Activated

jespionne_avec_mon_petit_oeil

Dotted around the Pyrénées-Orientales you'll find these natural hot springs. Top of my list was to find one. This one was beautiful, only a handful of people there and I spent a couple of hours bathing in the natural hot springs. Pure bliss!

[...]

#pyreneesorientales #naturalsource #hotsprings #pleinnature #france #travelblog #travelblogger #traveladdicts #weekendbreaks #naturalhotsprings #innature #nature #bbctravel #woofermagazine #your_travelshotz #visit_europe #visiteurope #banalmag #europevacations #frenchtourisime #raw_europe #france_vacations #igersfrance #visitlafrance #thermes #thermeschaud #canigou #languedocRoussillon #mountainlovers #naturehub

Europe's one and only blog site on hot springs, soaking and sauna culture. Similarities and dissimilarities.

Hot springs-wise, there's little to mention. Eye-candy: yes; content not so much.

An entry (May 8) on the hot springs of Sao Miguel (Azores, Portugal):

'Though the water temperature in the outdoor thermal pools is always warm, it depends on what type of experience you want. In the winter, it rains often and in my opinion only enhances the experience and natural beauty of the place. There is nothing like sitting in a thermal spring of warm waters when it is raining out.

There are 3 main locations on the island to experience natural thermal pools, each very different from the other'.

Restoring Swiss thermal springs of Baden, as well as enhancing a soaking culture. The Bagni Populari association has been awarded two accolades (Ihre Region Online, May 15) for persuing this:

'Der erste Werkbundpreis für den öffentlichen Raum geht an den Verein Bagni Popolari, der für seine Thermalwasser­projekte gewürdigt wird.

...

Der Verein Bagni Popolari wurde bei der ersten Verleihung für seine heissen Brunnen in Baden und Ennetbaden sowie für seine Bemühungen im Zusammenhang mit dem Bad zum Raben gleich doppelt bedacht: Sowohl der Werkpreis als auch der Publikumspreis gehen an den Badener Verein, dem es mit seinen Projekten laut der Jury gelungen sei, Menschen aus unterschiedlichsten sozialen und kulturellen Hintergründen zusammenzubringen. Die niederschwellige Zugänglichkeit und Offenheit machten die heissen Brunnen zu inklusiven Begegnungsorten. Besonders gewürdigt wurde der Umstand, dass die Badegäste nicht nur eingeladen wurden, im heissen Wasser zu entspannen, sondern das Projekt aktiv mitzugestalten – als Vereinsmitglieder, als Gäste der künstlerischen Interventionen, die der Verein veranstaltet, oder als Genossenschafterin oder Genossenschafter des künftigen Bades zum Raben'.

An example of the connecting("Bemühungen"). 

750mineralsprings.gr

Bath Curtain installed @bagno_popolare featuring maps reproduced from the 1938 book “The 750 Mineral Springs of Greece” by Nikolas Lekkas.

Curtain by @orestismavroudis and @lydiaxynogala

Lighting @mehrsehen_

Photo @nicolaspetit

Thinkgeoenergy hails (Apr. 22) Italy's geothermal tourism:

'Italian renewable energy company Enel Green Power reports that there have been over 60,000 visits to the geothermal territories in Tuscany, indicating that geothermal tourism is a growing industry in the country'.

Perspective. Vesuvius racks up 1 million annually (source), Pompei has recently capped daily visitors to 20,000 (source)!

hotspringshotties

Activate mermaid mode 🧜🏻‍♀️

Italy’s hot springs were just as dreamy as the rest of the country, che bella 🇮🇹

I went to 6 different hot springs —aka termes— in Italy, but this one, Petriolo, in Tuscany was my favorite. 🫶

Since this page is allll about healing, I’d like to share a bit about how moving it was to experience this hot spring with my grandmother (she took this picture 🔥👵🏼).

Nonna moved to Tuscany to be with her new hubby (goals) and I finally got to visit her this spring — my first time leaving the US. 🤩

We both were pretty worn down from traveling, and while I was there my nonna learned she had an ovarian cyst.

Many of the hot springs there encourage soaking in AND drinking hot spring water to help with so many ailments, including cysts.

I’m so grateful this spring exists so close to her home, it’s free, and you can enjoy it with or without a 🩱.

If you go… Don’t leave any trash or food behind, and give the healing waters a big ✨ thank you ✨ from me. 💜 Taylor

#healingishot #italy #italytravel #healthylifestyle

On r/nudism (a month ago), a review of what it claims are three thermal baths in the Netherlands / Germany. However it's actually only two and a wellness complex:

'Overall I enjoyed the visits to all three baths. All the facilities were clean, had a number of different experiences, and were easy to use'.

Drowsy

Finland, the nation of happiness? New York Times (May 2) needs to find out why. and report back.

'For eight years running, Finland has been rated the happiest country in the world by a peculiar United Nations-backed project called the World Happiness Report'.

The author fails to pinpoint what exactly makes Finland happy, but considerable effort is put into reporting on it's (albeit Helsinki's) sauna culture:

'All government buildings in Finland have a sauna on-site. Nationwide, there is more than one sauna for every two Finns. For obvious reasons, the sauna is somewhat overindexed in “happiness tourism” literature. There is a specific phrase for the blissful drowsiness associated with time spent in a heated box (saunanjälkeinen raukeus) and a specific elf (Saunatonttu) thought to live between a sauna’s wall and heating apparatus. The elf becomes angry if a sauna door is slammed.

...

What we [US] lack is a sauna culture or perhaps any culture that unites us so fully.

....

In Finland, sauna is not a means to an end. It will not make a person richer or more attractive or more focused. The point is not to sweat out “toxins,” though that may occur — I’m not a scientist. The point seems to be the act itself: sitting in nude serenity among family, friends and strangers, safe in the bone-deep sense of trust that such an idyll both requires and reinforces'.

SOS Sense of Self has a blog (May 15) on enjoying sauna's in Helsinki:

'As home to the most saunas per capita anywhere in the world, here, the use of saunas is embedded into the fabric of the city itself.

...

In recent years, Helsinki has enjoyed a sauna renaissance with new seaside venues adding a touch of architectural flair and sweeping views to the experience. Though the design may have evolved over the centuries, the essence of the sauna – quiet contemplation, communal connection, and physical rejuvenation – remains unchanged.

Today, as Helsinki grows and modernises, the sauna continues to serve as a bridge between the city’s history and its future, providing a space where tradition and modernity meet, and where the culture of bathing is celebrated in its purest form.

After which a description of some of the experiences to be had unfolds'.

Sauna-Helsinki-naked? The answer (May 16) from Travel Magazine:

'Sanna Forsström, Head of Brand & Events, City of Helsinki. say “It’s time to forget the rules and rituals you might have heard. In Helsinki, the sauna is a reflection of freedom, self-expression, and social connection. Once inside, most visitors are surprised to learn how relaxed, diverse, and personal the experience really is. And for many visitors, the sauna ultimately becomes one of the most memorable parts of their stay.”

...

Check if there is a dress code in the sauna you’re entering – in public mixed saunas you often wear a swimsuit, meanwhile in a swimming pool you usually don’t. Wearing a towel is always ok.

