In this article – How to take a steam bath in a German sauna – I will tell you what to do and what not to do in the Sauna in Germany.
Steam bath in a German sauna
Now let’s talk about how to throw water in a German sauna. Or, in this case, why you should not throw water yourself. In this article, I concentrate on public and spa saunas. In private saunas, the situation is of course different.
There is usually a list of saunas in the spa lobby, which gives you the times and places for “Aufguss”. Aufguss is the German word for löylynheitto (the act of pouring water on the stones in order to produce steam) and it is an important part of German sauna experience.
The list also usually tells you which scent used in the sauna during Aufguss. Scents such as mango-orange or lemon-grapefruit are considered “normal” sauna scents. Of course, the traditional birch scent, “Birke” is also often used.
If a spa offers professional “Aufguss”, steam bath, that means that you are not allowed to pour water yourself.
Read more: German sauna culture.
German “Saunameister”
The Auguss is done by the Saunameister (sauna master). He is always on time and you will not get in once they have started. If you are late, you miss out. In a worst-case scenario, the sauna master has to block the door with his feet to keep the door closed, so no one gets in once he has started.
There are many types of sauna masters, this is why I have experienced: The sauna master comes in carrying a bucket, a ladle and a towel. Men usually wear shorts, women wear shorts and a top. Sauna master greets everyone and tells what scent he/she is using for the Aufguss.
The water is poured little by little, it is never thrown. Usually, the sauna master uses two or three ladles. After that, the sauna master takes the towel (it is not used to wipe off sweat!), rolls it and spins the towel-roll like a helicopter over his head. Those who sit on the upper benches can enjoy comfortable heat waves, and it is quite nice even if you sit on the lower benches.
Next, the sauna master pours more water on the stove and opens the towel in a matador-like movement to create even more heatwaves. This and the previous movement are repeated a few times, depending on the sauna master.
Read more: German sauna rules.
After Aufguss
After Aufguss, you can take a shower, go for a swim or just cool off outside. You can also leave during Aufguss if you want, but you might get some nasty looks from the Germans. I, however, think you should never stay if you feel uncomfortable. If you want to leave, just leave. Finnish people won’t judge you!
Sauna without Aufguss
You can also go to the sauna without the Aufguss ritual. I recommend going right after the Aufguss, because the sauna is usually quite empty and the air nice and humid. You might bump into some pink-faced bathers on your way in.
Interestingly, in German saunas (at least in most places), water-throwing is not allowed by customers. For Finns like me, this was very odd at first. However, now that I have had some experience with the German sauna culture, I think maybe it is a good thing. Germans are very rule-oriented people and I think it would be difficult for them to get used to the idea that everyone is allowed to do what they want.
A professional sauna master ensures that there are no “steam conflicts”.
We Finns have been taught how to throw water and we have no problems moving down a bench if the steam gets too much.
Therefore, it is difficult for us to get used to the fact that we cannot throw water ourselves. Truth be told, many Finns have come up with their own ways to smuggle water into the sauna.
You can for example take a big bottle of water with you (so that it looks like you just want to stay hydrated) and then pour water from your bottle when no one is looking.
Personally, I have not dared to implement this idea yet. I am too afraid I will get banned. Although, I could just always say, “hey, I’m from Finland, I will have my own Aufguss“.
Sometimes, there is no stove at all in the sauna. That, however, is a completely different topic that deserves its own article.
Have you been to a German sauna and or experienced German steam bath called Aufguss? Did you like it?
Read more: Austrian sauna culture.
