Norway's Skroget sauna takes the shape of a ship

A public sauna in Båtsfjord, Norway, is framed like the hull of a ship. Skroget, a sauna and public deck by Rare Collectiv, was detailed by design publication Dezeen on 30 September 2026.

The project pairs a long, low sauna building with an open deck for gathering and looking out. In short, you sweat, step outside and look at the water. The article covering it is titled 'Rare Collectiv models Skroget sauna on hull of a ship'.

The shape comes first. Skroget has an elongated form, meaning a stretched, narrow plan rather than a square hut. Around it stands a skeletal frame of reclaimed timber, which is wood saved and reused from earlier structures. The ribs run in a regular rhythm along the sides and over the top.

Rare Collectiv modelled those ribs to evoke the hull of a ship. The curves follow boatbuilding shapes, with open timbers tracing the outline of a vessel. The frame stays exposed, so the structure reads from a distance.

Inside, the offer is practical. Rare Collectiv describes Skroget as a cosy public sauna complex accompanied by showers, changing rooms and a fire pit. That layout covers the full routine of changing, heating, washing and cooling down. The fire pit sits outside the hot room, so the site works for groups where only some people want the steam.

Rare Collectiv says the building was made as a new meeting place for the people of Båtsfjord. That points to everyday local use rather than a ticketed attraction. It is a room for morning dips and evening chats.

The coverage follows a busy week for sauna culture. The XIX International Sauna Congress met from 24 to 26 September 2026 in Oslo, Norway, according to the International Sauna Congress. The programme looks at past and present sauna traditions, from historic steam to new floating saunas.

What makes this stand out for a newcomer is how open it feels. Many saunas hide behind doors and bookings, while here the deck and the fire give you somewhere to be even if you never go inside. You can watch, talk and keep warm by the flames.

Opening hours, prices and capacity have not been set out in the published sources. The design is clear about intent. Stay a while. Bring a friend.