What are the sauna customs and traditions?
Worldwide customs and traditions in the sauna are very different. In this matter, hardly any country is like another. Because the ultimate worldwide rule on sauna behavior simply does not exist. This also creates a lot of pitfalls that you can fall into while on vacation. The differences start with the question of clothing.
It’s not the case everywhere that you sit naked on the wooden benches – and keep quiet at the same time. Even the iron rule “no sweat on wood” is not a worldwide one. We took a look at the customs in popular vacation countries. Of course, we also cast an eye to Finland, the motherland of the sauna. So come on, let’s take a look at the foreign customs.
You don’t have to change much when skiing in Austria
If you’re in Austria or the German-speaking part of Switzerland, you probably won’t have to change at all when it comes to saunas. Here, too, all the covers come off in the sweat lodge, and it’s a case of “no sweat on wood”. Men and women sit side by side on the wooden benches. So that everyone can relax, you should shut up.
By the way, the ladies and gentlemen from the mountains like it hot – and icy afterward. As a rule, the temperature in the sweat lodge is just over 176 °F. Afterward, very brave guests like to cool off in the ice stream.
Finns love their sauna
What would the Finns be without their sweat lodge? After all, they are generally regarded as the inventors of hot pleasure – and they sit on the wooden benches whenever they can. Men and women sweat here together naked. It is perhaps even a little more permissive than in Germany. Because Finns who are really serious about it doesn’t even sit on their towel. And of course, they love it hot. It can be more than 194 °F.
The Finnish sweat lodge is by no means a quiet place. The hot pleasure is also a social one. Friends, business partners, colleagues, and politicians sit together on the wooden benches – and discuss. It is not unusual for an important business or political decision to be made in the process. Even at family gatherings, it’s common to sweat together. One important rule applies to all this chit-chat: Don’t argue. Arguing is frowned upon in the heat. Perhaps that’s why a Finnish president coined the term “sauna diplomacy.
In Italy, the bathing suit stays on
Amore and dolce vita. These are the terms we associate with Italy. It should be normal to sweat naked. But this is not the case. The customs here are quite prudish. Women should wear at least a bikini, men a bathing suit. But they still sweat together. By the way, the further you get towards Austria, the more relaxed the customs become. In South Tyrol, there are also saunas where you can sweat naked. Just ask at the entrance of the bath – and pack your swimsuit for safety’s sake.
Italy is also a country divided in two when it comes to temperature. In the south, where it’s warm, the thermometer rarely climbs above 158 °F in the sweat lodge. The further north you go, the warmer it gets – in South Tyrol, about 194 °F is considered normal. Understandable, since it gets crisply cold here in the winter.
But, especially in the north, sauna culture is undergoing a violent change. People no longer just sweat traditionally. Instead, huge sauna temples are being built, merging international customs. They are visited by both locals and tourists.
The French are anything but permissive
France is the land of love. Many think that’s why things are permissive everywhere there. But this is not true in the sweat lodge. Here, swimwear is compulsory – and it must not be too skimpy. The ladies should wear a bathing suit and the men a bathing suit that covers as much as possible. The church is probably to blame for this. After all, most French people are Catholic and the Christian upbringing affects all areas of life.
The French don’t have a distinct sauna culture anyway. In most large cities, you’ll find Turkish or Arab hammams offering wellness. But a change can also be observed in the Grande Nation. The first large wellness temples are currently being built in Alsace. Here, the French experience sauna culture from all over the world – but with balmy temperatures. The thermometer rarely climbs above 80 degrees. Although these temples are very close to the border with Germany, swimwear is mandatory.
In Turkey, business is conducted in the sauna
Turks sweat in the hammam. These baths are strictly separated by gender and are used multifunctionally. For the most part, they consist of one large room where the temperature is around 122 °F. In its center you will find a large stone on which massages are performed. All around there are small niches where guests wash themselves with small bowls and soap. In an adjacent room, there is a classic sauna, where the temperature is around 176 °F. In front of it a well-heated relaxation room with a water basin.
Traditionally, a visit to the hammam is for purification – and takes place once a week. No one would go here alone. Men often take business partners with them and strike up a deal or two in the warmth. Women visit the bath in the company of their girlfriends. They also do business. Often it is about the wedding of the children. In any case, it gets quite noisy in the hammam.
