#skinnydipping at 2am in some #spanish natural hot springs? Yeah go on then
As is becoming customary, less on soaking in hot springs (where have they gone?), more on the pan-European sauna culture.
Further but then translated:
But let's start with a bit on hot springs.
Lonely Planet lists (their) 20 best hot springs of Europe (Nov. 6). The first 11 on the list though are all commercial establishments (Blue Lagoon at no. 1?), the couple of soaking spots on Pantelleria make no. 12. The remainder are with the odd exception again commercial places. So are they the best then on offer in Europe? (a.: no)
French website Nature et Source Chaude has a report on the hot springs of Rennes les Bains (Jul. 24, updated Nov. 28). As customary, his articles are very in-depth and quite essential when wanting more info on particular soaks.
A (translated) snippet on one of the village's springs:
Over then to culture and hot springs.'But when the town remains dormant until around April (like most spas), these waters are lost in the river. A staircase located at the back of this hotel (the Hostellerie) leads through a small galleryto the foot of it. You then come across the old village washhouse which first collects these thermal waters before they flow into the river. But this site, a real public bath in winter , has been transformed several times in recent years to discourage bathers from coming there. The thermal waters now seem to flow directly into the river under the stone slab.My intention was to see this washhouse from closer but a locked iron gate prevents me from accessing the gallery. Perhaps it only remains open in winter'.
In Switzerland's Baden an article from Regionale2025 on the exhibition concerning selected bathing cultures in south Europe:
'«Belebung heilender Orte»...Die Ausstellung wirft einen Blick auf die vergangene Bäderkultur in Italien, Griechenland und der Schweiz. Präsentiert werden unter anderem Arbeiten von Studierenden der Architektur und Kunst, die sich mit einzelnen Heilbädern auf Sizilien und in Griechenland beschäftigt haben. Dabei stand die Frage nach deren Wiederbelebung im Zentrum. «Daraus sind originelle künstlerische Arbeiten entstanden, die im ‹Bad zum Raben› eindrücklich zur Geltung kommen», erläutert Doppler....est steht: Das «Bad zum Raben» wird die Stadt Baden als Bäderkulturort aufwerten und einen Ort für Begegnung, Entspannung und Lebensfreude darstellen. Insofern ist es ein Glück, dass das Thermalwasser noch für eine Weile aus tiefster Dunkelheit hinaufsteigt ans Licht. Wir profitieren alle davon'.
Picos de Europa🌋🌋🌋🌋.#hoytocabaño #termas #termasnaturales #agusto #relax #hornodeagua #caloret #riodeva #elbañodelasemana
Miami Herald (Dec. 4) reports on a Roman bath being uncovered in Spain:
'Archaeologists in Spain have uncovered a 2,000-year-old Roman sauna-like room heated by natural hot springs. The large room, known as a caldarium, is the most recent feature of a larger bathing complex to be unearthed at the Roman villa of Alamillo in Puerto de Mazarrón,...In 2023, an archaeological assessment of the area prior to the construction of a new seafront promenade revealed several new buildings, including the caldarium, officials said. When the excavation is complete, officials said the Roman ruins will be integrated into the El Alamillo promenade, giving visitors an up-close perspective on the historical site'.
Archaeology News (Dec. 5) on more finds in Italy's San Casciano dei Bagni:
'The recent excavation, spanning June to October 2024, focused on the sacred temenos, a walled enclosure surrounding the sanctuary, and revealed the remnants of a central temple built around a thermal water basin. Within this sacred space, archaeologists unearthed an array of votive offerings and artifacts remarkably preserved by thermal waters and clay.Among the most notable finds are four bronze statues, votive limbs, and heads, inscribed with dedications. A striking bronze torso, bisected from neck to genitals, was dedicated by a man named Gaius Roscius to the “Hot Spring.”
Wrapping up this section and introducing the next, OCanada.com has an article (Dec. 4) on soaking and sauna-ing in Germany:
'Stepping into the steamy shower area, I take a deep breath before hanging up my robe and entering buck naked into the coed Friedrichsbad spa.I’m in Baden-Baden where the deeply ingrained German sauna culture means bathing suits and towels are not allowed in mixed-sex, “textile-free” zones. The locals don’t bat an eye, but with my prudish Canadian sensibilities, the idea takes some getting used to'.
The article looks at sojourns in Baden-Baden and Bad Ems, both towns with thermal heritage. With little to add, if you side step the Anglo-saxon hang-ups. More to follow.
franco_solinas
Positives
So over to the sauna and sauna culture then.
