Gay-friendly spa and swimming centre in Schöneberg with pools, saunas, steam rooms, and relaxation areas; very popular with Berlin's LGBTQ+ community
Elysium is an urban spa and swimming centre on Martin-Luther-Straße in Schöneberg, a Berlin neighborhood long associated with the city's LGBTQ+ community, and the venue is explicitly gay-friendly and popular with that community. The facility centres on an indoor pool alongside a multi-level sauna landscape, steam rooms, and relaxation areas, giving it a functional, athletic-club feel rather than the plush finish of a luxury hotel spa. Facilities are geared toward regular use — swimming lengths, sweating in the saunas, and socializing in communal lounge areas — rather than an extensive treatment menu, though basic massage and wellness treatments are available. As with most German sauna facilities, saunas are typically mixed-gender and textile-free, and towels are required on benches. Entry is generally sold as day or session tickets rather than through advance treatment bookings, making walk-in visits the norm. Its relatively low price point compared with hotel spas and hammams, combined with its welcoming atmosphere, has made it a long-standing fixture of Berlin's wellness and LGBTQ+ social scene.
| Price | €15-80 |
|---|
Treatments
- Swedish massage
- Sauna infusion sessions
- Relaxation massage
Good to know
- Signature
- Multi-level sauna landscape; indoor pool
Highlights
- Indoor pool and multi-level sauna landscape
- Welcoming, LGBTQ+-friendly atmosphere
- Affordable day-ticket entry compared with hotel spas
- Steam rooms and communal relaxation lounges
- Located in Schöneberg, a historic LGBTQ+ neighborhood
Tips for visiting
- Saunas are mixed-gender and textile-free, following German custom
- Bring a towel to sit on in the saunas as required by house rules
- Day tickets are sold at the entrance; advance booking is not usually necessary
- Evenings and weekends tend to be busiest
When to visit
Weekday afternoons are quieter; evenings and weekends draw larger crowds.
Accessibility
The centre has changing rooms and pool access designed for general use; visitors with mobility needs should contact the facility ahead of a visit to confirm specific accommodations.
Frequently asked questions
Is Elysium exclusively for LGBTQ+ visitors?
No, it is open to all visitors but is especially popular with Berlin's LGBTQ+ community.
Do visitors need to book ahead?
Walk-in entry with a day ticket is the standard way to visit.
Are treatments available beyond the pool and sauna?
Yes, basic massage and wellness treatments can be booked at the facility.