Here are some basic things what you should know about German sauna culture. Do you really need to go to sauna naked? What to take with you in to the sauna? Are there any other rules what you should know?
Saunas in Germany
You can find saunas overall Germany; in spas, hotels, gyms, private homes etc. They are not quite as common as in Finland, but still quite popular. Often spas have their own little “saunawelt” offering various saunas with different temperatures.
Preparing for saunawelt (sauna world), apparently you have to pack a huge bag to go to the sauna in Germany. Or even better, a little trolley. No, I am not kidding.
The Germans stuff their sauna bags with towels (you need more than one), bathrobes, little shoes, soaps and shampoos, snacks and something to drink and to read. I still do not know all the things they carry in those huge bags, even though I have tried to spy on them to the best of my abilities.
Dressing rooms
These are usually unisex areas. There might be family changing rooms too, but usually everyone has their own little cubicle. The idea is simple; you go in, get undressed and place your clothes in the locker. Don’t be alarmed if you find a naked man standing in front of you as you get out. He was probably just too lazy to get in the dressing room to change.
Most spas do have a specific dressing room area for women (however, sometimes men get confused and end up in the women’s dressing room).
Shower and toilet facilities
These at least are clearly marked, there are separate ones for women and men. Unless, again, you get confused and end up in the mens’ shower. Unfortunately, many Germans wear their swimming costumes to the shower (I mean they put them on before they have showered).
Some people even put them on at home and do not shower at all. Germans, everyone, this is not how you do it! You should always shower properly before putting on your swimming costume.
Pool area
Many German spas have a great variety of different pools; jacuzzis, indoor and outdoor pools, slides, wave pools, pools for swimmers etc. Definitely worth giving a try!
Sauna World
Saunawelt (sauna world) Depending on the size of the spa, you might have two or three, or even twenty saunas in a saunawelt. I am not sure if it is necessary to have quite so many. Granted, they are all heated to different temperatures and offer different scents, themes and milieus.
The most common ones are Alte Finnische sauna (old Finnish sauna) 80° which has been heated to 80 degrees. Kräutersauna with herbs (60 degrees), and Damfsauna (steam room). These are the classics you find in every spa. There is usually a foot bath for soaking your feet.
Unisex saunas
Germans are infamous for their love for nudity and it is no surprise that swimming costumes are not allowed in the sauna area. The guidelines state that you should cover yourself with a towel but many people “forget” to wear it.
Unisex saunas So, here is the deal, you go to the sauna naked and men and women go together. Some spas have women only-saunas or a specific “women’s day”. If you feel uncomfortable about being naked, you can always wear a towel. In that case, you have to take two towels with you, because your feet need one also.
Being in the sauna
Germans always have a towel with them, the bigger the better. It needs to fit your bum, hands and feet. Your skin is not allowed to touch the benches or, God forbid, the person sitting next to you.
Germans like to lie on the benches, and they do not get bothered even if new people come in. In case it is really crowded, they do usually sit up to save space. I was once in a situation where someone was so utterly and completely relaxed that they did not see that there were people queuing. Discretion is important also in a sauna.
Germans use an hourglass to measure the time they have spent in the sauna. Usually the time is 15 minutes. Most Germans think staying in the sauna is accurate science and often forget to listen to their body. This is one of the things I always preach, listen to your body not some silly rule!
Sauna masters
Saunamaister (Sauna masters) or steam throwers come to the sauna every once in a while. Only they are allowed to throw water on the stove. I will tell more about these sauna masters in another post.
Saunas are considered RUHEZONE (quiet zone) and you are not supposed to talk in them. If you have to say something to a friend, you whisper. You will probably still get an angry look from someone though. So, be quiet, really quiet. I, as a Finn, can only roll my eyes at this rule.
Read more: What does a German sauna master do?
After a sauna
Like Finns, Germans too like to cool off after a sauna. Saunawelts offer many ways to do that; basics showers, cold showers, cold-water pools etc.
Germans also love to relax after a sauna and often lie down for a moment. Most places have nice and comfortable chairs for reading and relaxing. Bathrobe and socks on, wrap a towel around your head and you are good to enjoy a moment of peace.
You repeat this sauna-relax routine a few times and then you wash and shower. Germans like to dedicate a whole day for sauna-going. I mean, it is time consuming when you have to relax so often. Germans have some other funny rituals we Finns do not have or understand. I talk about them in another post called German sauna rules.
Usually places with saunas have a small restaurant or a bistro for snacks and drinks. Sometimes your wristband can be used as a payment method (your bill is saved on your wristband and you pay for the snacks when you leave). It is actually pretty handy, because carrying a wallet is hard when you have no pockets.
This is my experience with German sauna culture. Have you been to one? Let me know what you think in the comments below.
Are you interested in other sauna cultures? The blog also provides comprehensive information on other sauna cultures. Why not start with Estonian sauna culture?
Read more: Estonian sauna culture
