1926
It all began with Ludwig Döbele's carpentry apprenticeship. In 1933, he passed the master craftsman examination at the master craftsman school in Cologne. The financial years from 1938/39 onward were anything but easy for Ludwig Döbele's furniture business in Murg am Hochrhein. In 1943, he was forced to close his business because of the war. His sons Reinhard and Wolfgang Döbele later followed in their father's footsteps and continued the carpentry trade.
1972
From Carpentry Workshop to Sauna Manufacturer
The Döbele brothers built their first sauna in 1972. In the mid-1980s, the saunas were given names such as “Sauna Self-Build,” “Sauna Concept,” “Sauna Exclusive,” and “Sauna Manager” to meet individual customer wishes and needs. Guided by the continuous development and redesign of Döbele saunas, Wolfgang and Reinhard Döbele were among the first to engage with the concept of the bio sauna. “Sweating to measure” was the recipe for success that customers embraced very well. Today, around 90% of the saunas built by Saunabau Döbele in Murg are supplied with the bio-sauna system. Since 1981, the company has been proud to bear the state-controlled RAL quality mark, which is clear evidence of its high quality and craftsmanship. In 1997, Wolfgang Döbele celebrated the 25th anniversary of the sauna business, which by then had four employees. After 35 successful years at Saunabau Döbele, Wolfgang Döbele retired.
2007
Successor Ralf Kropf took over the business
Through Kropf's training as a master carpenter and woodworking technician, as well as his experience in the timber trade and woodworking machinery industry, he brought the necessary qualifications to run a carpentry business.
The number of employees has steadily increased since then - an experienced team that guarantees you sauna technology of the highest standard and state-of-the-art manufacturing methods. As they were 50 years ago, the saunas and infrared cabins are manufactured in Murg am Hochrhein, Germany, directly on the Swiss border. Thanks to the location of the showroom and carpentry workshop in Germany, we have 100 percent control over the quality of Döbele products.
2020
Take center stage: our diverse range of sauna and infrared models - new showroom at Saunabau Döbele!
On an area of over 200 square meters, we can now present an even greater variety of sauna and infrared models in different designs and with many extras. From various colored-light options and different types of heaters to high-tech solutions for relaxing music in the sauna - in our new showroom, you have the opportunity to view and try out our sauna and infrared models with many extras.
2022
50 Years of Döbele Sauna Construction - from the simple “board sauna” to the exclusive designer sauna
50 years ago, people were content with a rather simple wooden box for sauna bathing, made almost entirely of a great deal of wood. From today’s aesthetic perspective, such “board saunas”, where the view was limited to a small peephole in the wooden plank door, could no longer be sold. Today, the trend is more toward modern designer saunas - clean lines, fine woods and, above all, plenty of glass fronts that provide unobstructed views and a greater sense of freedom. A great deal has also changed over the past five decades in terms of lighting technology, wireless high-tech solutions for music, and controllable heat and humidity. Wellness and relaxation, even in your own home, have never been as comfortable, sophisticated and versatile as they are with today’s tools and possibilities.
2023
Saunabau Döbele became MANZ DÖBELE GmbH on January 1, 2023
Change of ownership – after 15 successful years in sauna construction, Ralf and Carmen Kropf stepped down from the company’s management. On January 1, 2023, Steffen Manz took over as their successor.
Steffen Manz had previously managed Holzbau Manz GmbH and had already completed numerous timber construction and sauna construction projects in this capacity. Through this close connection, saunas had long since been familiar territory for him.
With a new company name, a modernized appearance, and a clear growth strategy, MANZ DÖBELE GmbH embarked on a new era of sauna construction with great motivation.
2025
Construction of the new company headquarters
Since the beginning of 2025, our new company headquarters has been taking shape in Rickenbach in the southern Black Forest. A place where sauna construction, wellness innovation, and genuine craftsmanship become visible and tangible.
2026
New company location in Rickenbach
As of 01.01.2026, our headquarters will be in Rickenbach in the Black Forest. In our bright, light-filled meeting area, dreams are visualized, initial ideas are collected, and plans are sketched out. A place has been created here that reflects our spirit: room for creativity, bold ideas, and genuine sauna craftsmanship. The spacious production hall of our carpentry workshop provides the space where creative concepts are transformed into unique wellness objects. We look forward to your visit!
2026
MANZ DÖBELE quality - from October 2026 and January 2027 also in Mallorca
We realize exclusive wellness projects across the entire island - including in Palma, Calvià, Port d'Andratx, Santa Ponsa, Bendinat, Son Vida, Portals Nous, Alcúdia, Pollença, Deià, Santanyí, and many more. You will find our new company locations in Llucmajor and Santa Ponça.