And to show just how many ways there are to sauna, locals from the city shared their own styles for the world in a sauna-themed shoot, and now those same Helsinkians can be spotted in multiple surfaces around Helsinki and on the streets of Basel, showing up on digital posters reminding Eurovision fans that when it comes to sauna, there really are so many ways'.​

Sauna-Sweden-naked? The local.se (May 13):

'If you're a sauna newbie, you're probably wondering: Is it OK to cover up in a Swedish sauna (bastu) or do you have to let it all hang out?

Traditionally you would be naked in the sauna, but don't worry, it's not obligatory.

"Sauna is individual. If you have a towel or your swimsuit or if you are naked, it's up to you," Svante Spolander, co-founder of Sweden's Bastuakademien sauna club, told The Local.

"Younger people in Sweden are really shy – I think it's this thing with mobile phones and filming. They are, like, scared of it, but we say that it's up to you."

...

For Spolander, the way this forces you to drop your physical boundaries is part of the appeal.

"Sometimes it's quite funny when there are a lot of people. It's like in a football game, it's little crowded, but you have fun together. In the sauna museum that I look after, we have what we call a village sauna, and you can be 60 people when we pack it."

emmaugusta.healingarts

I’m laying down on my back, on the living room floor, sending energy to my own healing, to my creativity and motivation. And to my happiness. Seabird starts singing in my ears and I feel like I get picked up by something, maybe it’s joy? I remember a morning a couple of weeks ago with my colleagues. We had some extra time so we decided to sit down for a breakfast together. Coffee, grilled bread with cheese and jam. A favorite. The music that was playing was perfect for the moment and we all agreed that it felt like we were in a movie. Seabird was one of the tunes playing that morning.

There's a road I know I must go

Even though I tell myself

That road is closed

Listen, lonely seabird

You've been away from land too long

Seabird, seabird

Fly home

And I have been away for some time, from teaching, working and from my own practice. There just haven’t been any energy. But this morning there was some. Some energy to fly back home. Or at least start to fly back home. I don’t really know what I am writing right now or why, I just had a moment this morning. A moment of happiness, ease, creativity, a moment of energy, energy in motion. Just like that moment with my colleagues in our own little movie. And it felt good. I got up and danced. Or moved my body. I allowed the joy to flourish and flow through me. And sometimes the road to this, is rest. A road I’ve told myself was closed, but it is The Road. The road of rest, restoring, rejuvenate, slowing down, being, sensing, feeling, loving, caring. And for the self, for me! A road that’s been even more closed, all this for me?? Yes!!! It’s a road I knew I must go and it’s open for all. Try it. Do not forget to wonder the slow and beautiful road of stillness and rest.

See you soon, seabirds. Until then give yourself some loving rejuvenating and restoring slow moments.

🤍

some photos from moments of stillness and joy.

England's Daily Mail (May 2) on the kingdom's sauna trend:

'Saunas have become a huge trend in the UK in recent years – with more and more opening all the time.

In 2023, there were 45 public saunas around the country - in the Finnish style, with wooden walls, hot stones and cold plunge pools.

But, by the time journalist and sauna enthusiast Emma O’Kelly had finished writing her new book, Wild Sauna [Britain], in February 2025, there were 189 dotted around the country'.

The author also has a dedicated article (May 2) with Womens Health in which she shares her first naked sauna:

'Verdict

I understand why naked saunas are such a big deal in Scandinavia as they really do seem to have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. The women I met love their weekly session and have become friends, sharing intimacies they wouldn’t even chat about with old friends; divorce, pain, grief, spouses, kids, money worries, work stress are chewed over and spat out and evaporate in the steam. I’m reminded of the award-winning documentary Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, in which women in Estonia cry, laugh and sweat together, and I feel privileged to have been invited into their treasured safe space. “There's always something, isn’t there? We share all sorts here. The fact that you are literally sweating it out, going in the water and washing away all those things that cause worry and pain; it’s a catharsis, isn't it?”

An influencer publishes (Apr. 24, 2024) and republishes (Mar. 15) her experience on sauna-ing in Germany. Huge amounts of likes, many (I mean really many) comments. But actually, in Germany, not an unusual experience.

Defaulted

Finally, NakedWanderings have a blog entry (May 7) on wellness and their love nakedness. Excerpts:

'Wellness, as we know it in many parts of Europe, has exactly the same basis. It’s about stepping away from everyday life with the goal of returning healthier, fitter, more energetic, and more relaxed. Even the nudity part is often there, think of the Northern European sauna culture or the spa centers in Germany, the Netherlands, and Belgium where naked is the default dress code.

...

Because of its popularity, wellness is increasingly falling victim to commercialisation. Ultimate relaxation is no longer the primary goal, but instead, you’re being gently nudged toward buying Himalayan salt that promises to make your skin glow, mud sourced from a puddle near Machu Picchu supposedly used by the Incas to live longer, and mushroom lattes because… well, they just sound fancy.

We can’t predict the future, maybe naturism will head down a similar path someday. But what we can say is that this day hasn’t come yet. If you’re looking for a more honest and grounded wellness experience, you’re probably better off at a naturist resort today than at a wellness centre.

The best case though would be that the two begin to grow closer again. Because at their core, they’re not so different. Naturism and wellness are just two faces of the same coin: practices that help us feel better, inside and out. No filters. No judgments. No clothes. Just be'.

My favourite way to unwind: soaking and reading in nature. 

activedayjob

Our spot the last 2 days 🛀🏼🩱Hot Springs are the best, especially when we can park our camper next to it and its winter 👌🏼

.

#greece #greecemainland #hotspring #thermalbath #travelphotographer #travelphotography #travelgreece #visitgreece #travelcouple #vanlife

Serenity

nimrod_gross

Serenity

.

#naturephotography#pure_visual#mobilephotography#alone_in_nature#evergreen#hot_spring#model#forest#europe#pyrenees#eurotrip#spring#amazing_places#freedom#

Really, really little info on hot springs, are photo's the only thing on offer?

Then again, all the more info on Europe's sauna sector.

The natural soaks, I haven't any info. Or do I?

Nature et Source Chaude updated (Dec. 28) the entry on Toscan soaks, unsure what exactly, but this French language website is always a good source of info.

Enhanced then.

Blog23b visits Switzerland's Baden (Jan. 28) and is impressed by the free baths established:

'Heisser Brunnen, Baden, Switzerland: Usually spa towns tend to be greedy when it comes to their main natural asset: thermal water. I must lower my hat in respect of the people of Bagni Popolari and the City of Baden for breaking this awful trend. This is an exemplary case of making hot springs safe and accessible for everybody. – bert'

An 8.5, no less.

Examples of making baths accessible:

A concert in the (pop-up)baths (insta, Jan. 12)

bagno_popolare

Rückblick aufs Konzert von @seesignals im Bad zum Raben! Danke an @dianitamargarita_ @lbhonne & @ben__kaczor für ihr Live Set! ❤️ Bilder und Clips von @nicolaspetit

The last day on the exhibition (insta, 29 Jan.)

bagno_popolare 

Ihr Lieben! Letzten Samstag war die Finissage und damit die letzte Veranstaltung in der Zwischennutzung des Bad zum Rabens ❤️ Danke an alle die gekommen sind! 🥰 Bilder von @nicolaspetit 🔥

A short vdo from Rai Cultura (Dec. 4) on San Casciano dei Bagni (Siena) archeological finds.

