FAQ2026-06-12T17:29:09+02:00
Illustration – Saunaboot Luzern – Wasser, Berg, Mond

Welcome to our FAQ!

Here you will find some important information about the sauna boat on Lake Lucerne, booking, use and general tips. We have compiled the most frequently asked questions for you to make your planning as easy and relaxed as possible. However, if you have any further questions, don’t hesitate to contact us directly – we will be happy to help you!

Who can steer the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:16+02:00

The person who signs the rental contract is responsible as the captain for the rented boat.

The captain must be of legal age. Children and minors are under the responsibility of their parents or accompanying adults.

Anyone who is under the influence of alcohol (maximum 0.5‰), drugs, or medication, or who for any other reason does not have the necessary physical or mental ability, is considered unfit to operate the boat. During this time, they are not allowed to steer the boat, participate in its navigation, or perform any nautical duties on board.

Where is the start and end point of my sauna boat booking?2026-06-02T16:30:17+02:00

The start & end point of your booking is:
Seehotel Kastanienbaum
St. Niklausenstrasse 105
6047 Kastanienbaum LU

How to find us
By car: Parking on site is possible directly at the Seehotel Kastanienbaum.

By public transportation: 20 minutes from Lucerne railroad station. Bus lines NFB 21, N 10 to Kastanienbaum Schiffstation Bus stop directly in front of the Seehotel Kastanienbaum

Important information
Please arrive 15 minutes before your appointment and report to reception at the Seehotel Kastanienbaum so that we can explain the boat and everything else that goes with it in peace and quiet. Afterwards you can heat up, cast off and simply enjoy your sauna experience in the middle of Lake Lucerne.

When two motor vessels cross paths – give way.2026-05-28T14:19:41+02:00
Grafik – Saunaboot Bootsregeln Vorfahrt beachten – Kreuzen zwei Motorschiffe der gleichen Kategorie gilt Rechtsvortritt

When two motor vessels of the same category cross paths, the right-of-way applies.
Where two motor vessels of the same category, neither of which is required to give way, are on crossing courses such that the risk of a collision cannot be ruled out, the vessel which has the other vessel on its starboard side (the right side of the boat) must give way (right-of-way).

What if thunderstorms or strong winds are forecast?2026-01-24T17:03:54+01:00

If the storm warning is active, we are not allowed to let the boat leave for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are the following options:

  • Take a sauna on the boat at our jetty (without leaving the harbour) – 30% reduction on the booking amount.
  • Postpone the booking to a new date free of charge.
  • Cancel the booking, whereby a minimum cancellation fee of CHF 30.00 will be charged.

If thunderstorms are forecast, a trip is not possible. In this case, it is also not possible to take a sauna in the harbour. Unfortunately, we only have two options here:

  • Postpone the booking to a new date free of charge.
  • Cancel the booking, whereby a minimum cancellation fee of CHF 30.00 will be charged.
What happens if we return the boat too late?2026-06-02T16:30:43+02:00

If the sauna boat is returned too late, we will not be able to prepare the ship properly for the next customer. The sauna boat must be cleaned and recharged between slots. If the sauna boat is returned too late, the next group cannot start on time. In this case we charge a fair play fee. The longer the delay, the higher the fee.

Fair play fee

  • for the first 30 minutes or part thereof: CHF 50
  • after 30 minutes: CHF 100
What do we do in the event of a breakdown?2026-06-02T16:30:15+02:00

In the event of a breakdown, e.g. you can’t get the anchor up or the sauna boat won’t start – call us. The number will be given to you on the day of your booking and can also be found on board.

For all accidents or emergencies, read more under ‘What do we do in an emergency?’

What do we do in an emergency?2026-01-24T17:04:44+01:00

If several boats are involved in a shipping accident, the accident report must be completed and the police must be contacted. If people have been injured, killed or are missing, the police must be notified immediately. The lessor must be contacted in the event of any accident.

Emergency call: 117

The rental number will be provided to you on the day of your booking.

Technical problem with the sauna boat – contact the rental company!2026-05-28T14:48:49+02:00
Grafik – Saunaboot Sicherheitsregeln Technisches Problem

Technical problem with the sauna boat – contact the rental company!
If you experience a technical problem with the sauna boat whilst on the water, please contact the rental company.

