Steam on the Water — Sauna de la Maladaire

Steam on the Water is a public winter sauna at the Plage-camping de la Maladaire, between Vevey and Montreux, right on Lake Geneva. Around fifteen people from the Riviera wanted a sauna with lake access in winter; at the end of 2018 the municipality of La Tour-de-Peilz gave the green light, and since August 2019 a cooperative has run the operation — 2026/27 is the ninth season. The name alludes to “Smoke on the Water” by Deep Purple, which was created in neighbouring Montreux.

In autumn 2023 a new, custom-built sauna was constructed on a trailer: through large window fronts, guests look out over the lake and mountains while sweating, and there is room for over 20 people. All rooms are heated with wood from the region, the fire is tended by the team, and there are Aufguss ceremonies. Cooling off takes place directly in Lake Geneva, and resting in a yurt seven metres in diameter with loungers and a wood stove — from Friday to Monday also with massage.

Each place is reserved individually online; a sauna session lasts a maximum of two hours. At the buvette, herbal tea and flavoured water are free of charge; nothing is sold. Bring: two large terry towels (no microfibre) or one towel and a bathrobe, sandals and a padlock for the changing-room lockers. Families with children book the private barrel sauna for up to six people; a second location of the cooperative is at the Petit Port Eiffel in Vevey.