Heave

The end of the year visit went to the sauna complex under the name of Asanti, just outside of the city of Gent, Belgiums province of East Flanders.

This was our second visit here; the prior visit was in 2019, noting that back then the visit was ok-ish. But not really worthwhile heading this way? Possibly only if you are in the neighbourhood.

Had a visit to a museum in Gent prior, so it was really really really on our way.

Anyway, I understand Asanti are under new management. 

Facilities (3-4 sauna's, indoor / outdoor swimming pool, steam bath, smaller jacuzzi) are still the same, plus a bit of wear and tear, restaurant service back then was better.

What I noticed: management are very keen on keeping the silence: it's not working. They also actively seek out visitors drinking water from their own water bottles: apparently a big no-no. Money is the answer.

Btw.: the entrance fee was €35.

Five years ago the Aufguss sessions were ok. This time round there were excellent sessions: I'm loving these equalizers ever more. Everyone comes in with their own (mis-)conceptions, but during the Aufguss we all become one as we heave under the ever increasing heat.

The reviews.

Google: 4.3 stars (239 reviews) back in 2019, now a slight downward change: 4.2 (327 reviews).

Tripadvisor: 3.5 stars (28 reviews) in 2019, now still 3.5 (from 41 reviews). Though based on solely the past year, it would be nearer 4.5 stars

The Facebook page doesn't do reviews anymore, but back in 2019 it was 4.4 stars (from 139 reviews).

Back in 2019 it was awarded a personal 7.

I'll stick with this, purely because the Aufguss sessions were good / excellent. But the drinking water affair and the complete lack of choice for vegetarians and the steering towards more expensive choices are undercutting this mark.

Asanti now also has it's own Instagram page to communicate.

As standard there's very little news forthcoming on particular sauna's. My own site has this from earlier 2024 (Mar. 17):

'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'.

Smoking

Used the past festive days to catch up on (indoor) stuff, mostly seasonal.

Museums, art exhibitions and food. And catching a film.

Followers of my blog will have been pre-warned concerning the film Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, first mentioned here a year ago.

With a traditional Estonian smoke sauna (Unesco recognizes these as part of Humanity's cultural tradition) as decor, a group of females regularly get together to undergo the sauna process and share their experiences and what then become their stories. Very genuine.

It's heartwarming how during 2023 this film has gathered steam during the year, going from being something from a quirky niche product to a mainstream award production possible blockbuster. Well just short of I suppose; the topics covered are too upfront as well as the confrontation with real bodies will frighten the mainstream media.

I predict that 2024 will see smoke sauna's pope up all over Europe, all eager to cash in on the trend, while visitors of these will be waiting for the stories to unfold. Intimacy though might be a pre-requisite. And from my knowledge most sauna goers value the ensuing silence.

Trailer

The film is certainly well worthy of your attention. This obvious work of love is a very good intro into the sauna culture with emphasis of this Estonian tradition. 

And Estonian culture with emphasis on women's issues.

And highlights the need for safe places to let loose all that society unleashes on women.

Go and view it. Or rent it, watch at home.

There's a lot additional info out there, most already featured here before. 

When there's more to report upcoming, just keep this blog in mind.

Furnitured

A wee entry.

West Coast Wellness is a smallish sauna complex located on a recreation park near the southwestern Flemish coastal town of Oostduinkerke / Nieuwpoort.

Two indoor sauna's, one outdoor, a steamroom and an outside pool, the lay-out is very orderly and easy to understand. There's also an empahtically called bistro. Quirky could be the coolish bath inside the steamroom (why?), while in the winter all the sunbeds are cramped indoors.

My own points would be just 6.5. 

Gosh, why? 

Well the bistro was very spartan like furnitured. While what was on offer matched the furniture style. 

The sauna's were good though, so all was not lost. 

The aufguss was without enthusiasm, such that this lack was in itself an attraction. 

Other guests (i know not much can be done about this) were a bit iffy. Taking glass drinks into the pool, smoking directly after the door, using your phone in the changing rooms; maybe management might need to be a bit more hands-on.

Entrance was €27,50 a near-bargain in the current wellness / sauna market of Belgium. But not really worth it. Maybe in the summer, when you can also work on your tan, there's a nice field and the cooler outdoor swimming pool would be more welcoming.

Others visitors were mostly couples many with the need to address their shameful lack of bathing costumes: cover-ups are almost ubiquitous. Culture clash so near French border?