Starting off with general news on sauna's: a Swedish research project by Luleå University of Technology on sauna bathing (link on report (Oct. 31)). It concludes that:
'sauna bathing can have positive effects on both physical and mental health in residents of northern Sweden. The study, which included participants from Norrbotten and Västerbotten, found that people who take saunas regularly report better general health, higher energy and reduced incidence of high blood pressure compared to those who do not....66% reported taking a sauna at least once a month, and these people showed consistently better health outcomes compared to those who did not.Participants who took saunas regularly reported a lower incidence of high blood pressure, less physical pain and higher satisfaction with their sleep patterns. They also had better mental health, felt energized and were more satisfied with life. Interestingly, these health benefits were most evident among those who took saunas between one and four times a month - those who took saunas more often did not see the same increased effects....Social aspects also seem to play a role, as many reported that they often saunaed together with others. This social dimension may be a further explanation for the positive effect of sauna bathing on mental well-being'.
Then, We are Saunah report (Oct. 30) on instagram on their then upcoming autumn activities: the urban sauna will be placed in the Swiss town of Winterthur mid-November.
Sauna usage as part of the culture then.
Hello Magazine reports (Nov. 26) on a wellness trip to Estonia:
'A visit to Estonia would not be complete without at least one sauna session – something we managed to do every day of our stay. Much like in Scandinavia, sauna is almost like a religion here, and generations have conducted some of life’s most significant events - from conception and birth to business meetings and cleansing the dead – inside the sauna. Much like we Brits meet up with family and friends in the pub, a lot of Estonia’s social interaction happens in the sauna – the subject of the award-winning documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, which followed the conversations and close bond between a group of women as they sat together the Old Võrromaa smoke sauna at Mooska Farm in Võru County, in the south of the country.We decided to try out this famous sauna for ourselves, guided by sauna master Eda, who encouraged us to fully embrace Estonian culture and strip naked for the experience, which costs €300 for up to 10 people. Despite feeling a little self-conscious, we took off our clothes as Eda, who seemed infinitely more comfortable being naked, poured water on the hot coals creating an intense, steamy heat. We were handed wet birch leaves and instructed to "whisk" ourselves by slapping them on our bodies while chanting affirmations like "I am strong" and "I am loved". When we got too hot, we ran to the pond outside and stepped gingerly down the steps into the chilly water, an experience that was refreshing and calming....Skinny dipping in lakes is part of the Estonian culture...After dinner, there was still time for a late-night sauna next to a peat bog that is thousands of years old. After smothering our skin with black peat– a nourishing natural facepack – we got into the steamy sauna. By now, we had thrown caution, as well as our clothes, to the wind and before long we were running outside and plunging into the very chilly bog – prompting more screaming'.
On the Russian Nudeblog also has a shoutout (Nov. 14) to a film on an Estonian sauna. Translated:
'I have known Eda for many years, and I have told her a thousand times that this is a miracle come true.Strong, hereditary, magical, deep master.It heals, it sounds, it fits.Saunachannel [link] made a movie and the great Nowness published it [as of Oct. 18]:My experience and how to get to her:
Grit
Then from a podcast on North American sauna culture, Upper Bench (Nov. 2), a look (not literally) at that holy grail of sauna culture (mostly from the English language): what's with nudity in the sauna?
They discuss this from within the US context. Not too surprised that even with Finnish descendants discussing this, there's a lot of reluctance:
'They share personal stories from Finland and the United States, touching on the importance of comfort, consent, and respect in sauna settings. The conversation explores how different backgrounds shape views on nudity, from traditions in Nordic countries to more reserved perspectives in America and beyond. Throughout, they emphasize creating a welcoming, judgment-free space that values dialogue and mutual understanding in both private and public sauna experiences'.
On topic. From earlier this year (Mar. 17), German language Galaxus.de reports a sauna experience from a British (and thus a defunct prudish(?)) point of view while sauna-ing in Switzerland:
'Wenn du die Hitze in einer deutschen oder schweizerischen Sauna genießen willst, musst du zuerst deine Badehose ausziehen. Für eine Britin wie mich hört es sich schrecklich an, nackt neben einer Gruppe von Fremden zu sitzen. Aber ist es wirklich so demütigend, sich in der Öffentlichkeit nackt zu zeigen, wie ich es mir eingeredet habe?
'Of all the culture shocks an expat from the English-speaking world can experience in Germany or Switzerland, the difference in sauna etiquette is one of the most shocking. As an Englishwoman, I'm used to swimwear being required in saunas, so you can imagine my surprise when I first entered a sauna in Germany and found it was "textile-free." I stood at the entrance for a moment, wondering if I should just grit my teeth and bear it all. Then I chickened out and went back to the pool....Soon I'm smearing honey and salt on my skin in the "panorama sauna" with everyone else, as if I knew exactly what I was doing. It really does feel better when the wet swimwear isn't sticking to my skin and forming puddles on the benches. The heat is relaxing without being soporific. When I get out into the fresh air and shower, I enjoy the tingling contrast between hot and cold. My body feels energized. I don't feel embarrassed or judged for being naked, and I don't feel bothered by other people's nakedness. The strangest thing about this experience is that it doesn't feel strange at all'.