Rental company telephone number: +41 41 201 09 48

Respect the inner shoreline zone2026-05-28T14:12:15+02:00

Respect the inner shoreline zone of 150 m!
Enter this zone only for mooring, unmooring, or anchoring. Always take the shortest route.

Motor vessels may only navigate within the inner shore zone (0 to 150 metres) for the purpose of mooring, unmooring, anchoring or passing through narrows; they must take the shortest route (at right angles to the bank). Sailing parallel to the bank is prohibited. Sailing parallel to the bank is only permitted in the outer bank zone (150 to 300 metres).

Redeem voucher2026-06-02T16:30:33+02:00

Make your selection on the sauna boat booking page. (date/time/number of people)

By clicking the button ‘BOOK NOW’, the next page will open where you can select additional extras such as bathrobes or sauna towel sets.

You can then enter and apply your voucher code in the shopping basket. If it is correct, it will be automatically deducted from the purchase price.

Pay attention to strong wind and storm warnings!2026-05-28T14:29:48+02:00

Pay attention to strong wind and storm warnings! In case of a storm warning, return to the harbor immediately.

Strong wind warning: Orange flashing light, 40 times per minute. You must contact the rental company and return to the vicinity of the port where you picked up the boat.

Storm warning: Orange flashing light, 90 times per minute. Proceed immediately to the nearest harbour. Contact the rental company.

Rental company number: +41 41 201 09 48
Emergency call: 117

Only use the sauna and go into the water if you feel well and in good physical health2026-05-28T13:37:42+02:00

Only use the sauna and go into the water if you feel well and in good physical health – never swim on a full or completely empty stomach.
If you are not feeling well or are ill, your body is already under increased strain. Be particularly careful in this state and pay attention to your body’s signals.

After a meal, the body requires more energy for digestion. This is why one often feels tired and sluggish after a heavy meal. Due to reduced blood flow to the brain, physical activity shortly after a meal can lead to dizziness and nausea. In the worst-case scenario, one might lose consciousness in the water and drown silently.

Conversely, you shouldn’t go swimming on an empty stomach, as hypoglycaemia in the water can lead to a hunger-induced collapse.

Observe right of way2026-05-28T14:08:29+02:00

Observe right of way – vessels with blue lights, scheduled services, cargo vessels, commercial fishermen, sailing vessels, rowing boats, people, animals.
You must keep a constant watch on your surroundings so that you can react in good time. In addition to giving way to other vessels, you must also pay particular attention to people, animals and objects in the water.

Never swim whilst the engine is running!2026-05-28T14:41:36+02:00

Never swim whilst the engine is running! Maintain a minimum distance of 2 m from the engine.
Do not take any risks.

Contact with the propeller can cause serious injury. When people are in the water, the engine must always be switched off. In addition, people in the water must always maintain a minimum distance of 2 metres from the engine to avoid any risk.

Never jump into the water when overheated!2026-05-28T13:49:55+02:00

Never jump into the water when overheated! Your body needs time to adjust.
If you jump into cool water whilst overheated, the difference in temperature between the sauna and the water puts the body under enormous strain. Your muscles will ache, and you may experience muscle cramps and circulatory problems. As your blood vessels constrict suddenly, the blood can no longer circulate properly. In the worst-case scenario, this can lead to cold shock, fainting or even a heart attack.

As a precaution, having a shower before going into the water will help you cool down. If there is no shower available: enter the water slowly, dip your arms in one at a time, and splash your face and upper body with the cool water before submerging yourself completely.

Never enter the sauna or the water whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs!2026-05-28T13:43:19+02:00

Never enter the sauna or the water whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs! Medicines and addictive substances affect your body.
Medicines and addictive substances cloud the mind. Dangerous situations go unrecognised and one’s own abilities are overestimated. Pain and general physical sensations are not felt or are dulled. This can, for example, lead to circulatory problems that cannot be properly assessed. As a result, the risk of circulatory collapse is significantly increased.

Mooring points must be chosen so as not to obstruct navigation.2026-05-28T14:43:45+02:00

Furthermore, it is prohibited to moor in areas with aquatic plants such as reeds, rushes and water lilies. As a general rule, a distance of 25 metres must be maintained. When anchoring and using a sauna, please maintain a distance of 50 metres from the shore. To avoid noise disturbance, please do not use a sauna near residents.

