Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz: sauna garden, swimming pond & herb garden near Leipzig

For over 18 years, our family has operated the Meri Sauna at Lake Kulkwitz in Markranstädt, right at the gates of Leipzig. BeachAndSteam was born from our daily life there: we have selected many products in our shop because we see every day what proves its worth in a sauna bag. Here, we would like to introduce you to the Meri Sauna – just as we know it.

A sauna garden with its own swimming pond

The heart of the Meri Sauna is the sauna garden: an expansive natural garden system with sunbathing lawns, a small sandy beach, and a natural swimming pond that was created when the sauna was first built. Aquatic plants form their own ecosystem in the shoreline area, and in the swimming area, you can swim a few laps undisturbed after your sauna session.

Between sauna sessions, it is worth taking a stroll through the herb, rhododendron, and grass garden. Different plants bloom depending on the time of year – and the herbs we grow ourselves also end up in our kitchen.

Our saunas: from mild to scorching hot

• Earth Sauna (95–105 °C): the original Finnish form of the sauna, half-buried in the ground, with a dry climate and a continuously burning fireplace.
• Event Sauna (90–100 °C): the large, rustic sauna with a stone-clad stove – this is where our sauna masters celebrate the infusions.
• Herb Sauna (90 °C): a copper kettle with water and aromas over lava stones, along with infusions suited to the season.
• Maximus (80 °C): another large infusion sauna featuring hemlock wood and semi-circular ceiling beams.
• Sanarium (60 °C): mild heat at around 40% humidity with gently changing colored light – ideal for beginners.
• Steam Sauna (45 °C): 100% humidity, blue glass mosaic tiles, and a starry sky of lights.

Cooling down and finding peace

After the heat, the choice is yours: ice fountain, experience showers indoors, outdoor showers, or a plunge into the swimming pond. Afterward, head to one of the relaxation rooms, the fireplace room, a lounge chair, or – if the weather is nice – out onto the sunbathing lawn. A warm foot bath in between is an essential part of the experience for many of our guests.

More than just a sauna

The Tuli Restaurant located in the middle of the sauna area serves regional and Mediterranean cuisine with seasonal highlights. You can also book massages with us, experience Russian banya rituals, or attend one of our sauna events. You can find all the details, opening hours, and prices at meri-sauna.de.

What you need for your visit

A large sauna towel for the bench, a light bathrobe or bath poncho for walking through the garden, and something to drink. You can find our complete packing list at What belongs in your sauna bag?

Frequently asked questions

Where is the Meri Sauna located?

At Karlstraße 91 (Kranichweg), 04420 Markranstädt – at Lake Kulkwitz, in the west of Leipzig.

Can I swim in Lake Kulkwitz?

For cooling off, the Meri Sauna has its own natural swimming pond in the sauna garden. It is part of the sauna landscape and is directly accessible from the saunas.

Which sauna is suitable for beginners?

The Sanarium at 60 °C and the Steam Sauna at 45 °C are a great start. If you like it hotter, try the Herb Sauna or an infusion in the Event Sauna afterward.

Personally written by Martin – founder of BeachAndSteam and a sauna operator at Lake Kulkwitz for over 18 years.