As Berlin maintains its frostiness, the streets are icy and the Spree frozen, we all want to rush the commute that little bit more. What I look for in Berlin are new and niche ways to find comfort. And I often find comfort in places that slow me down and nurture my nerves. MS Aufguss inspires exactly that: warmth, relaxation, and disconnection from the outside world. MS Aufguss is a sauna floating in the Rummelsburger Bucht, but when we visited, it was frozen in place. With a sauna that drifts up the spree in summer, Lars Meßmann found the perfect way to enjoy both seasons. Lars has lived in Berlin for over a decade and spent his time building the fashion brand Fitz & Huxley. During the pandemic, he and three friends built the MS Aufguss from scratch. Initially intended as a houseboat for Lars to live simply during the summer, he decided to open it to the public to enjoy the sauna. Which led to Lars wanting the MS to be used during the winter months too — basking on warm wood, tea in hand, absorbing relaxing aromas. It’s all about being, creating small yet intentional breaks, but what feels special about this experience is the renewed sense of self. Clearing out those sinuses, expelling toxins, softening muscles, soothing the nervous system, and simply enjoying the surroundings. MS Aufguss is perfect for a friend’s getaway, housing up to six people at a time, float and sweat for three hours, and even test your nerves by jumping into the spree.
Text & Photos: Ruby Watt
MS Aufguss, Gustav-Holzmann-Str.10, 10317 Berlin–Rummelsburg; map
@ms_aufguss