Maintain a minimum distance from others!2026-05-28T14:15:35+02:00

Maintain a minimum distance of 50 m from others!
Choose mooring places so as not to obstruct shipping.

The minimum distance from scheduled vessels and other vessels is 50 metres.

Is there a toilet on the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:04+02:00

No, there are no toilets on the sauna boat. You are welcome to use the toilets in the Seehotel Kastanienbaum before departure and after arrival.

Is there a shower on the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:55+02:00

No, there is no shower on the sauna boat. There is a rain ladle on board for rinsing off with fresh seawater after a sauna session.

Is there a place to get changed before departure and after arrival?2026-06-02T16:30:15+02:00

Our guests change directly on the sauna boat. There is also storage space for clothes and luggage.

I have not received a booking confirmation.2026-06-02T16:30:36+02:00

First of all, have a quick look in your spam folder to see if the confirmation email for your booking has landed there.

If you can’t find anything in your spam folder either, write us an email with your details (name, surname, booking date, booking time).

We will get back to you as soon as possible.

I have booked the wrong location. What can I do?2026-06-02T16:30:40+02:00

If you really can’t enjoy your sauna boat time-out with us on the wonderful Lake Lucerne, we can cancel your booking.

Our general terms and conditions apply.

Write us a short email with your request and the details of your booking. You will find these in your booking confirmation.

We will get back to you as soon as possible.

How many people can fit on the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:46+02:00

The sauna boat offers space for a maximum of 6 people. For safety and legal reasons, this number may not be exceeded. Children also count as one person.

How far can I travel with the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:17+02:00

The sauna boat may not be driven as far as the Lucerne lake basin. Also not as far as Stansstad or Vitznau – as the distances are often underestimated and there are delays in returning the boat.
We will be happy to show you where you can go on the map on site.
If you return the boat late, additional charges will apply.

How does the booking process work?2026-01-24T17:09:10+01:00

You arrive at our base, ideally 10-15 minutes before your booking. After that, you will receive a detailed handover and introduction from us. This is also a great opportunity to ask any questions you may have, and then you’re off.

You set off, look for a cosy spot, drop anchor and enjoy your own personal sauna time-out on the water in the middle of beautiful nature.

Just before the four hours are up, you set off on your return journey. First, retrieve the bathing ladder. Hoist the anchor and store it.

It would be great if you could air the rooms a little on the way back.

How does a voucher purchase work?2026-01-24T16:33:28+01:00

Go to the “Voucher” product on our website and click on it to open a new page. There you can select one of our three voucher variants:

Voucher options:

CHF 200.00
CHF 350.00
CHF 450.00

You can also specify the desired quantity of vouchers. Click on the ‘Add to basket’ button to add the voucher(s) to your shopping basket. You can review your purchase in the shopping basket.

As soon as you have successfully completed your purchase, you will receive an automatic confirmation of purchase by email. In this email, you will find a download link to the voucher you have purchased.

How does a sauna boat reservation work?2026-06-16T15:27:21+02:00

You can make a reservation for your sauna boat experience on Lake Lucerne here.

Here you can now enter the number of people (2-6) and select a psuitable date/slot for you. The calendar only shows the dates and slots that are still available/bookable. The sauna boat can be booked up to three times a day.

Mon+Tues: from 350.00 CHF
Wed-Sun: from CHF 450.00
Mornings: 08.00-12.00
Afternoons: 13.00-17.00
Evenings: 18.00-22.00

When you click on a date, the available slots will appear below the calendar. If a slot is no longer available, it will no longer be displayed. If an entire day is already booked, this will be shown crossed out in the calendar.

The time between slots is needed to clean the sauna boat and get it ready for the next booking.

Once you have made your selection, click on the ‘BOOK NOW’ button.

The next page will open: You now have the option of selecting additional extras such as breakfast, an aperitif box, drinks, bathrobes and towels.

If you have a gift voucher to redeem, you can enter it in the shopping basket and apply it.

The payment/booking process begins when you click on the ‘Continue to Checkout’ button.

As soon as the booking has been successfully completed, you will receive an automatic confirmation email with all the details of your booking.