Bulgaria's Thermal Association has produced a map of thermal soaks to be had.

Trance

End of 2024, the dredged up post of sauna dress culture of Europe on Reddit. 

The short version: it's quite complicated. For instance, Belgium depends very much on the language and associated culture (Flemish speaking naked, Wallons not, Brussels possibly / probably). 

All the more illustrated (not literally) by yet another recent post on Reddit:

'I’m planning on going to the sauna with my girlfriend for the first time and am hesitating between nude or not. While thinking about it I had so many questions come to mind. As sauna culture is different from country to country I am asking here'.

Other experiences from sauna culture around Europe, which has somehow popped up.

Norway, Reddit on The Wells Oslo (Jan. 3):

'I went last June and loved it! The attendants really enforce the requirement to be nude in the saunas a steam rooms. Saw them make more than one person strip or leave the room. My favorite was the “Friday Night Special” which was a group of about 20 people in a hot sauna with the sauna master heating up the sauna playing trance music. Made us take a bring and run jump in on of the cold pools. So freeing to be naked with both sexes, we have nothing like the well in the US where I’m from'.

An Austrian experience, at the Paracelsus baths of Salzburg where Reddit posters shared a google review. From probably mid-2024. The Reddit comments (in German) mostly surprised by the original post which condemns management for a naked only regulation. Especially because they were not informed they are quoted. 

But from the Paracelsus website:

'The sauna including the infinity pool at Paracelsus Bad & Kurhaus are nude areas'.

Still, the German Reddit contri's amount to more than 250 comments.

A slightly older article (Sep. 27 2024), from Furthermag, on Finns, Finland, Finnish culture and saunas:

“It can be argued that taking a sauna defines Finnishness,” says Dr. Laura Seesmeri, a researcher at the University of Turku in southwestern Finland and a leading sauna expert. (Yes, there is such a thing.) “But we might also say that Finnishness defines sauna bathing.” As fundamental to a Finn’s everyday as licorice and sarcasm, the notion of “sauna” — both as a verb, to sauna, and a noun, the heated room itself — has been around as long as Finns themselves. The ritual dates back to at least 7000 B.C., though some accounts suggest the timeline goes to the Stone Age. Indeed, the very word “sauna” is Finnish'.

Swiss publication Blick has an article (Dec. 9) on what they believe is the upcoming sauna trend: with swimmers. Excerpt (in German):

'In die Schweizer Saunen breitet sich aus, was man im gleichen Kontext sonst nur im Ausland antrifft: die Badehose, der Badeanzug. Seit einigen Jahren setzen grosse Wellnessanlagen neben der klassischen Nacktsauna auf Textilsaunen. Beispiele gibt es genug: Aquabasilea in Basel, Therme Zurzach und Fortyseven im Kanton Aargau. Auch viele gehobene Hotels schreiben in ihren Saunen mitunter eine Badehose vor, darunter: The Chedi in Andermatt UR, Waldhotel Arosa, Grand Resort Bad Ragaz und Bad Horn Hotel & Spa im Thurgau. Agica Hrncic, Präsident des Schweizer Sauna-Bunds, Saunameister und seit einem Jahrzehnt im Geschäft, bestätigt den Trend: «Meine Erfahrung zeigt, dass die Tendenz steigend ist.»

...

Der Fortyseven-Geschäftsführer Franc Morshuis, der aus den Niederlanden stammt, erklärt es sich so: «Die Gesellschaft in der Schweiz ist internationaler geworden. Das spüren wir auch bei uns.» In den letzten zwanzig Jahren wanderten laut Bundesamt für Statistik über drei Millionen Menschen aus dem Ausland zu. Mit ganz eigenen Vorstellungen von Nacktheit'.

Is this really the reality? Or is it a purely commercial step: the more (consumers) the merrier (investors).

susanna_soeberg

Sauna therapy is more than just relaxation — it's science-backed self-care! 🔬🔥

Studies on over 2,000 Finnish sauna users across 20 years reveal astonishing health benefits:

✨ 24% lower risk of death for those who enjoy 2-3 sessions per week.

✨ 40% reduction for dedicated users with 4-7 sessions weekly.

✨ Spending 20 minutes instead of 10 cuts cardiac death risk by 52%!

How does it work?

💪 Boosts cardiovascular fitness & heart rate variability

🍭 Supports insulin sensitivity & regulates blood sugar

❤️ Improves blood pressure & reduces cardiac risks

😌 Increases endorphins, decreases stress hormones, and enhances sleep.

Sauna bathing is a natural way to elevate your health, supported by rigorous research. I incorporate it into my routine not just for the physical perks, but for the mental clarity and stress relief it brings. 🧖‍♀️✨

Have you tried sauna therapy? Let me know your experience below! 🫶

Source: Laukkanen et al., JAMA Intern Med, 2015."

💞Remember: If you have heart disease or unregulated blood pressure heat therapy is not recommended. To get the most benefits, learn the science-backed method of cold & heat therapy in the 3,5 hour "Thermalist Method at Home" online course at https://ow.ly/svFo50UtWuc 💞

#SaunaTherapy#HealthBenefits#CardiovascularHealth#Longevity

#StressRelief#SaunaLife#Biohacking#WellnessJourney#BetterSleep

Uproar

Specifics then. And possible surprises.

The second Schaffhausen (Switzerland) sauna marathon garnered quite some interest on the internet.

Radio Munot (Jan. 1) announcing the upcoming event.

A report (Jan. 22) on the marathon by Saunamarathon.ch:

'The second sauna marathon is already history again. Around 1,100 enthusiastic participants took part in the Saunamarathon Schaffhausen on January 17 and 18, 2025. We are overwhelmed by the great feedback!

A date for the 2026 edition has not yet been set. We will inform you on this page as soon as the date is fixed'.

Newsreport SRF (Jan. 17) has a reportage on the Saunamarathon as does TeleZuri (Jan. 18).

Sauna Channel then. 

Their newest vdo offering (Jan. 14), an experience of the Latvian sauna tradition of Pirts. In Switzerland.

Also a vdo on a Saunafloss Erlach (Dec. 23):

'Experience the tranquility of a traditional Finnish sauna as you've never seen it before, gently bobbing on the crystal-clear waters with breathtaking views of the Swiss landscape. Learn about the owners/builders who went into creating this haven of relaxation. Saunafloss Erlach is a testament to friendship, entrepreneurship, and the restorative power of sweat bathing in a beautiful natural setting'.

In the Dutch province of Frysia, politicians are coming round to the Scandinavian idea of Kallbad, basically hoping initiatives will commence around shoreside sauna's and accesible places to cool off. 

Leeuwarder Courant (Jan. 21) notes the pro's, though it seems the initiatiors are more interested in commercial facilities rather than community led. Skinnydipping is also just a commercial slogan, the reality would be the total opposite.

