The Bobor sauna's design. (source: OZ Sauna Bobor)
The range of places to go for a sauna in Bratislava is expanding. This weekend, the Bobor sauna, a public community sauna on a Danube River boat moored in central Bratislava with a view of the SNP Bridge, is launching its operations with a grand opening.
The sauna is suspended on the stern of the Pink Whale boat – an independent cultural space parked near the Vydrica development on the left bank of the Danube.
Behind the project is the civic association Sauna Bobor led by Ján Brunovský and Matej Mazák. The organisation set up a collection on the Donio fundraising platform to raise money for its construction. In total, they raised €11,278. The Foundation of the City of Bratislava supported the project with public funds.
“Bratislava does not make sufficient use of the Danube’s potential,” the initiators of the sauna wrote in their description of the project. “This is due to a number of factors, the lack of small-scale recreational infrastructure being one of them… We believe that such projects can stimulate the whole locality.”
Construction of the sauna, which was designed by Martin Sichman, Lukáš Kalivoda and Matej Kurajda, was built by master carpenter Peter Jančár. The latter was previously behind the building of the outdoor Pixxla saunas.
An artist’s rendering of the Bobor sauna interior. (source: OZ Sauna Bobor)
They named the sauna after a beaver, an animal that helps regulate the flow of rivers and improve water quality. Its structures provide shelter and food for many species of plants and animals. Beaver construction activities affect the entire ecosystem and increase environmental stability. They shape the landscape much like humans do – but unlike humans, beavers are much more sensitive to the landscape and help other animals gradually return to the landscape, they wrote on the Donio platform.
“We believe that it will be no different with our sensitively designed and installed sauna, where every animal will be happy to return,” the civic association wrote.
The sauna is for 8-10 people. Visitors will find a changing room, lockers, a tub containing Danube water, a shower with tap water, a relaxation room, a reception area with a receptionist and towels/sheets, and toilets below deck. There is no warm shower. Their plan is to add a pool.
One entry, when bought by a holder of a €10 annual membership card, costs €12, with a pass for five entries costing €50. Admission without a membership card will be €15. However, entry during the opening weekend is free.
Those interested can try the sauna this Saturday and Sunday, January 18 and 19, between 12:00 and 22:00. No reservation is needed. Part of the programme will be sauna ceremonials provided by members of the Lepota club, Peter Jančár or Mykola. In the evening there will be live music.
