In March 2026, the BBC published an article outlining the rise of ‘Viking Wellness’.
Videos by TravelAwaits
Whether or not you’ve heard the exact phrase before, you’ve probably heard of these types of trips. They involve cold-weather destinations with cold plunges and saunas. You can push your body to its limits to reap the biological rewards of swapping super-hot places for super-cold water.
Viking Wellness, in other words, has a lot to do with ‘contrast therapy’, which you might recognize from big names like Wim Hof. It was even name-dropped by Condé Nast Traveller as a trend to watch this year.
Here’s the rub—the average traveler probably doesn’t know that much about contrast therapy or where to find spas, resorts, hotels, and other locations that offer it. The silver lining is that you don’t have to sign up for a Wim Hof escape to get the benefits of Viking Wellness.
All you really need is a sauna… and a little outdoors space to feel that rugged call of the wild. If you’re visiting Europe and want to steer your own Viking Wellness-inspired adventure, head to these sites.
Camping sites in Europe that have a sauna—for a DIY Viking Wellness trip
Eco Camp Terme Snovik (Laze v Tuhinju, Slovenia): Get settled in the lush Snovik Valley at this remote wellness site. You can go on barefoot walks through the water (called Kneipp walks), enjoy winter sauna sessions, and swim at both indoor and outdoor pools. Just know that the sauna is nude-only.
Ekopod (Cornwall, England): Explore the best of the Cornish countryside at this sprawling campground near Bodmin Moor.All glamping tents have full-sized beds, along with outdoor furniture and fire pits. Bathrooms and the kitchenette are shared, along with the sauna.
Rivendell Park (Doreset, England): Hidden away in seven acres of England’s densest forests, Rivendell Park is ideal for nature-lovers seeking tranquility. The on-site sauna is also open year-round—but make sure you reserve the sauna, as it’s only available via appointment. The swimming pool and hot tub are also open to guests during the high season.
