When are kids and teens allowed to visit the sauna in Germany?
Let’s just assume that young people want to be among themselves. But when are they allowed to do so alone? After all, in a public sauna they inevitably come into contact with naked strangers. That could cause problems with the law. We have found answers for you.
No legal regulations
A sauna is actually a nudist area, because everyone is naked here. But in terms of the law, it is not. Why the legislator came up with this is anyone’s guess. Perhaps it is because most people still wear a towel around their hips. In principle, you could send your children to the public sauna alone.
This is not recommended. However, it would most likely be the case that the operator of the bath would not allow it anyway. He has the domiciliary rights and can therefore also determine who is allowed to visit his sauna and who is not.
House right of the operator
In some sauna facilities, young people are not welcome to stay there alone. There, the operator has the domiciliary rights and allows young people under the age of 14 to stay only if accompanied by their parents or a legal guardian.
Admission only from 16 years
Some pools allow entry from the age of 16. In public saunas, young people may even be allowed to enter at the age of 14. Which rule applies in concrete terms is indicated at the entrance.
Children and teenagers under 14
However, many parents want to introduce their children to saunas. This is not allowed in many baths, because the little ones could disturb the peace of the other guests. It is simply not in their nature to sit quietly on wooden benches and then relax.
They would see the hot tub and use it for their swimming exercises. This also annoys child-loving minds that have paid a lot of admission to enjoy a few hours of peace and quiet.
But there is often a solution for parents: many establishments offer extra children’s times. Here, everyone knows what they’re getting into and the little ones can be kids without disturbing anyone.
Age limits for sauna use in different countries: An overview
- Germany: In Germany, there is no uniform age limit for visiting the sauna. It is at the discretion of the sauna operator from what age young people may use the sauna. As a rule, the minimum age is 14 to 16 years. However, there may be age restrictions for certain saunas or times.
- Sweden: In Sweden, teens 15 and older are allowed to use public saunas on their own.
- Finland: In Finland, a country with a strong sauna culture, there is no specific age limit for sauna use. However, adolescents are expected to have a certain level of maturity and responsibility to follow sauna rules. As a rule, young people are allowed to go to the sauna on their own from the age of 14 or 15.
- Netherlands: In the Netherlands, there is no legal age limit for sauna use. However, most saunas have rules that allow teens 16 and older to use the sauna alone.
- United States: Age limits for sauna use in the United States vary by state and sauna operator. In some states there is no specific age limit, while in others the minimum age is 16 to 18.
It always happens that the age limits for visiting the sauna can change. In addition, there are regional differences that should be considered. Therefore, before visiting a public sauna, you should find out about the specific rules and regulations of the country or facility in question. A brief research beforehand will help to avoid misunderstandings and prepare your sauna visit in the best possible way.
