Every four years, the global sauna community comes together for the International Sauna Congress. In 2026, Norway hosts the gathering, with events in Oslo from September 24–26. ISC26 is warmly hosted by the Norwegian Sauna Association (Norges Badstulaug).
The first International Sauna Congress was held in Bielefeld, Germany, in 1956, and the tradition continues as a meeting place for scientists, sauna professionals, and serious enthusiasts to share research, ideas, and practice through formal presentations and discussion.
But the International Sauna Congress has always been about more than what happens at the podium.
With more than 200 sauna operators represented, the Norwegian Sauna Association will bring Norah and Olivia’s from small towns to the Congress. On their website, you’ll be able to map any one of these operators’ locations thanks to the same map that we use at SaunaTimes (thanks Stig and Levi!).
Expect strong science during the day—and strong löyly, cold water, and bench conversations before and after. Many of the Norwegian operators, from fjords near and far, will be together both in conference rooms and on the sauna benches.
ISC26 is expected to draw around 500 participants from across the world, all set against the backdrop of Oslo’s waterfront, nearby fjords, and Norway’s ongoing badstu boom.
A few Norwegian enthusiasts
It’s no secret that SaunaTimes has been paying close attention to what’s happening in Norway. There really is something in the water—and something in the firewood. Over the years, I’ve had the chance to talk with key voices in the Norwegian sauna movement, including Stig Arild Pettersen Secretary General of the Norwegian Sauna Association, Ragna Marie Fjeld, General Secretary, Oslo Badstuforening, and three Sauna Talk episodes with Mikkel Aaland, the Godfather of Sweat, our first chat recorded ten years ago.
One idea I often return to is this: we can usually solve for heat; solving for cold is harder. Norway’s badstubølge—the sauna wave—has helped crack that code. By placing saunas along urban waterfronts, Norwegians have made cold water immersion and communal bathing accessible, social, and normal.
A flavor of events
The congress opens with a grand opening and reception at the iconic Oslo City Hall, the venue where the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded each year, hosted by the Mayor of Oslo. Following the opening, attendees travel to The Well, Scandinavia’s largest spa destination, offering a unique environment for networking, and relaxation. The Well is the main sponsor and partner for ISC26. The hotel is the largest and most exclusive spa and bathhouse in the Nordics, and a natural gathering place for everyone passionate about sauna, wellness, and bathing culture.
The Well offers 10 unique pools, a cold plunge pool, and 15 different saunas and steam baths. Explore the Japanese bathhouse with onsen, and traditional experiences like Hamam and Rhassoul. You can also take part in a wide range of invigorating sauna and aufguss rituals.
The main congress program takes place at SALT Art & Music, right along the fjord in downtown Oslo.
One highlight I’m especially looking forward to is Friday, September 25: Floating Sauna Night in Oslo—an evening of floating saunas and communal bathing in the harbor. In Oslo, floating saunas are not a novelty; they’re mainstream. Those of us who once felt like sauna was a quiet, fringe pursuit may be genuinely surprised by how integrated and visible good sauna culture is here. It’s like showing up to Coachella and realizing the stages are everywhere.
Finally, when registering for the International Sauna Congress, participants have the option to include a donation to Sauna Aid, supporting sauna-related projects worldwide.
That’s Norwegian sauna culture in a nutshell: grounded, generous, and globally minded. And it’s a fitting place for the world’s sauna community to gather. See you there!
For complete information on the International Sauna Congress, please note their official press release here.