How do we interpret the signal lights correctly?2026-01-24T17:03:37+01:00

Strong wind warning: Orange flashing light, 40 times per minute. It is advisable to return to the port of embarkation.

Storm warning: Orange flashing light, 90 times per minute. Enter the nearest port immediately.

How do I receive the purchased voucher?2026-01-24T17:10:25+01:00

If you have purchased a voucher online, it will be sent to you automatically by email after a successful purchase. This email contains a download link with the voucher.

Don’t jump into murky or unfamiliar waters!2026-05-28T14:03:46+02:00
Grafik – Saunaboot Baderegeln

Don’t jump into murky or unfamiliar waters! The unknown can harbour dangers.
Jumping into unknown waters can lead to serious injury. Head and back injuries, in particular, can have fatal consequences. If you do need to jump into unknown waters as part of a rescue or recovery operation, always jump feet first to avoid plunging deep into the water.

Other hazards, such as tree stumps, branches and underwater rocks, are not always visible. Particular care must be taken after heavy storms.

Don’t be reckless!
Don’t take any risks.
2026-05-28T13:57:50+02:00

You don’t need to prove anything to yourself or anyone else. Unnecessary risks must be avoided.

Does my booking take place in all weather conditions?2026-01-24T17:04:28+01:00

Basically yes. If the storm warning is active, we are not allowed to let the boats leave for safety reasons. If this is the case, there are the following options:

  • Take a sauna on the boat at our jetty (without leaving the harbour) – 30% reduction on the booking amount.
  • Postpone the booking to a new date free of charge.
  • Cancel the booking, whereby a minimum cancellation fee of CHF 30.00 will be charged.
Does my booking take place even if it rains or snows?2026-01-24T17:04:10+01:00

Absolutely! When it rains or snows, sweating is twice as fun when you are relaxing in the hot sauna on the lake.

Do I need a boat licence?2026-06-02T16:30:16+02:00

You are traveling with the sauna boat with 8 hp and can therefore be steered without testing.

Cooling off in the lake after the sauna2026-05-28T13:46:26+02:00

Never cool off alone after the sauna – always keep an eye on one another.
Another person, who is on board keeping an eye on those cooling off in the lake, can quickly provide assistance in an emergency, organise help or even carry out a rescue.

After the sauna:

  1. Cool down in the fresh air and have a stroll around the deck – take it slowly and give yourself plenty of time.
  2. Cool down with the ladle.
  3. Descend slowly into the lake using the bathing ladder.
  4. Ask someone else on deck for company.
Cancellation2026-07-24T13:22:41+02:00

If you are unable to make your reservation on the sauna boat or would like to postpone or cancel your reservation, our general terms and conditions apply.

Write us an e-mail so that we can clarify the next steps together.

Breathe normally and in a controlled manner when cooling off in the lake2026-06-02T16:30:19+02:00

Breathe normally and in a controlled manner when you are cooling down in the lake – hyperventilation is life-threatening.
Hyperventilation can occur unconsciously (for example through excitement or physical exertion) or consciously (through repeated deep breaths in and out). In an early phase, hyperventilation can be brought back under control by conscious breathing. If this is not successful, drowsiness and unconsciousness can be the result.

Are there life jackets on board?2026-01-24T17:05:03+01:00

There is a life jacket for every person on board. During the on-site instruction, you will be shown where these are located on the boat.

Are dogs allowed on the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:52+02:00

Dogs and other animals are not permitted on the sauna boat for reasons of hygiene.

Are children allowed on the sauna boat?2026-06-02T16:30:49+02:00

As long as the children are supervised by an adult, they are of course welcome on the sauna boat.

Are bathrobes and towels available?2026-01-24T17:06:38+01:00

If you wish, you can book bathrobes or towels when you make your booking.

If you only realize later that you would also like to have bathrobes or towels with you, you can also book these spontaneously on site. Payment can be made by card, TWINT or in cash.

Always have one person on board!2026-05-28T14:22:54+02:00

At least one person must always remain on board – ready to maneuver the boat at any time.
This ensures that, even in an emergency, assistance can be provided quickly, help organised, or even a rescue carried out. Fundamentally, the skipper is in command and bears responsibility on board.

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