Community initiatives? Scottish Daily Express (Jan. 26) notes how locals in the village seem to be bewildered by the local sauna initiative.

'An idyllic Scottish village [Luss, 400 inhabitants] is in uproar after the opening of a popular outdoor sauna, with complaints flooding in over naked people in the streets, parking chaos, and even 'poison pen' letters in the tranquil community.

The sauna, known as Hot Tottie, has quickly become a hotspot for visitors from nearby towns like Balloch and Dumbarton, but not all locals are pleased.

...

Hot Tottie co-owner Kieran Izzett said: "We started up as a chance to bring our dream to reality for everyone, and our customers love the sauna. People love getting back to nature, and that's all we want to promote without causing issues or fuss."

A spokesman for Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority said: "A retrospective planning application for the change of use of land for the siting of a mobile sauna cabin and storage shed at Luss is under review. At this stage, we are unable to provide specific details regarding the timeline for a decision."

More from the British Isles. The Girl Outdoors has an overview (Feb. 3) of the best outdoor saunas in the UK.

'Is there anything nicer than warming yourself back up after a chilly a wild swimming plunge than popping into a proper wooden sauna? Scandinavian-style saunas are having a moment worldwide – they are proven to have health benefits including decreased blood pressure and risk of cardiovascular disease while boosting the immune system, and reduce stress levels, and are even better for you when combined with an icy cold plunge (not hard to find along the UK’s coastline or at hidden lake shores). These are 40 of the best outdoor saunas in the United Kingdom to try out – I’ve gone for public saunas that anyone can book for this list, but you’d like somewhere you can also stay the night, try my favourite places for a sauna and a stay. Now please excuse me, I’m off to buy a pointy sauna hat'.

Sauna Times (Jan.2) has a report on 24 hours of European sauna's obviously from the viewpoint of the USA. It starts off in Amsterdam (Kuuma.nl) and basically that's it.

Finally, another vdo, this one from BBC (Dec. 24) on a restored hamam in Istanbul.

andre_lilliu

Relax, push away every other thought 💭

#termeromane #termelibere #benetutti #reset #ammoddiendi

Blissed

alexastals

Contemplative Silence 🍃✨️

#natura #nature #naturaleza #feelblessed #feelfree #freedom #naturalbeauty #hotsprings #aguastermales #water

Oddly my choice to include wellness news (based on the increasing difficulty of access concerning wild hot springs in Europe and the possible similarities in experience) continues to result in truckloads of articles to share.

But then first the few links that are in hot-spring /soaking  relation.

Indie88 (Jan. 10) on Saturnia (Italy). The lure of nature's health elixir no less. A lot of tips, f.i. come early morning. Or late afternoon.

Public initiatives from Switzerland are the inspiration to a similar call in Aachen, Germany. Thank you Hans for providing the link.

In the center of Burtscheid (a former town in it's own rights but now a suburb of Aachen) the action group Waermkomp.jetzt seek to establish a pop-up small thermally sourced pool for soaking. If you have experienced Baden, you'll have an idea.

TF1 en Auvergne has a report (Feb. 15) concerning the Croizat hot springs (France). 

In this report it is reflected upon how popular taking a soak is. This despite that the local authorities have had a ban on soaking in place since 2016. It seems all happy soakers and the local government not in communication modus.

The report though does elicit feedback (Mar. 11) from the Source Chaude Croizat Facebook page. Which confirms that there have been gendarmes handing out fines. And furthermore, it's shared that EU will probably assist (Mar. 11) in financing the upper Dordogne protection plans (?), which might see the soaking site improved and officially approved. So not all doom and gloom?

The Guardian presents an article (Mar. 12) on Galicia's Ourense and the soaks to be had locally.

“Ourense is the thermal capital of Galicia. Not many people realise, but we have about 70 thermal springs pumping an estimated three million litres of thermal water daily,” Karlos Sanmartín, a local tour guide, tells me

...

Locals, in-the-know expats and a small swell of tourists bathe in Ourense’s hot springs year-round, keen to take advantage of the supposed therapeutic benefits – from easing arthritic pain and soothing skin conditions to aiding circulation and respiratory issues. It’s not as popular as Hungary or Iceland but thermal tourism here isn’t new.

Roman soldiers came almost 2,000 years ago to use the city’s mineral-rich waters as a form of post-battle convalescence. “They used the hot springs as a place of rest, healing, leisure and relaxation, but also as a place of worship,” Karlos says.

...

As closing time approaches, I watch as steam rises and melts into a black sky sprinkled with stars that seem to dance to the trickling sound of water. I whisper a little thanks to Karlos. He was right: moonlit bathing is magical'.

cha_l_heureuse

Découverte de sources chaudes naturelles lors d'une randonnée.. Cette baignade dans une eau à 28 degrés (imprévue par -4 degrés) était magique ! Eaux thermales volcaniques sur un site datant de l'époque Gallo-romaine. Ressourcée, purifiée, recentrée ! Voyager m'avait tellement manqué ! 🙏🏻⛰️

_______________________________

#photodujour #queyras #thermes #sourceschaudes #eauthermale #mountainslovers #naturel_shot #naturelovers #naturephotograpy #hikinglife #natureshot #mountainliving #mountainphotography #hautesalpes #paca_focus_on #serrechevalier #lundi #lundisoir #traveltagged #visitfrance #alpesfrancaises #hautesalpes #regionpaca #natureshooters #discoverworld #wintermood

Community

Onward. 

To sauna culture reflections. 

Reddit on a Therme Erding experience (Feb. 27), though heed, Therme Erding is hot spring sourced:

'Can't recommend Therme Erding highly enough!

One of Germanys larger broadsheets (Frankfurther Algemeiner) looks (Mar. 13) at what's on offer in Berlin. Wellness-wise.
Basically it's the bigger Vabali complex. And the smaller Liquidrome.

TTRWeekly notes (Feb. 20) the website spaseekers reveals what they believe to be 

'... the most popular spa destinations for 2024'. 

Presumptous possibly? Romania is trending, 

'... but spa destinations in China, Nepal, and Vietnam figured in the top 10 list'.

The Sauna Channel adds a video and explanation concerning the Latvian pirts ritual. Closely linked with sauna usage:

'The crackling of the wood-burning stove provides a comforting soundtrack as participants surrender to the warmth, allowing tensions to melt away.

Nauris Zutis, with his wealth of knowledge passed down through generations and refined in the crucible of experience, employs ancient techniques to facilitate the detoxification process. He skillfully utilizes aromatic birch twigs, dipped in water infused with herbs, to enhance the cleansing ritual. The gentle swaying of the twigs against the skin stimulates blood circulation and awakens the senses'.

Emulating the old days in Basel, kollektiv_hotel_regina

Brunnen Gehn /////// So 25.02.24 ////// Merci ////// schön wars

BBC notes (Mar. 3) how the mobile seaside sauna trend is becoming more and more popular. This article with regard to Wales:

'They are more commonly spotted in the corners of gyms and luxury hotels - but saunas are starting to pop up on the Welsh coast.

