It’s not lost on anyone: January in Berlin is really quite cold at the moment. Even during the day, temperatures rarely climb above zero degrees. That’s a rare occurrence and as much as we enjoy the snow and winter weather, staying outside for long is probably only for the hardy. But if you are looking for winter activities in the immediate vicinity of Berlin, the Schorfheide is the place to be. Because here, just 40 minutes from Berlin, is the sauna raft on the banks of the 5-kilometer-long Üdersee. Instead of freezing, we can make ourselves extra cozy here.
Sauna in the middle of the water
Wellness in the sauna and on a boat? No problem with the sauna raft! Here, the classic sauna is combined with a boat trip through almost untouched nature. You sit comfortably in the sauna with space for up to six people, the entire raft is approved for a maximum of seven people. There is an anteroom for changing, a shower and a natural toilet.
If you can muster up the courage, you can even jump into the ice-cold lake water via a bathing ladder – just like people do when ice bathing in Berlin. The sauna itself is heated with a classic wood-burning stove and reaches temperatures of up to 95 degrees.
How much does a trip on the sauna raft cost?
You can hire the sauna raft together. You don’t even need a driver’s license: the raft has an electric motor and can be steered without a license (from the age of 18). If you prefer to relax, you can also book a skipper.
The rental price is 210 euros for 3 hours (incl. wood and organic infusion). Each additional hour costs 70 euros. Sauna towels can be hired for a fee; a skipper costs 35 euros/hour.
The experience is particularly intense in the current sub-zero temperatures: you can order dishes (such as sauna oven apples) that are baked directly in the hot sauna oven. Make yourself really comfortable inside while you cruise across the lake – the best way to beat the winter.