||This post was made in collaboration with Skargards

If you follow me on Instagram stories you will have caught glimpses of a new addition at the cabin, something that I think everyone would think possibly goes hand by hand with a cabin in the fjords, a hot tub, or as Norwegians call it, a badestamp. Traditionally a badestamp is barrel wood fired hot tub, mostly made of cedar wood. Rustic looking (exactly like a big barrel with wooden seating inside) , they are typically found in mountain cabins where after skiing scandinavian people will enjoy a warm bath in the chilled weather outside with steaming water. Nowadays hot tubs can be found in various sizes and made of various materials, with many different heating configurations such as electric, gas, or propane. When we decided it was time to also add a hot tub at the cabin we all agreed it should be wood burning. It makes more sense since we dont use the cabin all year long so it is more economical to burn some wood whenever we need it, but also, I think it gives out more authentic notes. I did not want a completely traditional barrel hot tub, cleaning is not ideal plus it is not that comfortable, but I did not want to completely abandon the look, this is a hot tub for a cabin after all! The Regal Hot Tub from Skargards ended up to be the perfect solution for us.

The Regal model , it looks like a traditional hot tub but it is very contemporary, manufactured in fiberglass-reinforced hard plastic according to the same technology as boat hulls, so it is light yet very sturdy. From my experience as I have used it a couple of months now,cleaning is minimal (just rinse the walls after draining) which makes it maintenance free, very important in my book. I could go on about the specifications of the tub itself, but you can find all the details at Skargards website, however, something also important for me, the tub itself is very efficient. When firing the stamp, a natural underpressure is created in the oven that causes the bath water to circulate by itself. The oven in Skargard’s Regal is cleverly integrated into the hot tub and with the inherent circulation a uniform water temperature is obtained throughout the hot tub. Specifications aside this means more room inside and more flexibility, regardless of how many people are in.

Typically when we think hot tub we think winter time with lots of snow and steaming water. Also we think of party right? We have certainly had parties since we got the tub but as the title suggests, I find the tub to be relevant all year long, for private baths but also for friends coming over. It has been a beautiful fall and we have greatly enjoyed spending time in the tub relaxing, listening to music and reading books that have been on our list for a while, watching the sun set across the fjords. We have also found that morning baths are splendid as well, half of the photos here are taken in the early misty morning, with a coffee on our hand tossing wood into the oven. Even better when we have used the tub the previous day because the water is still warm the next day for that early bath. Coming home after a long skiing day and enjoying the steaming tub relaxing your muscles is great, but it is another sort of luxury altogether to wake up in the morning and set off for a morning bath while the sun rises.

That said I cannot wait for winter to come for those steamy baths, then spring for the stunning fjord views when the earth wakes up. As for the summer? I cannot wait to use the tub to cool down after sunbathing on the platform. All in all, it is truly a hot tub for all seasons.

Accessories : Must haves 

1. The Skargards tubs come with quite a few accessories,  I chose a bubble system for massage though we also ended up using it to naturally drop the temperature of the water when we feel is overheated for our taste. I dont know if its a must have but it is very enjoyable plus the added trick of lowering the temp without getting out of the tub is welcomed.
2. I also added an underwater light something I highly recommend as during the night the illuminated water feels like swimming in an underground hidden lagoon. Turn it off if you prefer counting the stars, leave it on for magical light. Also it is convenient if there is no other light around so you know where you are stepping into (it gets completely black here at night).
3. I originally ordered one shelf (as seen in the photos) but I put an order shortly for a second one that we installed on the opposite side of the first. If you have the tub freestanding like we do and dont integrate it halfway into your veranda for example, you need the space for convenience sake. We usually leave there glasses, bottles, our phones, books, bluetooth speaker etc
4. The stairs are also very important unless you are above 1.80m in height. At a mere 1.65m myself it is hard to get in and out and the original stairs are by far the most elegant looking solution ( unless you can find an alternative).
5. I did not get the extra smoke pipe, it reduces the heating time but with the insulated lid (see below), we decided to wait on it and judge afterwards. We are happy without it but of course if you need the most efficient heating you can add it.
6. One of the most important must haves in my opinion is the insulated lid (as seen in some of the photos).  The insulation is reinforced with steel frame, and the entire lid is dressed in boat vinyl. Very durable and easy to handle since it breaks in half, its importance is multi faceted. The lid at its primary function protects the tub from objects but dirt as well ,it is completely insulated so the water and the tub both stay clean. Equally importantly ,it can lay over the hot tub during firing, which significantly reduces the heating time while it also traps heat afterwards. If we use the tub in the afternoon until before sleeping, upon waking up the water is still warm enough to get in for a morning relaxing bath. An absolute must have for outdoors tubs.
7. I did not order a rain hat to begin with, but I do feel bad for the pipe when it rains so I ended up ordering one afterwards. Not a must have, but good to have certainly.
8. I did not get a smoke pipe protection either, but the pipe does burn a lot and we have all now been careless enough to burn ourselves one way or the other ,so I think I am getting one soon. Just for my peace of mind. Absolutely must have if you have children.
9. Last but not least, is dependent on the quality of water you fill the tub in and the temperature of where you live. The tub can be fitted with a water cleaning system , something we need since we use water either from our well or the fjord. With the cleaning system we never have to change water, and with the help of the lid we can leave the same water in for a good amount of months even. Filling in the tub can take a few hours so why not avoid this and also keep the water clean? A water heater can also additionally be hooked on the cleaning system keeping the temperature of the water up to 45 degrees. It can greatly decrease heating time but for us most importantly it means that the water will never freeze during winter. A must have. Important detail : You can have the cleaning system without the water heater but you cannot have the water heater without the cleaning system.

// Photography and Styling by Katerina Dima