Swansea's Gower peninsula in winter may seem like a strange place to relax in your swimsuit, but more and more people are visiting, keen to chase away the rainy day blues.

It is the Scandinavian model being followed - where people can move from the cold of the sea, quickly to the warm.

The British Sauna society (BSS) was set up almost 10 years ago with a focus on bringing the authentic sauna to the UK, and said numbers have doubled, with an increasing amount outside.
Starting at a low base, it's not too difficult to double numbers. It also adds:
Gabrielle [Secretary of the BSS] added some people have suggested it is like going into a therapy room, adding: ‘’When you look at what has been happening in the UK - the closing of pubs and community centres - I think it has potential to actually start replacing those things'.’’

These final comments were then promoted on the BBC Facebook page. This post then garners nearly 100 comments. Reading these comments, it's quite surprising to see the ignorance of sauna culture (no, it doesn't mean you drink in the sauna), still a long way to go there in the UK.

BSS has actually an updated directory of all UK 

"Public Authentic Sauna's' 

with annotations when these are by any body of water.

A find. The Sauna Project. It is dedicated to 

'artistic research on Finnish sauna culture'. 

With stories, films, photography, exhibitions and the possibility to sign up to sauna trips in Finland.

Confide

How then to navigate the respective sauna cultures in Europe?

Creating a storm. On Facebook. 

Asanti (one of Belgiums older wellness destinations) has announced (Feb. 17) the possibility to come on over, but in bathers (if needy), though only on the Tuesdays. Forthcoming, the Tuesday will be clothing optional. 

The storm: 175 reactions. 

Nudity is the equalizer. Shifting from this opens up voyeurism potentials, possibly resulting in lower body confidence to the non-bathers users. And using the facilities is about being zen.

Owners see it differently: possible new clientele can find their way here and get used to sauna's and take a next step towards the unclothed usage.

My point would be: if we agree that bathers are unhygienic, how then does this play out? Are the sauna's scrubbed more, does the added chlorine (from bathing close / possible inceased use in water) shoot up? 

Anyway, the owners are looking for ways to attract more and possibly more satisfied clients. As from the discussion that may mean losing others. 

Maybe owners have learnt a thing or two in the process.

 

Are we pro or con? Thermae.com for the Belgium spa's Thermae Boetfort & Thermae Grimbergen (Belgium):

Immerse yourself in luxury. Our Jacuzzis are the perfect place to relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. 🌿💧

More on Euro sauna culture, but now from the US point of view. 

None other than New York Times (Feb. 26). Highlighting the clothing rules:

'Had I ever seen so much bare flesh in one room? Naked in a mixed-gender Austrian sauna, I sat opposite two dozen other nude people on wooden benches. Even after more than a year of living in Europe, as an American, I still felt a little uncomfortable sitting there in nothing but my own skin'.

It's as if North Americans defend themselves because their genetics are different. They're not, it's all socially constructed.
The author describes in detail the Aufguss process, but still seems to be hung up on certain issues:

'For some Americans, including me, nudity, especially in a mixed-gender environment, can initially feel extremely uncomfortable. Keon West, a professor of social psychology at Goldsmiths, University of London, explained that cultural standards often affect what level of nudity people find tolerable: In some places, seeing women with their hair uncovered might feel racy, while in others, stripping down on a public beach is perfectly acceptable.

“You might think the Germans are a bit risqué, whereas they think they’re normal, and you’re a bit silly,” Dr. West said.

...

In a number of studies, Dr. West and his team have found that being naked around others can increase self-confidence and life satisfaction [really?]. “If you go to a naturist event, you see a lot of normal people, people who aren’t airbrushed and aren’t Beyoncé, and you realize you don’t look bad compared to the average person,” Dr. West said. “And you spend time naked in their company and nothing bad happens. No one says anything bad to you, no one laughs at you.”

Some Americans have found that the discomfort of being nude in the sauna is fleeting and has a worthwhile payoff.

The article elicits 500 comments no less! Most in the line of: nudity means nothing. Others feeling more uncomfortable, because what the article implies is that US culture is the lesser of European culture, and we are the US of A? Very little comment on the sauna culture itself ... Can resist this share:

'But actually, again, having those hangups is very North American. There's no reason why you couldn't go into a European spa with a mastectomy. It's not like it'd be in the US, with people gawking and judging. I've been to a fair number of European spas and walked through FKK beaches and it's not about having a perfect body to show off. Different mindset, more about health'.

Airmailnews shares another (typical?) US experience (Mar. 1) of the open sauna culture of central / west Europe:

'But the nudity—total, stark, unignorable—scared me senseless. Is it because I’m an American or just too literal that I associate it with sex? According to my Viennese friend Karin, who invited us here, “That is not a very Austrian way of thinking.” Unlike me, these Europeans don’t have to suppress a snort when they see random genitals. Here, the sauna is a centerpiece of community life, a municipal institution on par with the public library. Karin’s octogenarian mother, who lives in the countryside, frequents hers several times a week. When she needs a break from the heat, she plays cards and drinks tea in her towel.

The women around me, walking and chatting from tub to sauna, didn’t seem the least bit self-conscious. I wish I could say the same. On my first dip in the outdoor pool, I was halfway submerged before I flung my caftan toward a lounge chair. Most days, I really like my body, but apparently not enough to parade around in the nude altogether.

...

And it is here, every day at 6 P.M., where the Krallerhof’s guests gather for the traditional aufguss ceremony, in which a saunameister pours water, often infused with essential oils, onto the hot stones and then circulates the vapor through the air using a large fan or towel. At first, I resisted the idea of squishing my hips against a stranger’s in such conditions, but I suppressed all instincts to flee. Out of national pride, I hung my robe on a peg, smoothed my towel on the bench, and took a seat, rounding my back and crossing my legs in an attempt to disappear.

In the clothed world, we are bankers, lawyers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and parents, burdened with a variety of complexes and complexities. But without our daily costumes, we were more alike than different. I tried not to look, but I’m a journalist. I wasn’t going to miss the rare opportunity to study this mishmash of humanity in all its glory.

We’re just bodies, after all. We have stretch marks, patchy bits of hair, soft arms, softer bellies, freckles, veins, and scars. We droop and sag; we look inelegant when we walk. And yet, together, what would be flaws seem to lose their power. It’s one thing to know that penises and breasts come in all shapes and sizes; it’s another to witness 50 of them at once, as individualized as characters in a Tom Stoppard play. It’s all so real that it can’t help but be beautiful.

...

Eventually, I gathered the fortitude to join them. By the end of our week at the Krallerhof, I was spending more time in the sauna than on the slopes. It began to work its magic on my mind; I became less self-conscious, less self-critical, less prudish. I’m older now than I’ve ever been—that’s the way time works—and yet floating there in that cold plunge, I felt as fresh as a newborn. And I was even able to start looking at all those bodies—and myself—directly in the eyes'.

banya_lovers

Что делать , если работа не отпускает практически никогда ? Когда уже вышел с работы , но думаешь о задачах? Когда выходной день с близкими людьми, но в голове задачи...задачи...

Когда праздник, радоваться можно , отдыхать, а в голове проекты...

