Temperatures are starting to drop, and there’s no better way to spend a cold day than at the sauna. From the more opulent, all-day spa experiences, to your local, budget-friendly neighbourhood spots. Here are our picks for the best saunas in Berlin.
Please note: In case you don’t already know, most of these saunas require you to relax in the nude (it’s more sanitary that way).
Finnfloat Sauna Raft
Sauna was invented in Finland over 2000 years ago, so it makes sense that Finnfloat is first on our list. This is a higher-end sauna experience, but it is well worth the price. And no matter what time of year it is, jumping into the lake is the perfect way to cool off after a sauna session. Up to eight people fit on the sauna raft, which is tastefully furnished and even has a small roof terrace.
- Finnfloat, Müggelseedamm 70, Köpenick, 4-hour visit: From €290 (raft for 2), details.
Vabali Spa Berlin
The Vabali Spa Berlin is designed to look and feel like a Balinese village. A panorama sauna, a meditation sauna as well as herbal, bio and infusion saunas offer plenty of opportunities to let your worries (and toxins) go. In between sauna sessions, you can cool off in the 50-square-metre pool and finish with a delicious lunch at the Vabali restaurant.
- Vabali Spa Berlin Seydlitzstr. 6, Moabit, 2-hour visit: From €25.50 (Mon-Fri), details.
Saunabad
This sauna exudes artistic charm. The garden area is decorated with Baltic stones and changing art objects, such as paintings or wooden sculptures, which are regularly on display in the sauna area. In addition to the sauna, Saunabad offers a wide range of massages including lymphatic drainage and Thai massage. There is also a sauna garden, a sleep/relaxation room, a bar and a reading room – these guys are committed to helping you relax.
- Saunabad Rykestr. 10, Prenzlauer Berg, 2.5-hour visit: From €20, details.
Kiezsauna
The Kiezsauna is like an oasis tucked away in the heart of bustling Friedrichshain. This location boasts a 100 degree log sauna in the garden, and a large, 80 degree indoor sauna too. Infusions using high-quality essential oils are available every hour. Unlike most of Berlin’s saunas and spas, no reservation is required at Kiezsauna, but if you want the full relaxation package, book a massage before your visit.
- Kiezsauna Graudenzer Str. 19, Friedrichshain, 4-hour visit: From €20, details.
Gewölbe Sauna
Gewölbe Sauna offers a classic sauna experience. No frills, just heat and essential oil infusions, and as such, it’s pretty popular among locals. In the rustic wooden interior, you can sweat away in the steam bath, the Finnish sauna or the herbal sauna. Cool off in the 8-degree plunge pool or in the large outdoor area.
- Gewölbe-Sauna Fröbelstr. 17, Prenzlauer Berg, €16.50 admission, details.
Saunarivm
In the beautiful Saunarivm in Pankow, the Finnish sauna, the Roman brine steam bath and the pleasantly warm, weirdly named, Tepidarium invite you to sweat and breathe deeply. In the spacious sauna garden, you can cool off in the plunge pool. You can also book a ‘beauty bath’ and relax solo with an infusion of essential oils. After a few rejuvinating hours, the best way to round off this visit is to enjoy a meal and a drink in the winter garden or treat yourself to a back or foot massage.
- Saunarivm Breite Str. 22b Pankow, 3-hour visit €22.50, details.
Hamam
A Turkish bath exclusively for women, Hamam opened on Kreuzberg’s Mariannenstraße in 1988. Hamam, which simply means “warm” in Arabic, offers towel and bathrobe rental, foam massages, manicures, pedicures and facial pampering treatments. The spa can even be rented out for special occasions.
- Hamam, Mariannenstr. 6, Kreuzberg, 3-hour visit: From 25.50, details.
