I finally made it out to the strøm last weekend, and honestly, my stress levels haven't been this low in years. There is something about the way the Scandinavians approach wellness that just makes sense, especially when you're feeling burnt out by the constant notifications and the general noise of life. I've been to a few different spas before, but the vibe here is different—it feels less like a luxury indulgence and more like a necessary reset button for your brain.
If you've never been, the whole concept revolves around the thermal cycle. It sounds fancy, but it's basically just a cycle of getting really hot, then really cold, and then doing absolutely nothing for twenty minutes. Repeat that a few times, and your body starts to feel like a noodle in the best possible way. I wasn't sure if I'd be able to handle the cold part, but that's actually where the magic happens.
Finding your rhythm in the water
When you first walk into the strøm, the atmosphere hits you immediately. It's quiet—like, really quiet. They have a pretty strict silence policy in most areas, which might feel a bit awkward at first if you're there with a friend, but you quickly realize how much you needed the break from talking. We spend so much of our day performing or communicating that just sitting in a steam room in total silence feels like a massive relief.
I started my day in one of the outdoor whirlpools. It was a bit chilly outside, so the steam rising off the water looked incredible against the trees. You just sit there, let the heat soak into your bones, and watch the world go by. It's the kind of relaxation that you can't really replicate at home in a bathtub, no matter how many expensive bath bombs you buy.
The shock of the cold plunge
After you've been simmering in a hot pool or a sauna for fifteen minutes, it's time for the part everyone dreads: the cold plunge. I'm not going to lie to you—the first time I stood at the edge of that icy pool at the strøm, every fiber of my being was telling me to turn around and go back to the sauna. It's intimidating.
But here's the thing: you have to just do it. You hop in, submerge yourself for a few seconds, and your heart rate spikes. It's a total system shock. Then, you scramble out, wrap yourself in a robe, and find a lounge chair. That's when the endorphins hit. Your skin starts tingling, your mind goes completely clear, and you feel this weirdly intense wave of calm wash over you. If you skip the cold part, you're basically just taking a long bath. The cold is what actually resets your nervous system.
Learning to love the sauna
I used to think saunas were just rooms where you sat and sweated until you felt dizzy, but I've changed my mind. The saunas at the strøm are designed so well—some have huge glass walls looking out over the water or the woods. It turns the experience into something visual as much as it is physical.
I spent a good chunk of time in the eucalyptus steam room. The air is so thick with vapor you can barely see your own hands, and the smell is enough to clear out your sinuses for the next three years. It's intense, but in a way that makes you feel incredibly clean. You can almost feel the stress leaving your pores.
Taking the "rest" part seriously
The most important part of the whole cycle is the relaxation phase. Most people are tempted to jump straight from the cold plunge back into the hot water because they want to get warm again, but that's a mistake. You're supposed to let your body temperature stabilize naturally.
At the strøm, they have these amazing relaxation rooms. Some have heated stone beds, others have flickering fireplaces, and some even have headphones where you can listen to ambient sounds. I found a spot in a darkened room with a view of the river and I'm pretty sure I accidentally napped for thirty minutes. It wasn't even a heavy sleep; it was just that deep, meditative state where you're aware of your surroundings but totally detached from your worries.
The food is actually good
Usually, spa food is a bit of an afterthought—maybe a sad wrap or a bowl of fruit that's seen better days. But the restaurant at the strøm actually puts effort into the menu. They lean into that Nordic-inspired cuisine, so think fresh ingredients, local fish, and things that make you feel fueled rather than weighed down.
I had a lunch that was basically a massive bowl of fresh greens, grains, and some perfectly seared salmon. It felt right for the setting. You're sitting there in your bathrobe, looking out the window at the gardens, eating something that actually tastes like it was made by a chef. It's a nice break in the middle of the day, and it keeps you from getting that "spa brain" lightheadedness that happens when you spend too much time in the heat.
Why the environment matters
The architecture and the landscaping play a huge role in why the strøm works so well. It's not just a building with some pools; it's designed to blend into the natural environment. Whether you're looking at a river, a forest, or just a really well-designed garden, you feel connected to the outdoors.
There's something deeply grounding about being outside while you're in the water. Even if it's raining or snowing, it just adds to the experience. In fact, I reckon going when the weather is "bad" is actually better. There's nothing quite like being submerged in 102-degree water while snowflakes are melting on your shoulders. It makes you feel indestructible.
Practical stuff for your visit
If you're planning on heading down, there are a few things I wish I'd known before my first time. First off, the strøm provides the robe and towels, so don't worry about packing your whole linen closet. You just need a swimsuit and some sandals (though they usually provide those too, or you can bring your own).
Also, try to go during the week if you can. Weekends get pretty busy, and while they do a good job of managing the flow of people, it's much more peaceful when there are fewer bodies in the pools. If you go on a Tuesday morning, you might have an entire sauna to yourself, which is the peak of luxury if you ask me.
Another tip: don't bring your phone into the spa area. I know, we all want that perfect Instagram shot of the steam and the robe, but honestly, just leave it in the locker. Part of why the strøm is so effective is the digital detox. Once you stop worrying about capturing the moment, you actually start living in it.
Is it worth the hype?
I get it—spending a day at a spa can feel like a bit of a splurge. But when you think about how much we spend on coffee, streaming services, and random Amazon purchases, investing in a day where you actually feel better afterward seems like a fair trade.
By the time I left the strøm, my skin was glowing, my back didn't hurt as much, and that constant mental chatter about my to-do list had finally shut up. It's a physical and mental reset that lasts long after you've driven home.
If you're feeling a bit frazzled or just need a day where no one is asking you for anything, I can't recommend it enough. Just remember to breathe, embrace the cold, and don't be afraid to just sit there and do absolutely nothing. We don't get enough of that these days.