Я знаю способ !

Взять индивидуальную баню на 1-2 человек

Вчера я парил двух классных парней, предприниматели, но, работа не покидает их практически никогда...

В таком процессе , я стараюсь направлять внимание на отвлекающие моменты, а именно , места , где человеку классно когда то было, ощущения в теле, чувства

Я провел два коллективных прогрева , с бубном, с глюкофоном, но парни сидят в голове и работе

Идём дальше...

Поочередно беру их в работу, отмечая их особенности мысленного восприятия, медленно прогреваю вениками , контраст в парной, очередной нагрев, заставляю нырять в ледяную купель, кричать там , дабы дать выплеснуть эмоции

В какой то момент замечаю, что Сергей слегка прикорнул на диване , расслабившись...процесс запущен

Баня- легальный кайф❤️ Берите на заметку

Парни сказали огромное спасибо, что наконец отвлеклись 🙏

Благодарю их за доверие🥰

Нужна помощь в активации Здесь и сейчас? Камон🤗

We're not there yet. But nearly. 

Paul and Marina share (Jun. 9) with you the ultimate (?) German sauna rules. As you can imagine (= wrong word?) it's a long read:

'Saunas are a safe place where people from all walks of life, from all over the world meet. You will find teenagers there with their parents, 60 – something couples, 30 – something groups of boys and girls and 90-year-old male and female sauna veterans.

People are courteous and mind their own business most of the time, but you can get into a friendly chat with other sauna visitors.

People walk around nude without swimming wear. Some people have a towel wrapped around their body or waist, others like to move about in robes.

Sauna visitors usually sit on a towel on the wooden benches, some lie on it to take a nap in the sauna room.

Your upper and lower body will be exposed, just try to sit comfortably but in a normal fashion and in time you will get the flow and forget that everyone else is nude as well.

Mobile phones are not allowed, you can't take pictures or film in a sauna. If you see someone doing this, you can report them to the sauna master.

...

No body shaming!

Be courteous and keep other people in mind at all times.

Behave like an adult. Yes, there are nude people running around, it's normal and ok.

Don't yell around, don't speak too loud with your friends in a sauna room. You are not alone and there are other people using this public facility'.

Even German speakers can learn a thing or two:

'Don't reserve a sun bed if you are not going to use it. You can reserve a bed for an extra fee at certain spas'.

It comes complete with German sauna vernacular.

the_swallow_escapes

[ Les bains romains ]

En Espagne, vous trouverez encore de nombreuses ruines des bains thermaux construits par les romains. Certains sont accessibles toutes l'année, d'autres plus mystérieux, n'apparaissent que quelques mois dans l'année lorsque les réservoirs d'eau sont à sec, laissant la place à des résurgences d'eaux chaudes au milieu de ruines.

#hotspring #spain #travel #secretspain #bainsromains #eauxthermales #aguacaliente #girlwhotravel #vanlife #roamtravels #igersspain

Ourselve

quatschradeln

40 degrees celsius! In Sasso Pisano there are hot springs. One of them is just above the camper parking. Since there are not many tourists at this time of the year we had it for ourselves. What a nice place to recover from feeling sick!

#vanlifediaries #hotspring #hotsprings #sassopisano #toscanagram #toscana #tuscany #travelphotography

Lot's to read for you's lot. Roping in from all over the continent (and even beyond). 

But it's an Italian start.

And in Italian. This article (scambieuropei, Dec. 28) on the ten best spa's of Europe. Translated by Google:

'Few experiences are as relaxing and invigorating as a visit to a thermal spring: whether it's winter and you want to warm up or summer and you want to cool off in different waters than usual, you just need to find the right one'.

A good though brief overview of what's on offer (commercially).

The new year has just started, but there's already a 2023 guide to Saturnia (Tuscany) hot springs:

'The Saturnia Hot Springs are probably the most beautiful and impressive thermal baths we have ever seen. Thousands of tourists are attracted to this small town in the south of Tuscany every year to take a relaxing bath in the hot springs and, of course, to take a photo or two'.

Moving on. Matadornetwork has an intro (Dec. 21) on Swiss soaks, nine in total. The article does however emphazise (for it's English speaking audience?) the expectation of nude sauna's, no less. Concerning Forty Seven (Baden):

'It’s at this point that we need to warn you that, while you wear swimsuits to enter the hot spring pools, saunas and steam rooms in Switzerland are generally entered in the buff. In fact, entering a sauna with naked people while you’re wearing a swimsuit is considered impolite (voyeuristic, even)'.

An alternative to natural hot springs?

A soak with a slight twist. Riversong in Switzerland, rent out wooden tubs with heated water from their own (cold) springs. Also seems like a nice place to stay.

A new internet discovery: the German website Munichhotsprings. The website though has nothing to do with hot springs, only with Eisbaden, totally the opposite. Odd.

More Germany. 

Off to Baden-Baden? CNtraveler likewise (Sep. 1). The author seems to be holding out for a wellness elixir, but anyone moderately familiar with Europes love of soaking and sauna-ing knows it's never a one-off solution. The article is very high brow, as if the author is rubbing shoulders with all those past visiting celebrities and also includes a casino winning into the mix.

The warm (28C) Maibachl sytream near Villach (Karintia, Austria) is flowing again currently (but weakly), surprisingly (Meinbezirk.at, Jan. 6). The article however reports that a Tiktok vdo of the event notched up more than a million clicks:

'Einmal ins Maibachl springen, das wollte offenbar der österreichische Filmemacher und Socialmedia-Star "Julianmediahouse" (über eine Million "Follower" auf TikTok, Anm.). Sein Video über das sprudelnde Maibachl ging am Donnerstag online und binnen Stunden viral. Es hält mittlerweile schon bei über einer Million Aufrufe. Der Filmemacher über das Maibachl: "Das ist der coolste Ort Österreichs."'

kaerntnerkrone

Wie fein! 😍 Aber wisst ihr eigentlich, warum das Wasser so warm ist?

Den Grund erfährst du hier: www.krone.at/kaernten

📸 Evelyn Hronek

#krone#kronenzeitung#kronenews#maibachl#villach#naturjuwel#warmbad#kärntenisleians#carinthia#dobratsch

The vdo also illicits many hundreds of comments, not all happy:

'Der Kommentar mit den meisten Likes (461, Freitagfrüh): "Mah komm es sein schon genug Touristen dort." Gleichermaßen fragen in den Kommentaren User nach der "Adresse", äußern Bedauern, dass der Anfahrtsweg so lange ist oder freuen sich einfach nur: "War ich schon, echt toll."

So when is enough enough? 

The Russian language website, Nude, reports (Dec. 16) on Budapest soaking favourite Széchenyi. I always wonder what gets lost in translation:

'The organization of buying tickets and visiting is a garbage dump, about everything is as stupid as in my favorite Sanduns, the only devastating post, by the way.

Queues, cash desks are fooling, you can only buy towels.

Papers with mixed tariffs on the wall.

Sanduny - work on their glory and do not bother to help, it's the same here, only the faces are nicer.

...

It's crazy to be among so many people.