The article garners many comments, highlighting the different views, many sharing the empowering experiences of sauna use nakedly; even a recent as mid-December there are comments added.
The Law of Löyly - when your feet are level with the rocks ensuring your whole divine vessel is fully immersed in the heat 🔥The Law of Sauna - when your whole mind, body and soul feel lighter after a sauna no matter how much heaviness you are carrying 🔥Come and try both at @saunacorner##saunaparty #saunafestival #saunaday #brighton #brightonholistic #brightonhealing #hove #hoveactually #brightonbeach #hovebeach #rottingdean #rottingdeanbeach #ovingdean #ovingdeanbeach #saltdeanbeach #saltdean #saltdeanlido #reastsussex #eastsussexsauna #seaford #seafordbeach #saunatime #saunaculture #saunathesouthcoast #uksauna
'Anyway, to us, an age-old nuisance is created by the “clothing optional” policy. This time, as we entered the first pool on Thursday, we thought they changed swimsuit day (Tuesdays) since we were the only ones nude among at least 20 others. This situation can’t help but reduce the comfort of anyone who chooses to be naked. As the days went on, the ratio of nude/suited patrons varied—averaging about 50/50, and even when nudes outnumbered suits, there were always swimsuits in the mix. I wonder why customers choose to come to a spa where nudity is common if they are against it—and I wonder what they feel is so “special” that it needs to be hidden. Since they have a swimsuit-required day, there should also be nudity-required days, where everyone feels free and equal. Anyway, even though we love the amenities and Aufguss rituals at The Well, we would prefer a textile-free policy like the spa/thermes in Germany, which we truly enjoy'.
Another Reddit related article. The dilemma. On the AskGermany forum from August the question: does the Germany sauna experience really mean mixed gender nakedness? 450+ answers, all confirming yes, this is the case.
Protocol
Again a cross-Atlantic perspective. With emphasis on the obvious, though also a great description of the Aufguss ceremony.
Perceptivetravel (2024-12), has a lengthy article on the author's visit to the Aqua-Dome (west Austria, actually Tyrol) with Aqua Dome's water claims:
'The precious water bubbles up to the surface in Längenfeld in the Ötztal valley from more than 6000 feet underground and at a temperature of 104° F. According to chemical analyses, the water in Längenfeld that flows from deep inside the earth is a sulfur spring with a divalent sulfur content of 5 mg S–/l. For this reason, it is a legally recognize mineral spring: 3 to 4 liters per second bubble up to the surface, wonderfully warm and pure, right into our thermal baths. Feel the strength of the springs!Anyway the article highlights the need for nudity at the wellness resort:
'European saunas expect guests to follow a certain protocol. The main consideration—and woe betide the spa-goer who forgets this—is that you must be bare-ass. Apart from standing in the corridors, where bathrobes and towels are expected, walking around an Austrian spa while wearing a bathing suit is like strolling into the Junction City, Kansas Community Swimming Pool with nothing on. It isn't done.I was in an Austrian sauna two years ago and saw a twenty-something woman enter the heated space wearing the tiniest of bikinis. A sweaty woman called out to her in German to remove her clothes. The sweaty men quickly agreed. Perhaps too eagerly, I thought. The woman, ashamed, rushed out of the sauna, never to return.But the Southern Belle in my group made a different mistake.Belle and I bumped into one another in a corridor on the notorious Second Floor. She wore a towel. I wore a towel. She said, "Wanna see the Canyon Sauna?"The Canyon Sauna is vast. On one end is a 12-foot-tall picture window that looks onto a scene of utter bucolia: a winding stream flows down grassy banks, gurgling cheerfully beneath an artfully placed cedar log. Inside the sauna, opposite the window, is an amphitheater of slatted pine benches for sitting and spritzing.Unexpectedly, dozens of people in various stages of undress began to enter. A lovely young woman sat directly in front of me and placed her derriere on my right foot. I pulled my foot out of her way. She scooted back and once again splayed her cushiony cheeks across my toes. I felt it would have been impolite to withdraw my foot further.Elsewhere, complete strangers snuggled up against one another, shoulder to shoulder, hip to hip, bum to toe. It was a full house.And then entered Martin, the Spa Master.He was thin, even emaciated, but he barged in like he owned the place. He scanned the 60-strong crowd. Suddenly, he barked at Belle, sitting 10 feet away from me:"Füße auf dem Handtuch!" When she didn't respond, he growled at her again. Then, in English, he said, "Feet on the towel!More protocol: When you enter a nude sauna in Europe, you're supposed to wear a towel around your waist. Then, before you sit, you're obliged to place the towel so that your backside and your feet don't touch the wooden