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Garden sauna in the canton of Bern: do you need a building permit?
Which rules apply to an outdoor sauna in the canton of Bern, which sizes are possible without a permit and how to proceed.
Updated: September 2026 · independent guide, sources linked
In short
Usually yes. Only unheated small buildings may be put up without a permit – a sauna is heated and therefore doesn't qualify.
The rule in the canton of Bern
Only unheated small buildings with ancillary floor space (Art. 6 para. 1 let. a of the Building Permit Decree, BewD).
What this means for your sauna
A sauna – barrel or cabin, wood or electric – is a heated building. It therefore doesn't fall under the exemption, even if it is smaller than the limit. Expect to file a building application and allow time for it.
The City of Bern states in its sauna fact sheet (December 2025) that a sauna counts as an ancillary building with main use and is always subject to a building permit, regardless of size – even on wheels or supports.
Energy (cantonal fact sheet of 19.09.2024): no energy certificate for private saunas without further rooms up to 10 m² and 2.50 m high (external dimensions). Electric heating is allowed, but only in the sauna room; changing rooms only with renewable heat.
Applications are filed via the eBau platform.
Procedure and responsible authority
The responsible authority is usually your municipality. Many cantons have a simplified procedure (notification) for minor projects; otherwise the ordinary procedure with public notice applies.
Step by step
Note the dimensions
External dimensions including roof and chimney, heater type, planned location and distance to the boundary.
Check the zone
On the cantonal geoportal or at the municipality: is the plot in a core or protected zone?
Ask the building office
A short enquiry with a sketch and product sheet tells you whether and which procedure applies.
Paperwork
Good suppliers provide plans and data sheets you can use directly for the application.
Important: this page summarises the rules in plain language and does not replace information from the responsible authority. The legal texts in force and your municipality's decision are binding; municipalities may have stricter rules. Updated: September 2026.
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