In the sauna, a real live conversation of everyone with everyone, noisy, a little dark, that the bodies seem tanned and very hot.

There are fonts, snow and endless women in plus size swimsuits'.

Fromrusttoroadtrip are back on the road once again. It looks like a run to Turkey. On their website there's an entry (Jan. 11) on Baie Herculane (Romania):

'It was on a cool October morning we met Oana Chirilă by the gates of the rusty iron behemoth which has dominated the town’s skyline -and conversations- for the past two decades. We were here to film a segment for Europe Hidden Hot Springs Journey, which we were particularly excited about as it combined two of our great loves in life: hot springs, and abandoned buildings'.

fromrusttoroadtrip

A handful of scenes from our time in Romania last Autumn 🍂

Above a secretive valley on a grassy mountain plateau is where we set up camp and lay our heads for those nights.

We flung the doors wide to appreciate the moonlight so bright it cast a shadow, opening up the daytime world at night.

On the night of the full moon, a haunting and bizarre sound filled the night air; the howling of animals, a chorus of dogs and cats baying at the unusual beacon amongst the stars.

During the day, we found a wealth of hot spring sources to explore, boiling up along the banks of the Cerna river, hidden beneath bridges or filled with smiling people slowly stewing their reddening skin.

A unique experience for us; never before had we discovered such natural riches in this corner of Europe. Each country that is home to hot springs also has its own bathing culture, and nowhere is that more prominent than the town of Băile Herculane, Romania’s answer to Budapest.

This town, one host to emperors and mythological gods, has fallen out of favour with Romanians, but a revival is on its way, spearheaded by some of the town’s youngest residents…

Read more about Baile Herculane and the revival of the town tomorrow!

The Orange Backpack (Dec. 5) on Central Greece's Thermopylae:

'You can find several hot springs around the area, but the hot water baths closest to the source are the warmest and therefore the best to take a bath. They are freely accessible and deep enough to submerge yourself in its hot water. The water is most hot directly at the source. We couldn’t stay in the water for too long and were still feeling all warm and glowing long after our bath'.

Cling-on

Sauna news then.

Mailonline (Dec. 9) shares an Estonian experience, with the sauna as highlight:

'Arriving at the Mooska smoke sauna near the Latvian border, my inhibitions take a while to dissolve. Even after learning that nudity is encouraged, I cling to my skimpy towel as I enter the hut.

At first, too, I arch an eyebrow as Eda Veeroja, the earthy priestess of the place, explains the ancient magic of the sauna — how it puts you in touch with the ghosts of your ancestors, and so on. When Eda, now nude, bangs a drum and starts chanting, I and the other sweat-drenched members of my group join in.

We are all sporting felt sauna hats that make us look like pixies. If it gets too hot, we take a dip in the natural pool outside.

Saunas are a big deal in Estonia, but a smoke sauna is different. The scalding steam is laced with the scent of smouldering wood. Then there’s the pagan stuff. At one point, we whisk ourselves with leaves while chanting: ‘May the wisdom of my bottom go to my brain.’

Worldofsauna has an article (Jan. 3) concerning Finnish sauna culture. Enlightend?

'Generally speaking, Finns sauna naked, at least among family members. We only go together if everyone is “our people” from the same family.

Friends and groups of friends/couples often go to the sauna wearing swimwear. Of course, there are exceptions to this among different groups. Groups of friends often agree on how to proceed: for example, whether the men will sauna first and then the women, or whether the mixed sauna will be textile-free or if everyone wearing swimwear, etc.

Often, public saunas have saunas for men and women separately. Then we go naked in the sauna. In mixed public saunas, swimwear is often worn.

I would also like to remind you that there are exceptions, and you should learn about the sauna customs of the specific sauna before going in. However, Finns usually are not interested in what you wear to the sauna. Regular clothes and shoes are a no-go; you should not put them in the sauna. Otherwise, Finns are liberal'.

Thermegroup, a company representing a number of resorts in Europe (thermal resorts in Euskirchen, Sinsheim, Titisee (all Germany) and Bucharest; upcoming (Manchester)) launches (Sep. 6) a publication named Social sauna - Bathing and wellbeing:

'Edited by Jane Withers Studio and published by Therme Group, Social Sauna – Bathing and Wellbeing presents a new perspective on global sauna culture, ritual and design. By defining the sauna’s essence and exploring how this practice is evolving for the 21st century, the authors reveal how sauna is a deeply social practice that can offer renewed benefits for health, wellbeing, and community.

Recently, sauna culture and urban bathing is undergoing a global resurgence and has become a platform for cultural and design experimentation. The aim of Social Sauna is to illuminate one of the most venerated communal bathing traditions and analyse why and how it is gaining new relevance in our stressed and hyper-connected world.

...

This current renewed interest in sauna reflects sauna’s ability to mitigate physical and mental health problems including stress, anxiety and cardiovascular disease. A 2020 Japanese study of bathing habits revealed that participants who bathed every day had a 28% lower risk of cardiovascular disease and 26% lower chance of stroke'.

The publication is readable via the above link.

An unlikely sponsor (Varta) presents (Dec. 5) it 's list of nicest wellness resorts of Germany, most with either hot springs as its source ((Therme Erding, Caracalla, Palais Bad Wildbad) or at the very least cold (but mineral rich) springs.

The website Travelbook.de has a slight twist to the wellness list (Dec. 9). All twelve Germany located resorts cater to nudie fans:

'In der Sauna liegt eine feuchte Wärme auf der Haut wie ein wohliger Mantel. Beim anschließenden Abtauchen prickelt die Kälte durch den ganzen Körper. Doch dann folgt für echte FKK-Fans der Alptraum: Um noch eine Runde schwimmen zu können, muss man sich in Badeanzug oder -hose quetschen. So schnell ist sie vorbei, die Freude an der Nacktheit. Aber es geht auch anders! Viele deutsche Thermen und Bäder haben das Bedürfnis ihrer Gäste nach Nacktheit auch beim Schwimmen erkannt und gehen mit besonderen Angeboten auf die Wünsche von FKK-Fans ein'.

Basically, they are signalling a trend that those wellnessing clothesfree would also like to have the same facilities as the textile lovers. 

Explanation: often wellness resorts have a two tier system of payment. You pay general entrance fee for being allowed to use pool, while the (textilefree) sauna areas require an additional fee. So if you abhor swimmers then you end up paying the pool fee for nothing.

Note that quite a few of the list are also listed in the above noted best wellness places of Germany.

Very much on the same theme, British Naturism has a report (Dec. 14) on a

'Spa Road Trip'.

The trip heads through Switzerland and Germany with quite a few visits to various spa's, again also mentioned in the lists already passed. An excerpt:

'By contrast, a three minute walk away is Caracalla Therme, a modern, textile swimming pool complex with a large Naturist spa, for an additional cost, which has a good range of saunas and steam rooms, a jacuzzi, rest areas and an outdoor sunbathing terrace. The spa area is accessed via a spiral staircase from the main pool area and as you enter there is shelving for you to leave your swimsuits. Baden Baden should be on the Naturist spa bucket list for the opportunity to experience these two completely different spas'.

