Take a plunge and escape the cold, your everyday routine, and gloomy headspace. Head over to Pfefferberg! Established in 2005, tucked away in an unsuspecting backyard, there’s a sauna crafted by enthusiasts for those looking to break a sweat: Olivin. The creators call it a “Wellness Lounge”, but you’d likely consider it more of a “Sauna Spa”. Details aside, what’s important is this: it’s a classic sauna that’s still a bit of a hidden gem. In Olivin, you’ll find all of the sauna essentials: a spacious Finnish sauna overlooking not an olive grove, but a bamboo garden. And an outdoor area with a fountain, shower, plunge pool, and heated lounge chairs. But what sets it apart is the team, who put genuine care into making your sauna experience special. Every full hour includes 10-15 minute infusion rituals with 100% pure essential oils, poured three times. Depending on the team member, a clean and simple single scent may be infused, or an aromatic journey that varies with the time of day and season. Here’s a teaser of a hopefully-not-feeling-under-the-weather-season (aka winter) infusion: from spruce (anti-inflammatory and respiratory) to fennel (relaxing and soothing) to lemon (immune-boosting). A sauna session isn’t just great for the body — it works wonders for frazzled nerves too, especially when guided by scents like patchouli (grounding), nutmeg (strengthening), and orange (invigorating). Olivin Pfefferberg lives up to its name: things get fiery! But Olivin is more than just a name, it comes from the type of stone used for infusions. Besides many other qualities, olivine stone is supposed to strengthen confidence — we could all do with some of that. And if all that isn’t enough to entice you, massages are also on the menu — after all, Olivin is a Wellness Lounge.
Text: Maria Mayer / Photos: Robyn Steffen
Olivin Wellness Lounge Sauna, Schönhauser Allee 177, 10119 Berlin-Prenzlauer Berg; map
Mon–Sun 12–00h
