Unwind Like a Local: Exploring German Sauna Culture

Looking to unwind like a local in Germany? Check out this post for everything you need to know about German sauna culture!

Similar to the rest of Northern Europe, Germany takes its wellness culture very seriously. Hence why their saunas are practically the keystone to their wellness. I mean think about how amazing it must feel to bask in the heat as essential oils rise around you. I don’t know about you, but I would definitely pay to attend a German sauna once a week. However, the last thing you want is to go to a German sauna unprepared.

This is because when it comes to their saunas, Germans are very particular concerning etiquette therefore it’s important to be aware of the rules before your first visit. So, if you’re looking to learn more about German sauna culture, you’ve come to the right place. This post highlights the rules and etiquette for German saunas so that you can become the sauna savant you were meant to be.

What is a German sauna?

A German sauna is a therapeutic, heated, and enclosed room with different options for design, benches, and seating. Going there is a popular activity in Northern Europe and it’s known for its relaxing effects and circulatory benefits. To find them, go to bathhouses that typically have a clothed area with a pool and a separate spa area for saunas and heated pools.

What is the history behind the German sauna?

The history of German saunas can be traced back to World War II when German soldiers brought the tradition back to Germany and Austria after fighting alongside the Finnish at the Soviet-Finnish front. Saunas were already popular in the Scandinavian region and German soldiers admired how the Finnish built saunas in bunkers and mobile tents as a place to go to for relaxation and meditation during WWII. So, it’s no wonder German soldiers were inspired to replicate the same thing in Germany.

Today, saunas are now a part of German culture and you can visit them alone or with friends. Most saunas are even coed and nudist with people usually wearing a towel or a robe. Plus, it wouldn’t be a German sauna if strict rules weren’t in place regarding etiquette and hygiene. These rules include things like showering before entering, not talking loudly, or staring at others.

Why should one visit a German sauna?

Many people should visit a German sauna for the relaxation and meditation it brings as well as the health benefits. For example, saunas offer you the perfect opportunity to focus on your body and be alone with your thoughts. Healthwise, the hot air and cold plunge in saunas benefit your blood circulation and breathing. In addition, the high heat from saunas can help release endorphins to reduce pain. Some other claimed health benefits include detoxification, increased metabolism, weight loss, and improved immune function.

What are the different types of German saunas?

Some different types of saunas you might see in Germany include:

Infrared sauna: uses infrared light to create heat and has lower temperatures than traditional saunas

Finnish sauna: uses an electric or wood-burning stove with rocks piled on top to heat the sauna

Kräutersauna: uses herbal extracts and essential oils in addition to the heat to pamper the body and soul

Damfsauna: uses a water-filled generator to pump steam into the enclosed space

What should you bring to a German sauna?

Here are things you should bring with you to a German sauna:

Towels: Bring towels for lounging and drying off or buy them at the sauna for a small fee. The towels should be 2 meters long and absorb sweat well. Some people even bring an extra towel to cover their feet.

Flip-flops or slippers: Bring flip-flops or slippers because it’s not proper etiquette to be barefoot in a German sauna.

Water: You will need to bring a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated and cool down.

Robes: You will need to bring a robe to wrap yourself in after you leave the sauna.

Toiletries: You will need to bring toiletries like shampoo, shower gel, and body lotion to take care of your skin after the sauna. The lotion is for moisturizing afterward and the shampoo and shower gel are important for showers too.

What are the German sauna rules?

Here are some rules you need to know before entering a German sauna:

1. Take a shower before entering the sauna to keep it clean and hygienic
2. Take a shower after the sauna before you get into a pool or leave
3. Bring a towel to sit on so you don’t get sweat everywhere
4. Keep in mind that most saunas are just with towels only otherwise known as FKK for Freikörperkultur
5. Keep the noise to a minimum when you enter the sauna
6. Don’t apply any special fragrances to your skin since this could ruin the sauna experience for others
7. Leave the sauna if you start to feel dizzy or uncomfortable
8. Bring water to replenish any fluids lost while sweating
9. Respect other people’s space and don’t sit too close to anyone
10. No phones or cameras are allowed in saunas but you can opt to bring a book inside instead
11. Spending 10-15 minutes in a sauna is customary but you’re welcome to stay longer

Are German saunas mixed gender?

Many saunas in Germany are mixed-gender but there is also the option to attend a single-sex sauna if you look for one. Some saunas may even have women-only days if you ask ahead of time.

How does one deal with being naked in a German sauna?

Here are some tips you can follow that can help you deal with being naked in a German sauna:

Bring towels: Instead of bringing one towel, bring two so that you have one to sit or lie on and another one to dry yourself with when you’re done.

Be confident: Try to be confident when you walk into a German sauna naked. Other people are not focusing on you as much as you think they are.

Don’t stare: Don’t stare at other naked bodies when you’re in a German sauna. Keep your eyes at gaze level and focus on something else.

Get used to it: The more you attend German saunas the easier it will be for you to get used to being naked in them. This will help the German sauna etiquette become second nature to you to the point where you don’t even worry about being naked in front of other people.

What is the best position to be in for a German sauna?

The best position to be in for a German sauna is to either lie down or sit comfortably with your legs bent and your feet at bench height. However, some say lying down is the best since it exposes your entire body to the same temperature equally. It also helps you stretch your arms and legs out so that you can take full advantage of the sauna therapy.

Then again, some people also argue that sitting comfortably with your legs bent and your feet at bench height will allow the heaters in an infrared sauna to target the front and back of your body.

What are the best German saunas in Germany?

The best German saunas in Germany are located in many different spas, hotels, and thermal bath complexes. This includes Vabali, AlbThermen, Hotel Berlin KroneLamm, Therme Erding, and Hotel Villa Huegel.

Vabali: has locations in Berlin, Düsseldorf, and Hamburg and features many saunas, pools, and a garden with pavilions.

AlbThermen: located in Bad Urach and has a large sauna world with many different types of saunas including traditional saunas in various temperatures and humidity levels, plus rustic saunas.

Hotel Berlin KroneLamm: located in Bad Teinach-Zavelstein and has a high-seat sauna at 85°C that offers views of the Black Forest.

Therme Erding: located northeast of Munich and is Europe’s largest thermal bath complex.

Hotel Villa Huegel: located in Trier and features a skytop swimming pool in addition to a sauna.

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Overall, I hope you enjoyed this post on everything you need to know about the German sauna culture. Please let me know in the comments below what your experience was like going to a German sauna for the first time. I would love to hear from you! 🙂

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