What does a German sauna master do? -article focuses on German sauna masters.
What is included in their job?
How can you study to become a sauna master? How long does it take?
Where can you study to become a sauna master and how much does the course cost?
Make sure to read the article if you want to become a sauna master or are interested to know what sauna masters do.
If you have been to a German sauna, you already know what it is like. No one can pour water on the stove except the sauna master (Saunameister in German). Sauna master comes in every hour or half an hour.
Read more: How to take a steam bath in a German sauna
Many Finns have said that the Aufguss-ceremony (the steam-ceremony) is ridiculous. I must admit, I also found it quite comical in the beginning. However, after living in Germany for 10 years, I am already used to these sauna sessions. Some of them have been very nice experiences!
It is important to remember every country has its own sauna culture and it should be respected. We Finns sometimes tend to forget that and think that our way is the best.
Read more: German Sauna Culture
I got to interview a real German sauna master for this blog post. We talked about the work she does as a sauna master and how she got into the profession.
Who?
Heike Schneider lives in Cologne. She is a swim guard and sauna master. She has always been an avid swimmer and at some point, she also became an avid sauna goer. She has been working at the Bäder in Cologne for ten years now.
Heike studied to become a sauna master five years ago. She says that being a sauna master has brought a lot of joy to her life. She enjoyed it so much that she decided to study the subject more. Today, she is a sauna manager. This training has given her even more insight into the world of the sauna.
Where can you study to become a sauna master?
In Germany, you can study to become a sauna master through the Sauna-Bund (Sauna-Society). The training lasts 2 weeks and costs about 2100 € (overnight stays, commute). Students study from Monday to Friday and on the weekends, they must do a first aid course. It is an intense two weeks.
Heike says that the training is too short. She would have liked more knowledge about human anatomy and the sauna’s health effects. She also would have liked to learn more about sauna treatments. For example, peat treatments in Germany are only available in very few places.
Is training compulsory?
You do not have to study to become a sauna master if you want to work in spas or sauna worlds. However, many employers wish that employees attend the course. A physiotherapist can also work as a sauna master if they are interested in the topic.
What is the best thing about your job?
Aufguss, the moment of steam. That’s when I create steam for my customers, and I see that they feel good and happy. Getting to know different clients and helping them relax. For example, I like to put different scents or sound bowls in the cooling room for my customers to enjoy.
How Much Does a Sauna Master Earn?
It depends on where you work: Private or public. Sauna masters are usually students in the private sector, and they receive € 1500-2000 per month. On the public side, you can earn a little more than € 2,500 -3,000 per month. The weekly working time is 40 hours.
What does a sauna master do during the breaks?
In most sauna worlds, Aufguss is every half an hour. The sauna masters prepare the next moment of steam, clean, cool down and chat with customers about all things related to the sauna.
Have you ever received negative feedback?
Sometimes the customer is not happy with the Aufguss and is in a bad mood because they lacked motivation. If you are not receptive and ready for the Aufguss, it might feel uncomfortable. For example, once one couple complained that Aufguss was too hot. I reminded them that they can always leave the sauna if they feel uncomfortable.
How do you know you have succeeded in your work?
When I see that customers are happy with the Aufguss. When I receive applause, I know for sure that Aufguss was good. Sometimes customers ask for more and that’s also awesome feedback.
How long does the Aufguss ceremony last?
Aufguss usually takes 8-12 minutes.
How many Aufgusses do you do during the day?
The morning shift will have 3-5 Aufgusses and the evening shift will have up to seven Aufgusses.
What differences have you noticed in the German and Finnish saunas?
Finns are more natural and less hectic in the sauna. There are a lot of rules in Germany, although I think it is less strict nowadays than before. There is a lot of different technology in Germany. Sometimes the purpose of the sauna is forgotten in German sauna.
Read more: German Sauna Rules
Have you been to a sauna in Finland?
In Helsinki, I visited Löyly and Allas Sea Pool. I visited Tampere Sauna Restaurant Kuuma.
What tips would you give to future sauna masters?
First, it is important that you like the sauna and enjoy working with the sauna. Another important thing is that you are not bothered by nudity.
Thanks for the interview with Heike Schneider.
I hope that you enjoyed What does a German sauna master do? -article and found it helpful!
Would you be interested in studying to become a sauna master?
