍♀️ Central location

3. Tjuvholmen Sjøbad – Art, architecture and fjords

A stylish seaside swimming area surrounded by modern architecture, art, and galleries. Perfect to combine with a walk along Tjuvholmen and Aker Brygge.

📍 Tjuvholmen
🚶‍♀️ Approx. 15 minutes from Sommerro