Ratgeber
Sauna and spa etiquette abroad
Spa rules differ by country: in Austria and South Tyrol the sauna is often textile-free, while in many countries swimwear is worn. Read the house rules and, if in doubt, ask at reception. Wellness informs you by video call about the customs at your chosen house.
Von Wellness, Stand
Schritt für Schritt
- Read the house rules beforehand
- Clarify the country's textile rules
- Pack a bathrobe and sandals
- Shower before using the sauna
- Respect quiet times
- Plan drinking breaks
- Ask the staff if you have questions
Checkliste
- House rules read
- Swimwear and bathrobe packed
- Sandals with you
- Large towel planned
- Water within reach
- Textile-free times known
- Phone kept out of the spa
- Time for breaks planned
If you go to a sauna abroad, you meet different rules. Sometimes going without textiles is the norm, sometimes swimwear is compulsory. If you know the customs, you feel safer and relax faster.
Different customs
In Austria, South Tyrol and parts of Switzerland the sauna is often textile-free, and clear rules apply in wellness areas. In many other countries swimwear is a matter of course, and saunas count as mixed spaces. Some houses even state the rules in the confirmation email. Read these notes carefully, as they spare you uncertainty on site.
Hotels usually explain their rules in the house rules. Read them before the trip so you are not surprised. Guests from Switzerland are often used to textile-free saunas. Abroad this can be different, and a quick look at the rules helps.
If you are unsure, ask at reception. The staff are happy to explain what is usual. On your first visit, ask whether there are times for women only or for adults only. Such offers make it easier for many people to get started.
Hygiene and routine
Before using the sauna, shower thoroughly, lay a towel underneath you and keep quiet. This is the rule in almost every country. A sauna towel goes under the body, including the feet. That is hygiene and politeness at once.
A usual round consists of a sauna session, cooling down and rest. Repeat this two to three times and listen to your body. After the sauna you cool down, first with fresh air or lukewarm water, then colder. Then you rest before the next session.
Drink water or tea between sessions. Strong heat and alcohol do not go together. If you do not feel well, you may leave at any time. Nobody has to complete the whole round, and the staff understand that.
Calm and consideration
Spa areas are places of stillness. Speak quietly, do not make phone calls and show consideration for other guests. Calm also means keeping conversations low and closing doors softly. That contributes to everyone's recovery.
Photography is generally forbidden. Leave your phone in the room. Respect the privacy of others and do not stare at bodies. Restraint is the most important rule in any spa.
Do not reserve loungers with towels for hours. Share the space fairly. Bathrobes and slippers are part of the stay in many houses. Ask whether they are provided or have to be brought.
Health and limits
Heat puts a strain on the circulation. If you have cardiovascular concerns, are pregnant or have other conditions, talk to your doctor beforehand. Alcohol before the sauna is unwise. Wait with the glass until the body has cooled down again.
End a sauna session if you feel dizzy. Choose lower temperatures or shorter times. If you feel dizzy, have a racing heart or feel unwell, end the session at once. Health comes before any programme.
The spa team can give advice on routines and treatments. If you are unsure, turn to the staff. The spa team is glad to inform you about duration and temperatures. Make use of this offer, especially on your first visit.
Travelling well prepared
Pack swimwear, a bathrobe, sandals and a large towel. That way you are prepared in any country. It is best to plan for off-peak times. In the morning and late in the evening many spa areas are quieter.
Plan spa times outside the busy periods, usually in the morning or late in the evening. A small pouch with a hair tie, lip balm and water makes a spa visit more pleasant. Pack it with your swimming things.
In the [planning call](/m/wellness/planen) by video call, we discuss with you which house suits your ideas. In the conversation we give you tips on the usual rules in the destination country, so that you arrive carefree and find your way around at once.
Special situations in the spa
If you have your period or do not feel well, it is perfectly fine to skip individual areas. Use quiet zones or treatments that do you good.
If you have skin problems or allergies, tell the spa team. Oils, soaps and infusions can often be adapted or left out.
Where there are language barriers, gestures and a friendly smile help. Many houses have notices in several languages or staff who speak English.