It is different in establishments for tourists. They are sometimes used by men and women alike – and are intended for relaxation. Accordingly, the employees make sure that things are quiet here. But that doesn’t always have to work. After all, tourists from all over the world come together here.
Russians sweat in the banya
Russians traditionally meet in the banya. This has been used naked by men and women at the same time since communist times – and will make you sweat quite a bit. The temperature here is actually always 194 °For more. Because the room is usually very small, the humidity is also very high. Now, this may already be very unusual for Europeans.
It is even more unusual when it comes to the infusion. In Russia, every sauna guest wants to experience this. Accordingly, it becomes close thereby in the small huts. For the infusion, the bath attendant uses a birch twig. It is warmed on the sauna stone and used as a water ladle. Afterward, the bath attendant waddles the hot air with the branch. This causes a few hot drops to splash onto the bathers. By the way, the temperature can easily rise to 212 °F and more during the ceremony.
After the infusion, the sauna guests get active themselves. They beat each other on the back with birch twigs they have brought along. This looks martial, but is quite pleasant. The light blows stimulate the blood circulation – and blockages in the back are released.
Czech Republic: naked, but separate
In Germany’s neighboring country, the Czech Republic, saunas are strictly separated by gender. But the Czechs sweat naked. The separation, by the way, has led to the development of a real male sauna culture. There is usually a counter selling cheap beer and sausages. It is by no means quiet on the benches. Guests talk shop about soccer and other things. The temperatures are quite high. Usually the thermometer climbs to 194 °F.
The women are not so drawn to the sweat room. Many spas offer it, but it’s not overused. The situation is different in large wellness temples, which are being built on the outskirts of large cities like Prague. Here, by the way, people sometimes sweat in mixed-sex baths. Occasionally, however, this even happens in swimwear. If you visit such a spa, just ask at the entrance. The friendly staff will be happy to help you.
Germans love their nudist sauna
In Germany, there are a variety of customs and traditions in the sauna, which can vary from region to region. In general, however, the principle of nudity in the sauna applies. Men and women sit together on the wooden benches and respect the privacy of the other sauna guests. The “no sweat on wood” rule is widely followed, so all visitors use a towel. Sauna guests are expected to be quiet and relax. Conversations are permitted at a subdued volume, but loud conversations or even arguments are inappropriate.
After sweating, it is customary to take a brief shower to wash off sweat before entering the relaxation room. Another aspect of German sauna culture is the infusion, in which the sauna master uses water and essential oils to create a pleasant scent experience. This infusion is often accompanied by special infusion rituals in which towels are waved or ice balls are distributed to intensify the heat or provide cooling. Overall, Germans value hygiene, consideration, and relaxation in the sauna to ensure a pleasant and restful sauna experience.
Sauna customs in the USA: Of mixed saunas and socializing
In the U.S., sauna customs vary by region and facility. In general, sauna culture is not as widespread in the U.S. as it is in some European countries. Some spas and gyms have saunas, but they are often used by a mixed clientele. In such facilities, it is common for men and women to have separate changing areas and to wear bathing suits in the sauna. This is to maintain the privacy and comfort of all guests.
Unlike European customs, where rest and relaxation prevail in the sauna, American saunas are often more social. It is common for people to converse with each other in the sauna. In some cases, friendships are even made or business relationships are established. Temperatures in American saunas vary, but are usually between 158 and 194 °F.
Conclusion
In conclusion, sauna customs and traditions vary greatly around the world, reflecting the diverse cultural values and norms of different countries. While some countries embrace nudity and prioritize relaxation and silence in the sauna, others have more modest practices and encourage socializing. Finland, as the birthplace of the sauna, holds a special place with its tradition of sitting naked on wooden benches and engaging in social discussions. In contrast, countries like Italy and France have stricter rules regarding swimwear and modesty. The United States exhibits a mix of customs, with saunas often being more social spaces rather than purely for relaxation. With varying temperatures and practices, sauna culture provides a fascinating glimpse into the unique customs and traditions of different countries, offering a truly global experience of this ancient form of bathing and wellness.
