Harvia Heat and Family Craftmanship: The Journey of De Saunaboot
Utrecht, a historic gem in the heart of the Netherlands, is a city built on water and connected by its iconic, centuries-old canals. Thanks to these picturesque waterways and nearby De Wijde Blik lake, boat cruises are a popular way for locals and visitors to explore the city from a unique perspective. For Arne and Maria, though, something was missing in their beloved city: the chance to enjoy a Harvia-powered cruise, combining the city’s beautiful scenery with the invigorating heat of a sauna. To bring this vision to life, Arne and Maria embarked on a journey across two countries, involving helpful family and friends and a lot of passion for sauna. The result? De Saunaboot, a floating sauna oasis, complete with a Harvia Linear 22 GreenFlame. De Saunaboot recently opened to the public and is rentable year-round – no boating license required. Read on to hear more from Arne and Maria about their incredible project.
A family-led passion project
Family was at the centre of Arne and Maria’s sauna boat project. In fact, the idea of De Saunaboot was born at Maria’s mother’s lakeside cottage in Sweden.
“We first got the idea to build our own sauna boat when we took a sauna boat cruise on Lake Sövdesjön, a small lake by Maria’s mother’s summerhouse in southern Sweden. It felt incredible to enjoy the heat of the sauna with family and friends whilst also being able to swim in open water surrounded by nature”, Arne told Harvia.
As time went on, Arne and Maria’s vision of a sauna boat transformed from an idea into a serious project. They tackled logistics, registered as a company, and clarified the values that were important to them in such a project. Central to this project was family. They knew that building the sauna boat in Sweden, where Maria was born, would offer both logistical advantages and strong family support. With Maria's brother’s barn providing the perfect construction site, and numerous relatives eager to pitch in, the dream of a family-built sauna boat began to take shape.
Arne and Maria took on much of the sauna construction themselves, drawing on Maria’s brother’s skills as a carpenter and his wife’s detailed architectural blueprints. Several other family members and friends lent a hand, energised at every stage of the build by Maria’s mother’s nourishing homemade meals.
"We’re extremely grateful," Arne shared, "that it’s been such a heartfelt project, bringing together friends and family every step of the way."
Safety and comfort ensured by a pontoon-style boat
Once the sauna was complete, it was transported to Enkhuizen, Arne’s hometown in the Netherlands —a place known for its rich history in shipbuilding. Here, in this hub of maritime expertise, the finishing touches on the sauna boat were added.
“For practical reasons, the main construction of the boat took place in Amsterdam, where we partnered with Dillon, the owner of Ventis Shipyard,” Arne shared with Harvia. “Dillon was enthusiastic about our vision for a pontoon-style sauna boat and played a crucial role in bringing it to life.”
The pontoon design was an ideal choice for a floating sauna, offering exceptional stability with its flat, wide base. Additionally, its spacious deck offers plenty of room for a large sauna cabin and terrace, enhancing the overall experience for everyone on board.
A rentable sauna making wellness accessible to all
It was very important to sauna-loving couple Arne and Maria that this project make the thrill and health benefits of sauna heat accessible to as many people as possible. Their sauna boat is designed to be easy and safe to use - no boating license is required, making it easy to rent. Guests can navigate anywhere within De Wijde Blik – the largest lake of the Vechtplassen, offering both secluded and bustling areas so guests can enjoy a sauna wherever they wish.
Regular sauna sessions can improve circulation, relieve muscle tension, and support mental relaxation, offering a natural, enjoyable way for people of all ages to promote their well-being [Source here]. Moreover, the tranquil environment of the sauna boat, combined with the scenic views from the water, creates a serene atmosphere that enhances relaxation and stress relief. By making this unique experience accessible, Arne and Maria hope to foster a greater appreciation for sauna culture and its health benefits within their community.
Harvia was an obvious choice for Arne and Maria
“Because Harvia has a strong reputation worldwide, and started as a family business, we were drawn to their products”, Arne told Harvia. “We came across the Harvia Linear 22 GreenFlame and instantly loved it. Its simple design, innovative technology that minimizes particle and carbon monoxide emissions, and the larger door create an inviting glow from the heater that enhances the sauna experience.”
The Harvia Linear 22 GreenFlame was designed to burn wood more efficiently, reducing carbon monoxide emissions by 70% and small particle emissions by 20% for a cleaner sauna experience. It was also built to stand the test of time, as part of Harvia’s commitment to reliable products and sustainability. This environmentally conscious sauna heater provides a hot sauna experience with a soft steam when water is thrown on the stones. The crackle of the fire and warm glow from the large sauna door evoke feelings of relaxation and calm and help make the sauna experience even more enjoyable. For further details on sauna and Harvia’s products, click here.
