Water activities are simply part of summer—and you don’t even have to leave Berlin to enjoy them. So before you plan your next trip to a lake outside the city, we have a much closer and more extraordinary alternative: Berlin’s Badedampfer. Instead of cruising down the Spree on a classic sightseeing boat, you can float here in a 39-degree-warm hot tub that’s also a small electric boat.
The idea for the “Badedampfer” was born in 2016, when founder Jannis, while working on cruise ships, came up with the idea of developing a floating hot tub for Berlin. After about two years of planning and construction, the first “Badedampfer” finally launched in 2019. Today, the fleet already consists of six floating hot tub boats as well as its own sauna steamer.
What makes the Badedampfer special is the combination of a boat ride and wellness. Throughout the entire tour, you sit in pleasantly warm water and can even steer the boat directly from inside the hot tub. For each trip, fresh water is filled into the tub and heated to about 39 degrees Celsius . An underwater wood-burning stove keeps the temperature constant , while a quiet electric motor ensures that the Badedampfer glides almost silently across the Spree.
Before setting off, you’ll receive a brief instruction on how to operate the boat. Afterward , you’ll get to steer the Badedampfer yourself—no boat license is required. You don’t have to leave the hot tub at any point during the trip, since you can steer the boat right from the warm water. Depending on your preference, you can choose between a 90-minute or a three-hour tour.
Each Badedampfer can accommodate up to six people and features a removable roof that protects against sun, rain, or snow. This makes the experience suitable for almost any season. You’re also welcome to bring snacks and drinks on board, so nothing stands in the way of a relaxing break on the water.
In addition to the classic hot tub boats, the lineup also includes a sauna steamer. You’ll be taken by boat to a private, floating sauna near the Insel der Jugend. After your sauna session, you can cool off with a dip in the Spree or a cold shower while enjoying the view of Berlin’s riverside landscape.
The Badedampfer uses an eco-friendly electric propulsion system, which allows the boats to glide along almost silently, without the smell of gasoline or annoying engine vibrations. In addition, five euros from every booking are donated to the sea rescue organization Sea-Watch .
