Berlin – Wellness Bliss in the Heart of the City

Thinking of booking a spa break for the summer? While solitude in nature probably springs to mind first, we suggest visiting the bustling city of Berlin as it sports Europe’s most diverse bathing landscape, as well as outstanding hotel and day spas.

Berlin, the vibrant capital of Germany, is renowned for its rich history, diverse culture, and dynamic arts scene. Yet, beyond its bustling streets and iconic landmarks, Berlin has quietly emerged as a premier wellness and bathing destination. With over 60 indoor and open-air public pools across the city, swimming fun and relaxation is guaranteed both summer and winter.

The former bathing facility on Oderberger Straße, Stadtbad Oderberger, are now an event location and since 2016 the Hotel Oderberger. Photo: Hotel Oderberger Berlin, Martin-Nicholas Kunz

In Europe, the ritual of bathing goes back to the classical world. Compared to other major cities, Berlin was rather late in constructing large public baths – even though personal hygiene in those days left much to be desired and few homes enjoyed the luxury of bathrooms or showers. Strict social norms, though, did not permit the kind of social exchange which might occur in bath houses. Ultimately, the need to address public health issues culminated in Berlin’s first two commercial public baths in 1853. Funded by a dedicated stock company, they proved so popular others soon followed, including the ‘Admiral’s Garden Baths’ (Admiralsgartenbad) in Friedrichstrasse and a public bath in Moabit. But not until the 1920s did swimming really take off as a recreational sport – now with municipal swimming pools open to men, women and children in more streamlined swimwear than the traditional ‘bathing costumes’. This boom led to a series of open-air pools and beaching beaches, including Berlin’s renowned Wannsee lakeside beach. From 1927 – 1930, the city’s first indoor public swimming pool was constructed in Gartenstraße – and at 50 metres long, this was Europe’s largest indoor pool at the time.

The Oberbaum Bridge. Photo: visitBerlin, Dagmar Schwelle

Down the years, a swimming pool was constructed in nearly every Berlin neighbourhood. Today, the Berlin public baths authority is responsible for over 60 public swimming pools – and no less than ten are heritage buildings, including those in Charlottenburg, Spandau and Neukölln. Berlin is also home to Europe’s largest lakeside beach – the Strandbad Wannsee – as well as Europe’s largest swimming pool in its Europasportpark (SSE) swimming and diving centre.

The Badeschiff pool is also one of Berlin’s bathing highlights. Set in the River Spree in the Alt-Treptow district, the pool offers the ideal location to swim your lengths in the city centre with a view of the Oberbaumbrücke bridge and the TV Tower – and at a water temperature of 24° Celsius. The Schöneberg indoor pool, with separate swimming and paddling areas, is popular with families, as is the Lankwitz indoor pool with its 60-metre-long slide.

Sauna in Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz. Photo: Grimm’s Hotel am Potsdamer Platz

A much-needed spa break

The wellness movement in Berlin is evident in the plethora of spas, thermal baths, and wellness centres that have sprouted across the city. These establishments offer a sanctuary for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of urban life and indulge in rejuvenating treatments.

One of the must-visit wellness spots in Berlin is the vabali spa, an oasis of tranquility located near the Hauptbahnhof. This Balinese-inspired retreat spans over 20,000 square metres and features a variety of saunas, steam baths, and relaxation rooms. The spa’s serene ambiance, enhanced by lush greenery and soothing water features, provides an idyllic setting for unwinding. Guests can choose from a wide range of treatments, including massages, facials, and body scrubs, all designed to promote relaxation and rejuvenation. The outdoor pool, surrounded by comfortable loungers, offers a perfect spot to soak up the sun while enjoying the peaceful atmosphere.

Capital Beach at the Spree. Photo: visitBerlin, Günter Steffen

Berlin’s spa and wellness landscape is as diverse and colourful as the city itself – from Turkish hamams to Thai massages and Ayurveda centres and much, much more. Germany’s first hamam was the Turkish bath for women in the Kreuzberg Women Centre’s Chocolate Factory Association. Originally opened in 1988, this is still a special place in the city, a venue where women from around the world can meet and care for body and soul. The Sultan Hamam in Schöneberg, in contrast, is for men and women. In addition to the classic soap foam washing and peeling, it also offers massages and cosmetic treatments. In its oriental-style rooms, the Charme d’Orient wellness centre in Berlin-Britz focuses on a holistic range of treatments with natural cosmetic products as well as dermaceutic skin care, and much more.

The Wannsee lake. Photo: visitberlin, Wolfgang Scholvien

Another gem in Berlin’s wellness landscape is the Liquidrom, a unique combination of thermal baths, sauna, and music. Located in the heart of the city, this modern facility is housed in a futuristic building with a distinctive dome-shaped roof. The highlight of Liquidrom is its saltwater floating pool, where guests can float effortlessly while listening to underwater music. This sensory experience is profoundly relaxing and helps soothe both the body and mind. The facility also boasts a variety of saunas, each with its own unique theme and temperature settings, as well as a beautiful outdoor area with hot tubs and sun loungers.

For those looking to immerse themselves in the traditional German bathing culture, the Stadtbad Neukölln is a must-visit. This historic bathhouse, built in the early 20th century, combines classical architecture with modern amenities. The facility features two magnificent swimming halls, adorned with columns and intricate mosaics, as well as a comprehensive sauna area. The Stadtbad Neukölln offers a range of wellness services, including massages, physiotherapy, and beauty treatments, all designed to enhance the overall well-being of its guests.

In addition to these well-established wellness centres, Berlin also offers a variety of smaller boutique spas and wellness studios, each with its own unique charm. These establishments provide personalised services and a more intimate atmosphere, making them perfect for those seeking a bespoke wellness experience. Many of these boutique spas emphasize the use of natural and organic products, ensuring that treatments are not only effective but also environmentally friendly.

Did we convince you to combine the conveniences of a large city with luxury and diverse health offerings? Berlin, indeed, has it all.

Pool at the Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin. Photo: Kempinski Hotel Bristol Berlin