Discovering Sauna by GoBoat: A Unique Floating Sauna Experience in Copenhagen

“Even for me this is pretty unhinged,” I thought to myself as I stared up at the bucket filled with icy water swinging precariously above me. There I was, shivering in my swimsuit on a bitter November morning in Denmark, preparing to douse myself in frigid bathwater in the name of wellness.

I was standing on the deck of the new Sauna by GoBoat, a floating sauna set on a quiet stretch of canal in Copenhagen’s city center. Opened in early November 2021, this is Copenhagen’s first and only floating sauna. In addition to the scenic canal views and aesthetic design, it offers a revitalizing experience for local residents and tourists alike. I felt privileged to be one of the first journalists to experience this unique part of Scandinavian culture, though at that moment, all I could think about was how insanely illogical it felt to take an ice shower in the middle of winter.

Sauna by GoBoat: A New Wave of Wellness

Saunas have long been an essential part of Nordic culture, with roots deeply embedded in history as rejuvenating rituals originating from Finland. Sauna by GoBoat adds a Danish twist by placing the sauna directly on the water, combining the dry heat with the invigorating tradition of winter swimming.

My Experience at Sauna by GoBoat

Many Danes advocate for winter swimming, asserting that the shock of cold water offers significant benefits for your mind, body, and soul. Although scientific backing for this belief is sparse, Denmark consistently ranks among the happiest countries in the world. Consequently, I found myself standing underneath the bucket of water in freezing conditions, prepared to give myself the coldest shock of my life.

A few days earlier, I met up with Kasper Eich-Romme, one of the co-founders of GoBoat, who enlightened me about Sauna by GoBoat and what to expect during my session. Eich-Romme emphasized that what makes Sauna by GoBoat unique is its oasis-like quality amidst a bustling city. He insisted that for an authentic experience, I needed to embrace the cold shock, regardless of the chilly weather outside.

When I returned to the Sauna on that icy morning, I laid a towel on a bench made of bright wooden panels and queued up a 20-minute playlist — essentially just back-to-back recordings of Taylor Swift’s “All Too Well 10 Minute Version” — to time my sauna stint. As I surrendered to the heat, the large panoramic windows allowed me to admire the serene canal, contrasting sharply with the hurried mornings of commuters whizzing by on their bikes.

About 10 minutes into the session, I began to feel the intensity of the heat. The thermostat peaked at 85℃ (185℉), and as a sauna novice, I questioned my ability to endure the full 20 minutes. Sweat dripped into my eyes, yet I persevered for another 10 minutes. Once my Taylor Swift timer signaled the end, I made my way out to the deck for the anticipated cold shock.

Sauna by GoBoat features a dedicated dipping zone on the harbor for guests eager to participate in winter swimming. However, I chose to postpone the cold plunge for a future visit with friends and instead opted for the less intense yet still thrilling Russian bucket shower. Initially, I hesitated to take the ice shower, but I understood that partaking in both the hot and cold aspects of the sauna was essential for a genuine Danish experience. Thus, I closed my eyes, pulled the lever, and squealed in exhilaration as the freezing waterfall cascaded over me.

To my surprise, the Danes were indeed correct about the merits of what they call “The Big Chill.” After the initial shock subsided, the icy water transformed into a natural adrenaline booster, enabling me to endure the latter half of my sauna session much more comfortably. The refreshing effects from the cold dip pulsed through my body as I began to sweat again, helping me appreciate why winter swimming holds such a pivotal place in Danish culture.

Conclusion: Reflecting on a Unique Danish Experience

During my last fleeting moments at Sauna by GoBoat, I turned off my phone and meditated in beautiful silence. I could feel my stress dissipating as I savored those final tranquil moments in this beautiful retreat on the water. Ultimately, I left the Sauna feeling invigorated and immensely grateful for such a restorative experience, hoping that next winter I would return to Copenhagen, ready to fully embrace the cold plunge like a true Dane.

Vanessa Wilkins is a contributing writer for iBestTravel, currently based in Los Angeles. Follow her adventures on Twitter or Instagram.