March 6, 2019, 12:40 pm | Read time: 5 minutes
There are now many different ways to enjoy a sauna: in a Finnish or bio sauna, for example. Almost all have one thing in common: They are permanently installed in one location. TRAVELBOOK editor Larissa Königs tried something special in Berlin and rented a sauna raft. Here she reveals whether it was worth it.
With the wind in our hair, we cruise down the Havel. Or up, we’re not quite sure. I’m at the helm, having never driven a boat before. “Here, stop,” my friend Melissa shouts. She has spotted a small inlet where we can hopefully anchor near the shore–to finally enjoy the sauna. Because today we’re not on a regular boat, but on a “floating sauna.” But let’s start from the beginning.
More than 200 Euros for Three Hours of Sauna
For several months now, Berlin has had the “Saunafloß”, anchored near the restaurant boat “Alte Liebe” in Berlin. For 210 euros, you can rent the floating sauna for three hours, year-round, as long as the Havel isn’t frozen. Each additional hour costs 70 euros extra. What particularly appeals to us is that anyone can drive the raft equipped with a Honda motor, even without a boating license. Alone in the middle of nature, on the water, with the sauna: I promise myself absolute relaxation. But the day instead starts with stress. The reason: an email suddenly requiring a 200-euro deposit, which was never previously discussed.
Fortunately, the issue is quickly resolved on-site. Dieter, who leads us to the sauna boat via the dock, takes my ID card as collateral instead of cash. When we announce our plan to jump into the water after the sauna despite the chilly 3-degree outside temperature, he just laughs and advises us to remember to lower the ladder first. He then explains how to steer the boat, how and where to accelerate–and then we’re off.
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None of us have a boating license. But you don’t need one, as the boat only goes a maximum of 20 kilometers per hour, and handling it is simple. It gets trickier with legal questions, such as: Who has to yield when? How close can we anchor to the shore without risking disturbing the wildlife living there? And how close must we be to the shore to avoid disturbing other ships? Ultimately, we decide on about 15 meters. The slightly wider inlet of the Havel with a view of Berlin’s Peacock Island, which we reach after half an hour, seems like the perfect spot.
Inside, it’s now quite warm. So, we turn off the motor, and it’s time for an infusion. The gentle rocking of the boat and the view actually enhance the relaxation. But then the inevitable happens: We’re no longer undisturbed. A sailboat circles our sauna. Of course, we’re not the only ones on the Havel. Two men on board wave at us, visibly amused, through the large sauna window–and we’re very grateful at that moment to be wrapped in our sauna towels.
Despite the unwelcome encounter, we decide after about an hour to cool off in the water. A decision we will soon regret. “One, two, three,” we count and then jump into the Havel together–and climb back onto the boat, cursing loudly just a few seconds later. The water is incredibly cold, only about 4 degrees. To quote Leonardo DiCaprio in Titanic: “It feels like a thousand needles.” But afterward, it’s all the cozier on board. We slowly cruise back to the dock, enjoying the wind in our faces and the nature around us.
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Conclusion: Not for Every Day
The sauna raft is a lovely experience, but at 210 euros, it’s not exactly cheap–even if you can theoretically share it with up to seven people. Additionally, while it’s cozy on board, it’s not particularly comfortable; for example, there’s no bathroom or complimentary drinks. As a special experience, such as a birthday gift, it’s still an option.
What to Keep in Mind on the Sauna Raft:
- Always ensure the fire in the stove keeps burning. So: regularly add wood.
- Bring herbs for your own infusion.
- Jump into the water to cool off (and remember to lower the ladder first!).
- Pack a thick blanket to snuggle up in outside.
What to Avoid
- Forgetting water, as you’ll have to rely on the expensive water on the boat.
- Drinking too much: There’s no toilet on board!
- Thinking all seven people can fit in the sauna–in reality, the sauna room itself can accommodate a maximum of 5 people.
Watch the video above for a day on the sauna raft!