What is Austrian sauna culture like? Can children and young people under the age of 16 go to sauna? Are you allowed to throw water on the stove? Do they even have sauna rules in Austria? You can find answers to all these questions in this article.
Austrian sauna culture
I have already written about German sauna culture and Austrians are not that different. However, I have noticed some slight differences and would say that Austrians are a bit more relaxed with their rules than the Germans. Of course, there might be regional differences and there is no one right way to go to sauna.
Read more: German sauna culture
Bear in mind that these are just my own experiences and experiences my friends have shared with me. If you have had a different (or similar) experience, please let me know in the comments below. I love to hear other people’s stories.
Saunas
You can find saunas in hotels, spas, indoor swimming pools and private homes. Many hotels advertise their saunas as an attraction. Public swimming pools have saunas too and you can use them for a small fee. They are, however, unisex saunas. Some places offer “women days”, meaning only women are allowed in on that day. Very few places have saunas only for women.
In the sauna
You are always naked in an Austrian saunas, bikinis and swimming costumes are not tolerated. You sit on a big towel and you make sure your feet are on it too. If you are a bit shy or find being naked uncomfortable, you can always wear a towel.
There are clear instructions how to behave in an Austrian sauna and people follow and know them very well.
Children and young people under the age of 16 are often not allowed in the sauna. I think this rule was put to place to make sure that adults can enjoy their sauna experience in peace.
You should not make any noise in the sauna or even whisper, otherwise you might get some angry looks. Saunas are meant for relaxation and calmness and, therefore, a quiet zone.
Some Austrian saunas have very keen sauna masters. They will come in and make sure everyone is behaving. I know of one place in Vorarlberg in which it is prohibited to use a towel or something else to sit on (even though in other places this is a must). So, apparently many of these rules vary from place to place. Just do what the others are doing, and you will be fine.
Aufguss or throwing water on the sauna stove
Austrian spas have sauna masters who come in every hour and throw water on the stove. For a Finn, this experience is rather amusing. Warning, you might laugh!
You can sometimes find a bucket, water and a ladle in a hotel sauna. This means you can throw water yourself, yay! Especially if you are lucky and there aren’t other people around.
I heard that some saunas have hierarchy when it comes to throwing water. If you are an experienced sauna-goer, or the eldest person in the sauna, you may do the honors.
In some cases, this carefully chosen person takes over sauna master duties. He rolls his towel and waves it above his head (a bit like a helicopter) in order to spread the heat evenly.
I have always asked myself the reason for such odd behaviour. I recently found out that these saunas often have too small and weak stoves or the temperature is too low for the sauna. This towel technique is used for a better heat distribution. When you see it like that, it makes a bit more sense.
Warning: sometimes you might experience some unwanted attention and looks from (especially) men. This can be uncomfortable. Try to ignore them or even better, just do the same and make them see how inappropriate it is. I sometimes think that maybe they mean it as a compliment and try to take it as one.
After a sauna
After your visit to the sauna, you go and relax in the lounge area. These often have matrasses or comfortable chairs for napping.
Ruheraum, or the relaxation room. In this room you usually have snacks like nuts and fruit, and drinks, such as herbal tea, at your disposal.
You do not drink alcohol after you have been in the sauna. Well, unless there is a special occasion.
Have you had any experience with Austrian sauna culture? Let me know in the comments section.
Are you interested in other sauna cultures? The blog also provides comprehensive information on other sauna cultures. Why not start with Russian sauna culture?
Read more: Russian sauna culture
