Just because temperatures are low, doesn’t mean your mood has to be. By reducing stress hormones like cortisol and triggering a surge in endorphins, saunas are known to calm the body and improve mental clarity. But if nothing else, they’re a great way to feel cozy and warm in these cold winter months. From the more opulent, all-day spa experiences to your local, budget-friendly neighbourhood spots, we’ve collated our top picks for the best saunas in Berlin. When in East Germany, do as the East Germans do: embrace the FKK life, strip down and steam up.
Vabali
Let’s start with the big one. Every Berliner’s go-to, Vabali 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 opulent restaurant. Vabali’s popularity has soared over the years, so if it’s getting a little busy for you these days, then we have many more options for you ahead.
- Vabali Spa Berlin Seydlitzstr. 6, Moabit 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 details.
Finnfloat
Sauna was invented in Finland over 2,000 years ago, so it makes sense that Finnfloat is one of the 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 details.
Saunabad
This sauna exudes artistic charm. The garden is decorated with Baltic stones and changing art, 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 relaxation room, a bar and a reading room – basically, these guys are committed your relaxation.
- Saunabad Rykestr. 10, Prenzlauer Berg details.
Liquidrom
With a tagline of “where architecture, sound and water merge”, Liquidrom presents itself as far more than your average sauna – and it really is. It is an urban spa lounge, aka a haven of relaxation in the heart of a busy Kreuzberg. Every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, DJs offer a musical backdrop of gentle downbeats and lounge sounds. But alongside highlights like the sound grotto pool, minimalist sauna, and gastronomy bar, the centerpiece is the reason you’ll never want to leave. An impressive saltwater pool in the atmospheric dome hall, it offers a different kind of relaxation, a blended symbiosis of sound, light and movement.
- Liquidrom Möckernstraße 10, Kreuzberg, 10963 Berlin details
Kiezsauna
The Kiezsauna is 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 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 rejuvenating 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 details
Fontane Therme
It’s worth the trip out to Brandenburg for this one. As the largest floating lake sauna in Germany, Fontane Therma in Neuruppin offers a truly unique experience where you can experience nature just outside of the city first-hand on the sun deck, with the Ruppiner See just within reach. You can enjoy a message, a revitalising facial or a special bath – alone or with your partner – giving you chance to revitalise your wellbeing in style.
- Fontane Therme An der Seepromenade 20, 16816 Neuruppin details
Kristall Wohlfühltherme
Another one that’s well worth the journey to Ludwigsfelde, it offers a romantic landscaped garden, water aerobics, wellness treatments and 13 themed saunas from 60-100°C, both inside and outside. Varied infusions are on offer, alongside a natural brine basin and two steam baths. You can finish it all off at the restaurant or cafe and pool bar – that is, if you’re tired of relaxing.
- Kristall Wohlfühltherme Ostverbinder 10, 14974 Ludwigsfelde details
Sweet & Sweat – Jurtensaunarei
This cosy sauna in Kreuzberg blends relaxation and community. It features two tents: one for sauna sessions and another for hanging out by the fire. With a friendly atmosphere, chai tea and fair pricing all within reach, it’s got the cosier elements of a spa, including a bonfire and artful decor, and the more practical elements of a true sauna experience, including an ice-cold water pool. If you’re looking for an authentic, neighbourhood spot, this is your choice.
- Sweet & Sweat, Ratiborstraße 14c, 10999 Berlin details
