Couple of weeks ago it was time for a new sauna. This time we chose to visit a historic Stadtbad in Prenzlauer Berg recently reopened as a hotel (https://www.hotel-oderberger.berlin/bad/spa). We were told the sauna in this place is often quite crowded, so it’s best to check availability beforehand.
We heeded the advice, and called Hotel Oderberger the evening before to try and reserve a spot for ourselves. This was not possible, but the nice receptionist recommended to call shortly before our expected arrival time to check the status. This we did, and after getting a green light we headed to the sauna.
Entering the place you’ll first find the hotel reception where you pay for your entrance. The sauna price includes entrance to the pool, and you won’t get a discount if you forgot your swimmies. You’ll get your magnetic card and head to the basement, but a big downer – no beer available.
First impression: super small! Nobody here! When is the Aufguss? Surprise, no Saunameister! This was our the first sauna in Berlin where we’d be allowed to create all the löyly that our hearts desire, without any limitations to when and how. Turns out this was also one of the few positive aspects.
The sauna had no access to outside – there was a closed-off access to a terrace, so maybe we were just unlucky. For cooling down there’s of course the pool, which while a bit small was nicely restored with keeping the historical appearance.
The sauna area had small refreshments included: flavored water and some apples. Still no beer. Just a mean sign saying that you are welcome to go to the hotel’s own Kaminbar for a drink after your visit.
We felt somewhat exhausted soon into each round in the sauna, but we aren’t quite sure why. Perhaps the sauna room was low in oxygen or our Saunameister skills were lacking – could we really be that much out of practice? The experience anyway wasn’t very fulfilling.
At the time of this review the entrance price was pretty expensive at 19 euros for two hours, and extra 10 euros for each subsequent hour – quite a steep price for Berlin. It was easy to decide that two hours is enough, but knowing the time limit gave our trip an unnecessary feeling of rushing.
The happy ending of the evening was to finally have beers in Prater!
Pros:
- Historic place with a beautiful pool
- Everyone can be a Saunameister
Cons:
- No access outside (at least when we visited)
- No beer available, and own refreshments are verboten
- Sauna area feels like a generic wellness lounge
- Very expensive for the experience
Conclusion:
All in all, this won’t enter the list of our favorite Berlin saunas, maybe couples looking for some romantic wellness would enjoy the place.
Saunamafia 