benches."Feet on the towel!" he shouted again.When Belle finally realized she was the object of his chastisement, she demurely snuggled her bottom onto the 100-percent cotton towel and set her size-8's on the towel's furthest reaches, allowing nary a shred of flesh to brush against the pinewood slats.The Spa Master set an old-school boombox next to the picture window and played a medley of Beatles tunes. As it happened, Belle and I had inadvertently strolled into the sauna minutes before a Summer Wind Infusion.Spa Master dripped some liquid onto the sauna heater at the center of the room. Immediately, a freshness filled the hot air. The scent reminded me of lemongrass. The invigorating aroma was like stepping into the cold air after a hot shower. Then he smashed a handful of crushed ice onto the hot stones, sending up a plume of steam. Our eyes widened. Our nostrils flared. We all hummed along to Paul singing "I've Got a Feeling."...In just two hours, I'd be doing it again. Only this time, I'd swap the Summer Wind for an Infusion of Beer. And I'd be naked in front of all my new friends.We gathered near the sauna entrance just before 7 p.m. A few in our group opted for cooler pursuits. The rest of us had agreed that we'd meet up in our bathrobes, sweat over the beer fumes, shower afterward in the spa, then don our bathrobes again for a light repast in the spa restaurant. There was Den Mother, Southern Belle, the super-healthy Runner, Ms. Alberta, and me bringing up the rear, literally and figuratively.A few of the writer-women sat together. I sat apart, but not alone. The Beer Infusion was, if anything, even more popular than the Summer Wind. It was so hot, I think I might have lost consciousness for a while. I certainly lost the ability to concentrate, except to think, Don't faint. Don't faint.Our Spa Master this time was somewhat older than the earlier sauna swami and more theatrical. He smiled mysteriously, and didn't shout Füße auf dem Handtuch! even once. In fact, he seemed like a nice guy.I am a proponent of beer as a rule, but the smell of heated lager, while you're pouring perspiration in a 180-degree sauna, crowded elbow-to-elbow with other sweaty, stark-naked spa-goers, and feeling as if you're mere minutes away from a thermal coma, isn't nearly as enjoyable as it sounds. The smell was almost charred, slightly rancid. I detected not an iota of beneficial health in the procedure....I can't say for certain that getting naked with your colleagues is a team-building, morale-boosting exercise for everyone. I'm kinda leaning in that direction, though. In fact, I'm planning a beer-infusion reunion next year. Just to be sure'.
Жар и пар.Хотела рассказать о кузнице и бане, как локусах тождественных. Прогрев, закалка и выплавление нового себя.Баня - перерождение. Даже если вы приходите просто помыться без метафизических смыслов, пространство само по себе ритуализированно. Ритуалы просты и являют собой какое-то трансовое движение: дрова, веники, печь, лежать, греться, остывать, опять по кругу.Ритмичность и проточность, ясность и простота.Мытьё по-старинке - с ковшиком и гомоном.Оставить за собой баню для духов и предков.Пройти по лесу (миру мёртвых) чистым и нагим, выйти к тёмной, мягкой воде древнего озера и прыгнуть в холодную купальскую глубину. Радоваться и быть новым.Фотохроники на грани с этнографическими архивами @profedemelancolia
Reditt (November) on the Aufguss culture. I.e. is the ritual of Aufguss more common in other countries than those German speaking?
Yes it is, Belgium, Netherlands and Denmark it's ubiquitous, while in Norway / Sweden it's upcoming phenomena. For Finns it seems a bit unbelievable.
Speaking from my own experience (Austria, Germany, Norway, Netherlands and Belgium) the Aufguss sessions are only becoming more and more popular: the highlight of a visit to see the ceremony masters act. A great equalizer as well.
More Aufguss culture for amazed foreign visitors.
Wall Street Journal (Dec. 12) from South Tyrol (Italy):
'It was by choice that I ended up naked in a 140-degree room, dripping sweat in the company of 12 similarly unattired strangers, both men and women....Everyone, as far as I could tell, spoke German, but a handful of nervous-looking, rosy-cheeked Brits had stumbled in too, including my friend Matt, his glasses so fogged up I couldn’t see his eyes.“We paid good money for this,” I reminded myself as I kept my eyes fixed to the wall in front of me.That said, leaving an aufguss session early is perfectly acceptable, and indeed recommended if you feel dizzy or reach your heat limit. Matt and I aufguss-ed a few times at Chalet Mirabell, and in one very hot session we had to take the walk of shame past a line of unflappable naked Germans.Above all, you must be comfortable with full-on, coed nudity. Some women, especially foreigners, wear a towel, but bathing suits are typically verboten and I’ve seen people turned away by the saunameister or other guests for attempting to wear one surreptitiously under their towels'.
Finally, back to soaking with a view from France.
