Shock in Neubrandenburg: 300,000 euros in damage for legendary sauna!

Shock in Neubrandenburg: 300,000 euros in damage for legendary sauna!

Neubrandenburg, Deutschland - The sauna landscape in the Otto sports park in Neubrandenburg was seriously hit. Rüdiger Otto, the operator, had to close the facility in May this year after an undiscovered crack in the sanitary facility caused massive problems. Wastewater has been seeping into the ground for weeks, which requires a comprehensive renovation of the entire sauna area, and the costs incurred amount to a whopping 300,000 euros. But the trouble does not stop here: the insurance company refuses to cover the costs, so Otto had to switch on his lawyers in order to still achieve reimbursement. However, if the clarification of the insurance is negative, the future of the sauna area is on the brink and could be closed permanently.

Otto, who opened the sports park 26 years ago after the turn and invested a total of 3 million euros in construction, considered the sauna landscape as an important part of its concept to offer people relaxation. "I just wanted people to relax here," said his motivation. Until the closure, customers were able to redeem their vouchers and 10 cards. Now other offers such as yoga and Pilates are available to guests, but a refund of the purchase price is not possible for legal reasons. The majority of customers are loyal and hopes for an early renovation of the sauna area, which, however, also depends on external factors.

renovation and restrictions on use

From June 1, 2025, the sauna area is completely closed, the renovation work is not a good star. The measures are expected to take advantage of an inconceivable duration, and during the work there are restrictions on the use of the changing rooms and showers. Noise pollution cannot be ruled out, while the team from the Otto sports park is available if you have any questions. In addition, due to the energy crisis, the outdoor sauna is only heated on odd days, which brings further restrictions for the guests. Paying with a card was also set for these areas.

"However, customers can continue to use the fitness area," said the sports park. There are also opportunities in the sauna garden to use the various offers such as the Finn sauna, the steam bath or the infrared heat cabins. Nevertheless, the situation is tense: Current reports show that, for example, every fourth sauna operation in Germany is in economic difficulties, and it is feared that many companies will have to close due to the enormous energy prices. Martin Niederstein, Managing Director of the German Sauna Association, criticizes the grievances and urgently demands support in order not to endanger health care in Germany.

"The sauna bath has not only has positive social effects, but also measurable health benefits. Over 30 million Germans regularly go to the sauna," Niederstein explains to politics, and appeals to the public sauna facilities as systemically relevant. The urgent challenges due to the energy crisis and the financial difficulties due to the corona pandemic are increasingly jeopardizing the existence of many sauna systems.

whether and when the sauna area in the Otto sports park can open again remains uncertain. However, the hope of an early renovation remains not only for Rüdiger Otto, but also for the loyal guests who want to enjoy their studio area again in a relaxed atmosphere.