On the US-based Medium (Sep. 7) author Dan Carlson promotes the European Spa and social nudity:

'The seasons are turning as this piece goes to print and it’ll soon be too cold to frolic in the sea with or without a swimsuit. With their warm thermal baths and myriad saunas, the thermal resorts of Europe are, surprisingly enough, best enjoyed in the dead of winter.

What’s more, the European spa experience is literal perfection for the social nudity curious. While nudity may be required in the pools and saunas of such establishments, bodies are typically covered everywhere else, shifting the focus to self-pampering and self-indulgence, and away from the fixation on naked bodies.

...

We have been visiting European thermal spas for the past fifteen years or so. Like those responding to my other posts on naturist travel, many of our friends wince just a bit when we tell them of our most recent visit to the German spa.

“Wow. You did that? Not sure I’d have the courage.”

“Really?” we say. “Why would you not do this?

He then lists eight things you should know about European spa nudity:

1. There's great variation in clothing regulations. Research, research.
2. Germany and Netherlands are nakedest. I'd add Belgium Flanders and the Alpine countries.
3. Big complexes. Me: not true, as a non-local, the author probably misses the local set-ups, way smaller.
4. Big set ups in France, Italy or Hungary are always only for textiles.
5. Spa goers are not nudists. Again myself: In Europe these boundaries are much more vague and nakedness is much more based on functionality rather than philosophy.
6. The bathrobe is heavily embraced. Really? Dubious I think.
7. I don't understand, even though in English the essence is lost in translation.
8. Be alerted that in Netherlands it's always naked, while in Germany there may be a mixed zone. Me: Not really, in Netherlands bathinng culture never took off, such as in Germany, so there are very few bathing places with sauna's. But those there are, also have the two tier system.

In general these rules are very much a generalisation, with the first rule being the most important. To end:

'Here’s the kicker! Should you summon up the courage to give it a try, you’ll soon realize that Europeans are not particularly concerned about your body, nor are they especially preoccupied with what you think about theirs. Certainly, much less so than one might encounter when going to any textile beach on the Outer Banks or Southern California where swimsuits become an integral part of an unannounced beauty and fashion contest. The European sauna-spa experience is one of personal self-indulgence where people go to imbibe in simply feeling alive, and they think the best way to do that is to leave their inhibitions, and their textiles at the door. So many lessons to be taken from that'.

Blasted

yojulan

sahara #tunisie #desertrouge #douz #sunset #magic #incredible #beauté #merveilledumonde #tourism #paysage #crazy #nature #pic #instagram #instalove #holiday #expedition #randonnée #bivouac #exceptional_pictures #myself #love #dune #sable #source #sourcethermale #boutdumonde #expedition #nature #infinite #sunset #coucherdesoleil #life

A sort of intermezzo, a couple of North African soaks to look at / enjoy.

sandgefluester and nadljwwr

Auch von uns ein frohes neues Jahr 🎊 Wir haben den Jahreswechsel bei den heissen Quellen von Fask verbracht 😊

#hotsprings #sourcechaude #fask #travelmorocco #expeditiontrucks #homeonwheels #thisisafrica #camel #dromedary #desert #sunsetlovers

Morocco's Le reporter Express has an article (Oct. 21) on the thermals of Asmaa (Western Sahara):

'La source thermale Asmaa est une eau chaude de 38 degrés contenant du Soufre. Cette eau vient d’un puits de 700 m de profondeur.

...

Cette source thermale est située à environ une trentaine de kilomètres (36 km) de la ville de Dakhla. Elle est très prisée, mais la route empruntée pour y accéder n’est pas commune. Il n’y a aucun panneau de signalisation sur le bord de route.

L’entrée de la piste est seulement marquée par le passage des 4×4. Ceux qui veulent y aller sans guide ont quelques difficultés à le faire'.

Females though need to pay attention (sigh):

'En effet, un seul homme est chargé d’asperger les personnes de cette eau thermale, son tuyau à la main. Les femmes ne s’y exposent pas dans ces conditions'.

whileinafrica

Another unique thing to do when in Dakhla: Take a shower at the Asmaa Hot Spring source of around 38° with a powerful smell of sulfur. Upon arriving at the place, you pay a small fee then get yourself in your bathing clothes. Someone then helds a hose to you so make sure to position yourself comfortably with a firm stance as you prepare for a powerful spray of water. 

The water is said to have healing/ beneficial properties. Nevertheless, it's a good experience and a unique way to freshen up. Note there's no "plain" water should you feel the need to rinse off after. In fact, we also saw others bring soap and shampoo and actually use the hot spring water to shower with. 

#asmaa#sourceasmaa#asmaahotspring#dakhlahotspring#dakhla #thingstodoindakhla

#dakhlatravel #dakhlacity #dakhlamorocco #morocco #dakhlasahara  

#dakhlaafrica #westernsahara #saharawi #aboutdakhla #whenindakhla #travelafrica 

#traveldakhla #dakhlatourism #whileinafrica #beautifulafrica #visitdakhla 

#exploreafrica #travelafrica

I also notice whilst skimming through the relevant photo's, that there are a few brave(?) women who do the same treatment. So much for the offical advise. 

Practice

Southwest Europe to tie up this lengthy post. 

Tierrassinfronteras heads off (Dec. 13) to another French soak(-ish, 35C) of the Pyrenees. Their translated recommendations for Mérens les Vals:

• The first recommendation is the most important, this site is quite popular in summer and festivities. Therefore, if you want to enjoy nature and relax, we strongly recommend visiting the thermal pools very early or very late and avoiding times of great influx.
• The second important piece of information is: this is a natural and wild space, therefore you should not leave garbage and you must preserve and respect it. If you find something lying on the ground, even if it is not yours, take it with you. Together we will make this corner a more pleasant and beautiful place.
• The Mérens les Vals Thermal Baths are a place to worship the body and relax. Avoid clouding the environment with unnecessary noise, preserve the peace and tranquility that is breathed in this magical natural environment.
• Do not be surprised if you find someone naked, the Thermal Pools of Mérens les Vals is frequented by people who practice naturism.

louisechllt

Sulfureuses

#merenslesvals #passionsouffre

The soaks of Santa Fe (Andalucia)? Tierrassinfronteras (Dec. 31) comments section:

'Hola! Estuvimos la semana pasada y están super cerradas y con vigilante.

Imposible ni acercarse'.

The Termas de Bande (Ourense, Galicia) have been lined up for some kind of developemt. ElEspanol (Sep.12):

'El Ayuntamiento de Bande (Ourense) convoca un concurso de proyectos para la construcción de un centro termal y la puesta en valor y aprovechamiento de las aguas minero-medicinales presentes en el municipio'.

The article notes there's an architectual competition underway with the winner being awarded the building contract. No news what happens to the current free and wild springs, which are located in what are hopefully protected archiological zone.

eloiscarva

Termáticos • Lóbios • September • 2022

#galiza #galicia #spain #bnw_captures #bnw_greatshots #bnw_demand #bnwphotography #streetphotography #candidphotography #travelphotography #cyclingtour #people #hotsprings #ourense #roman #romantimes #historicalplace #eloiscarva #eloiscarva