Germans are very particular when it comes to spa etiquette. It can take some practice to adapt to all the rules and many of us learn the hard way, often being scolded by Germans for getting something wrong.
Here are some of the written and unwritten rules, and background on wellness culture in Germany.
What is a spa in Germany?
There are lots of different kinds, but the leisure-focused day spas are known as thermal baths or Therme. They exist as a complex on their own, or are sometimes added on to public swimming pools.
The spa areas are little zones of relaxation where guests can come to chill out and enjoy the soothing surroundings.
A spa usually has different saunas, steam rooms, plunge pools and seated areas. Usually there’s a separate section dedicated to spa treatments such as massages or facials.
When do I ditch my swimwear?
Let’s get this out the way quickly, much in the same way you’ll have ditch your trunks or swimsuit when you enter a German sauna for the first time: no clothes are allowed in the saunas and steam baths.
At the spa you’ll find strictly enforced “textile free” zones and, if you don’t stick to the rules, you’ll have to leave.
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This can be a hard thing to accept for people who don’t come from a place where nudity is the norm.
I'm from Scotland, and, like other parts of the UK, there isn't the same attitude towards stripping off. If you take your clothes off in public you'd probably be accused of being a pervert.
The British attitude to bare skin differs hugely from the continent. We're not used to seeing naked bodies unless they are highly sexualized in advertisements, music videos or porn.
So "normal" nudity in saunas can make some non-Germans giggle or feel embarrassed.
Photo: DPA
You won’t really find this kind of attitude in saunas in Germany.
Naked bodies are seen as nothing special in the context of saunas or, for example, when bathing at a lake or in some parks (in the summer of course).
Remember, Germany is the country of FKK – Freikörperkultur – a movement that translates to free body culture: so there is no shame in being naked.
Why can’t I wear my swimming stuff in a sauna?
Ask most Germans why they think nudity is a strict rule there and they’ll tell you that wearing a swimsuit or trunks is “unhygienic”, and full of bacteria.
A wet swimsuit, sweat and heat don’t mix and all this is, apparently, not good for yourself or the air. Who knows if being naked is actually more hygienic, but these are the rules that the Germans swear by so we have to follow them if we live here.
Note that swimsuits are usually worn in other areas of a spa, such as pools. Sometimes it’s optional and you can choose to bathe with nothing on or with a swimsuit/shorts.
Should I bring anything to the sauna?
Yes, it’s good to be prepared. You should bring a towel (or in some places you can borrow one for a small fee).
Sometimes, when walking around the spa area, people wrap themselves in a towel. In some spas you can also rent a bathrobe for this purpose.
When you get to the sauna, open the door and close it quickly without letting too much heat out.
Find your spot and then lay your towel onto the slats or bench which you can then sit or lie on.
None of your skin should touch the bench of a sauna when you’re in it.
If you are concerned about going naked, you can sit on the sauna wrapped in a towel as long as your skin isn’t touching the wooden slats. If you want to do that, you could also take another towel just to make sure no skin is touching the wood.
But try to keep in mind that no-one is looking at you in the sauna. There are all different kinds of bodies in the sauna. Also remember to be polite and don't stare at anyone else.
You can wear a towel if you're concerned. Photo: DPA
Anything else?
Yes, remember to take flip flops.
When walking around the spa area it’s good to have a pair of indoor flip flops or pool sliders so your bare feet don’t have to touch the floor, although this isn’t compulsory.
You don’t wear your flip flops in the sauna but you can usually wear them in a steam bath.
I’ve been swimming. Do I just whip off my swimwear and go to a sauna?
You should find hooks in the spa area which you can hang your swimwear on. You could also take a small bag with water and a book or magazine.
When you’ve finished swimming, you can slip your togs off and then, this is important, take a shower. Not showering before you enter the sauna would be seen as completely unhygienic.
This also helps prepare your skin, opens pores and relaxes the muscles.
READ ALSO: A guide to Berlin's secret swimming spots - from the woman who wrote a book on it
Can I hang out at the spa if I'm tired of the sauna?
Most spas have a relaxation area with sun loungers that you can happily spend some time in. Some spa facilities even have restaurants and cafes that you can order food and drinks in.
Many guests will lounge around, leisurely reading a book or magazine before entering the heat again.
Are there any single-sex saunas?
They do exist but on the whole, Germany opts for mixed-gender saunas. Often thermal baths will offer a 'women-only' day.
What else should I be prepared for?
Now and again, the Saunameister (sauna master) will prepare Aufguss or infusions. This is when gorgeous scented oils are added to saunas at specific times listed on a schedule.
A bell will ring to announce the Aufguss, and the Saunameister will enter to explain what will happen.
They spread the heat and infusion by flapping a towel. This can make the sauna super hot. Sometimes body scrubs will be handed round. Remember to shower at the end!
These small ceremonies should not be interrupted so if you miss the start, you’ll need to wait for the next session.
Also be aware that cooling-off is part of the whole experience.
Spas usually have cold showers, outdoor pools and some even have ice baths.
Wow, the Germans really take this seriously.
They really do. And it is a lovely part of German relaxation culture when you get used to it.
German “wellness” and spa culture is even part of the country’s health care system.
The German equivalent for spa is Heilbad or 'healing bath' or Kurort which literally means 'cure place'. Any town in Germany can qualify and choose to use the prefix 'Bad' or bath before their town name, for example, Bad Sarrow in Brandenburg.
READ ALSO: Undressing at a Berlin sauna wasn't the moment of liberation I'd hoped for
The towns that qualify have met very strict water quality standards and have medical staff and the infrastructure to be able to provide treatment for people.
If your medical insurance covers it, you can request a medical "cure." (Kur) This can be prescribed in some cases to help a condition (for example stress or insomnia) or to treat a chronic health condition where the patient would benefit from spending time in a healing environment.
This is different to the leisure spas of course, but it's all part of Germany's strong emphasis on wellness.
Great, so I should definitely go to a sauna then?
Yes, you should try it – but be careful which one you go because some saunas may not be what you are expecting.
Certain places will advertise themselves as 'FKK saunas', but they’re actually more like brothels with prostitutes (which is legal) or sex clubs.
If that’s your thing then fine, but check out the website before going there just to make sure you know what you’re getting into.
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