Other reviews from the internet:

* Relaxy.be notes 8.5 out of 10 (28 reviews); a Flemish wellness site, very optimistically rated.

* Facebook: 4.3 (from 50 reviews), many reviews in French (French speakers seem to often come here).

* Tripadvisor 3 stars (from 20 reviews), seems better atuned.

* Finally Google 3.9 (100+ reviews), though unclear whether what is reviewed is the wellness only.

Early

agatravel

Nie jestem rannym ptaszkiem, ale na termy wstaję bladym świtem 💚 #hotsprings #termal #termy #banjaluka #bosniaiherzegovina #bosna🇧🇦 #bałkanykamperem #Bałkany #balkan #bosniakamperem #travelgirl #wcześnierano

Soaking or sauna? 

Let's head for current soaking content firsat, revealed and/or published recently.

Worldthermalsprings, has been all over southwestern Europe earlier this year, with visiting the then still to be opened Nancy Thermal. From their Facebook page (Mar. 29) and translated:

'Travelling along the thermals in Eastern France. Nancy Thermal had an open house today and anyone could walk into the restored thermal baths and new pools. World class thermals! This is what France was missing! Congratulations to everyone who created this thermal complex and who will work there!

Another (imminent) opening of, this of Paliano as announced by Il Messaggero (Apr. 19). Translated:

'The Paliano thermal baths finally see the light: to begin with, it will be a structure that will make up for the closures of Bagnaccio and Masse di San Sisto'.

Armenia Travel (Apr. 22) with it's Top 5 hot springs of the nation.

MindfullexperiencesGreece has their overview (Apr. 19) of Greek soaks. Maybe just an updated article.

'There are around 700 natural hot springs all over Greece. Of these, 84 are known to have healing properties'.

Blog23b.de has a blog on mostly Greek hot springs (n=21) and the odd one from the Azores, Bulgaria, Romania and Hungary. All from the last 3 years, very up-to-date. Marks are given: examples of near full marks: Eleftheron, Thermopilae and Rupite with near excellent credentials. There's also a 1.5 out of 10 attributed to Geoagiu-Băi in Romania. From the latter: 

'Nothing to bathe really, Roman baths are nice to look at'.

One of the former:

'Loutra Eleftheron, Thrace, Greece: Clear perfectly hot water pools with in a remote location surrounded by nature? For free? Come on… – bert'.

bobeccabashara

Ancient Roman Thermals found in Spain #hotsprings #sunrise #stone #nakedinnature #happyplace

Mandate

The recent sauna news is much more. Suppose if commercial interests are foremost, then it's to be expected.

The Well Norways most expansive wellness resort seems to have (invited?) a number of English speaking journo's along.

South China Morning Post (Apr. 1) possibly jokes. How the article hits off: 

'It feels rather odd to be packing a suitcase for a weekend spa break – and deliberately leaving out a swimsuit.

At least, for some it is strange. For European spa-goers hailing from Germany, Austria, the Netherlands, Belgium and France, as well as Swedes, Finns, Japanese and Turks, going completely naked in a public spa is entirely acceptable. In many bathhouses, it is mandatory'.

Then the Daily Mail also report (Apr. 7):

'We’re men and women of all shapes, all sizes, all ages — and all starkers. A lithe woman (clad in swimsuit and sarong) is dancing around the sauna, artistically waving a towel to spread the heat and scent from the coals.

Her wahey is in sharp contrast to how I’m feeling. I’ve always hated my body (my mother put me on my first diet aged eight — which pretty much wrecked my body image). So it’s no wonder I approach my visit to The Well, just outside Oslo in Norway, with trepidation.

The Well is the largest spa in northern Europe — sprawling over 10,500 sq m with 13 pools, 15 saunas and steam rooms, and 140 showers.

...

Eventually — albeit slowly — I come to embrace the naked thing. You realise people do, indeed, come in all shapes and sizes; that nobody cares how you look except you. And yes, swimming naked does feel wonderfully liberating'.

madeleinelovesthis (from The Well):

These photos accurately represent the sheer euphoria of ditching my clothes and inhibitions in one fell swoop and walking nude - in broad daylight - into an icy pool.

Granted, I am generally quite game for all manner of forays in the name of feeling more vital, more resilient, less like my body has been dragged through yet another soggy British winter complete with attendant colds and covid.

Nonetheless, being schooled in England and having been handed a lifetime’s worth of thoughts about my body courtesy of, y’know, other people/attitudes/assumptions/adverts/etc. and, well, no wonder both @shireendd.stylist and I unanimously felt that before stripping off and joining everyone else in nudity @thewellspahotel, it was worth detailing the things we considered ‘wrong’ with our bodies.

