Saunas beside The Sjoa River in the Heidal Valley
Embrace “Goat Life” with a hot sauna and refreshing swim in the Sjoa River after whitewater rafting, kayaking or hiking in the spectacular Norwegian nature!
Sauna Life with The Goats
Mad Goats has two beautiful saunas beside the Sjoa River in the Heidal Valley at our whitewater rafting and kayaking base: the “Sjoa River Sauna” and the “Sjoa Forest Sauna”. Here you can sit in the sauna while looking out at epic Norwegian mountain landscapes that include the beautiful Sjoa River and lush nordic pine forest – a perfect activity after rafting on the Sjoa River with us or just if your driving through the Heidal Valley. If you need a place to stay while visiting Heidal you can book a camp or hammock spot with us at our Whitewater Rafting Base.
Book sauna
Book a private or public sauna experience beside one of the worlds most famous whitewater kayaking and rafting rivers – The Sjoa River!
Mad Goats Sjoa River Sauna – A Wild Nordic Sauna Experience
Welcome to one of the most unique sauna experiences in Norway – set in the wild and beautiful Heidal valley, surrounded by mountains, forest, and the glacial waters of the Sjoa River.
We have two saunas, each offering something special:
The Sjoa River Sauna
Perched on an old stone bridge pillar, this sauna looks directly over the powerful Sjoa River. Watch rafts and kayaks paddle past as you sit in the heat, then take the steps down for a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear rapids. A smaller, more deluxe and romantic sauna – perfect for couples or a few friends.
The Sjoa Forest Sauna
Tucked into the quiet forest just above the river, this sauna offers peace, space, and shade – with a short trail leading down to the water for a cold dip. It’s larger and great for groups, with the same epic nature vibes and pure mountain air.
Whether you’re relaxing after a kayak or rafting trip, or just stopping by to experience the magic of Sjoa, our saunas offer a perfect mix of heat, nature, and adventure. Ps, if you are on your way back to Oslo or plan to start your Norwegian trip from there, check our awesome kayak tours in the middle of the city.
The Sjoa River is part of the Sauna Experience
One of the best things about the Mad Goats saunas in Heidal is how close you are to the Sjoa River.
The water here is cold, clear and fast-moving — the kind of river that makes you feel awake in a second. After a day of rafting in Sjoa, whitewater kayaking, hiking or fishing, the simplest way to unwind is the classic Nordic routine: sit in the heat until your shoulders drop, step outside for fresh air, then take a quick dip in the river before warming up again.
It’s not about doing anything extreme — it’s just a clean, natural reset that works, whether you’re here for a quiet moment as a couple or a relaxed session with friends. And because the river is right next to the saunas, you don’t need to plan anything. You just follow the trail down, listen to the water, and let the place do its thing.
Safety disclaimer: the Sjoa river is wild, beautiful and powerful force of nature so please also exert caution when swimming in the river, by never being intoxicated, alway swim with a friend, never swim further out than 2 meters from shore, and always bring a source of light with you. Be safe, and enjoy!
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Catch You In The Sauna!
