Wie kommst du nach einer langen Arbeitswoche zur Ruhe und tankst neue Energie? Meine liebste Art mich zu entspannen und wieder mit meinem Körper in Kontakt zu kommen, ist mir einen Wellness-Tag zu gönnen und in die Sauna zu gehen, nachdem ich Tage voller Multitasking und Alltagsverpflichtungen verbracht habe. Eine meiner Lieblingssaunen in Berlin befindet sich zufällig ganz in der Nähe des Mindful Life Studios und Shop: Die Olivin Wellness Lounge Sauna.
“Olivine,” from the Latin “oliva,” is a stone named for its bright green olive and pistachio color. The great popularity of the stone dates back to ancient Rome and Egypt as well as the Baroque period. In gemstone therapy it is used to strengthen the heart chakra. It is said to promote independence and relieve anger and guilt. It also helps to recognize mistakes, strengthens self-confidence and brings calmness. A beautiful omen for this peaceful wellness oasis! By the way: Olivine is also the stone used in the sauna heater.
Over the past few years, I've come to know this place quite well, visiting it several times a month as part of my various wellness rituals. Despite its smaller size compared to other larger saunas in Berlin, Olivin offers a genuinely relaxing experience at an affordable price of €18 for four hours. Situated on the border between Prenzlauer Berg and Mitte, near the Pfefferberg site, it is accessed through a serene backyard that provides a peaceful transition from the bustling street to the sauna’s entrance. Upon entering Olivin Sauna, you are greeted by the soothing, dim lighting that gently relaxes your eyes. The wooden walls enhance the warmth and coziness of the space. The interior design is thoughtfully planned, featuring showers, heated wooden benches, and a sauna beautifully integrated into the old stone architecture at ground level.
You are greeted by the pleasant scent of essential oils that spreads throughout all rooms. Right from the entrance, the senses of sight and smell are stimulated in a way that conveys relaxation and well-being. When you register, you can also take a look at the bar with its diverse selection of organic teas, juices and hot drinks.
After placing your belongings in the mixed cloakroom, you have the choice of either relaxing on one of the loungers in the lounge area or heading straight into the Finnish sauna, which is heated up to 90 degrees by a hot stone oven. The infusion ceremony, which lasts about 10 minutes, accommodates a maximum of 30 people and tends to be busiest during this time. As the sauna air warms up, so does your body, increasing sweat production and aiding in the release of toxins and tension. When the sauna is less crowded and there is more space available, I prefer to lie down. This helps me remain calm during the infusion and allows me to reach a fully relaxed state after initially adjusting to the high temperatures. Sauna sessions can also enhance blood circulation and alleviate muscle soreness.
Afterwards, I typically take a quick cold shower for a few seconds and then immerse myself in the icy plunge pool for a minute. During the colder winter months, I might also relax on the outdoor terrace for a few minutes after leaving the sauna. The bamboo garden at Olivin, with its stone decor, narrow water feature along the wall, and outdoor shower surrounded by tall bamboo plants, enhances the Zen-like and meditative atmosphere. Soon after, I usually feel a bit drowsy and take a short (or sometimes longer!) nap in the lounge area. Upon waking, I feel refreshed and often continue to unwind with a good book or head back into the sauna for another infusion session. Each hour, different blends of essential oils are infused in the sauna, thoughtfully crafted to enhance both physical and mental well-being. Olivin also offers the option to book partial or full massages ranging from 20 to 90 minutes, available in a separate area near the lounge. Expectant mothers can even book a prenatal massage from the fourth month of pregnancy to support their bodies and ease the sometimes challenging changes.
What I love most about Olivin is the fact that in a very simple, uncluttered yet cozy and intimate space you have the opportunity to leave the stresses of everyday life behind and refocus on your physical and mental well-being. The minimalism of the place also helps the mind relax without being stimulated by too many visual distractions. I always leave Olivin feeling fully recharged, rested and with fresh energy for the new week.
Ein weiterer Pluspunkt ist, dass es in der Umgebung von Olivin einige interessante Restaurants gibt, in denen man nach einem entspannenden Spa-Tag zu Abend essen kann. Ein großartiges Restaurant ist die Markthalle Pfefferberg, die sich direkt neben der Sauna befindet und viele verschiedene Möglichkeiten bietet, von traditioneller mexikanischer Küche über vietnamesische Köstlichkeiten bis hin zu einer Naturweinhandlung und einem Feinkostladen, der von Dienstag bis Sonntag von 9 bis 22 Uhr geöffnet ist. Oder wer es wie ich nach den Stunden der Entpannung etwas gehaltvoller mag, kann auf der gegenüberliegenden Straßenseite im „Due Forni“ eine meiner Lieblingspizzen Berlins genießen.
Du kannst die Olivin Wellness Lounge Sauna die ganze Woche über, von mittags bis Mitternacht besuchen. Wenn du vor 13 Uhr kommst, erhältst du sogar einen ermäßigten Eintritt zur Happy Hour.