Aside from the delicious freedom of just going for it, we both found that within around five minutes starkers, it really wasn’t a big deal. Just bodies. Some smaller. Some bigger. Some softer. Some harder. Some more lumpy. Some more smooth. But just homes of flesh. Truly truly truly liberating. That said, pick your companion wisely to do it alongside; we both lucked out in that regard.

P.s. I zoomed in and I don’t think anything is visible but apologies if it is.

P.p.s. Photos are of course not allowed in the spa areas for obvious reasons - these were taken during a private tour.

P.p.p.s. I’m a guest of The Well - but posting here isn’t a stipulation of my stay.

Other Norwegian excerpts. 

Sauna Times (Apr. 7) has the news on floating saunas, a fad increasingly becoming popular in the Scandinavian countries so says they:

'Typing the words “floating sauna” into the search bar on visitnorway.com returns us a dazzling list of 68 beautiful floating sauna options, from city harbor to deep nature fjords'.

Sauna Channel with another vdo (Jul. 22, 2022), this time from the Lofoten isles, northern Norway:

Skårungen - Kabelvåg, Lofoten Islands, Norway from Bray's Run Productions on Vimeo.

Dated on the same day, there's another sauna vdo posted from the Lofoten.

The Dailymail (again) reports (Apr. 20) on one man's love for Swedish saunas:

'I've recently moved to Sweden with my wife and two children so I'm new to the country, the culture and the phenomenon of winter bathing. The first time I cycled to the beach in the freezing cold and wandered up the pier with a towel, flip-flops and zero swimming trunks in my backpack I was more motivated by having a funny story to tell about those 'crazy Swedes'. What I've found is a health-improving, mood-enhancing high from nature's very own supply.

...

The health benefits are clear, but for me a few psychological wins have also crept up.

One in particular is the rather liberating realisation that the human body is so very weird. Scratch from your mind almost every crafted and curated image you've ever seen on your phone. We are all lumpy and oddly shaped. Some people have hair in places others don't. Some people have broad powerful shoulders but really weird-looking feet. Some people have no shoulders to speak of but incredible jawlines - and for all people it simply does not matter'.

Holland's Blootgewoon has announced it's national awards, amongst them that of the best sauna. The (excellent) Spaone has won for the second year running the title: spa of the year.

An American couple get to enjoy a Dutch wellness resort. And make an vdo on this (Mar. 25):

They compare with their experiences from Germany, with the single (Fort Beemster Wellness resort) Dutch experience. The luxury of the Netherlands with the everyday sauna experience in Germany? Hmmm, the Fort Beemster resort is regarded as one of the best in the Netherlands (Google: 4.6 stars), so possible basing you experience of this with what I suppose are many others in Germany might not be fair. The article garners 100+ comments, most explaining where else a good Dutch sauna experience can be had.

nikytkaa

Zasloužený relax dvou matek 🖤🥹 #matkynatahu #rodina #sestenice 👩🏻‍❤️‍💋‍👩🏻 #novatradice✨

What's with Germany and it's love of rules?

From Germany's TV channel Kabeleins a pointer (May 5) as to how to navigate the German sauna:

'Heiß, heißer, Sauna. Die Deutschen lieben Saunieren. Doch gibt es einige ungeschriebene Regeln, an die man sich halten sollte: Wie viel Abstand hält man zu den anderen und wie viel Gucken ist eigentlich erlaubt? Abenteuer Leben beantwortet diese Fragen'.

Beninwanderland (Mar. 9) shares that culture shock of 1. heading to the sauna for the first time and 2. doing so in Germany:

'The concept of baring it all, with no clothes to hide behind, might seem strange to most, but it is part of the German culture that has been embraced by locals and tourists alike.

As a writer, I sought to experience this concept by visiting a reputable sauna during winter in Berlin. My journey taught me a lot about nudity and etiquette, revelations I'll share with you.

...

Today, nudity is widely accepted in many areas of German society, including beaches, parks, and saunas. It is seen as a natural and healthy expression of the human body, and there is no shame or embarrassment associated with being naked in public.

However, this cultural attitude is not universal in Germany and may vary depending on the region or individual. And Germans also place a strong emphasis on etiquette and respect for others when it comes to public nudity. For example, it is considered rude to stare or make inappropriate comments towards others who are naked.

This attitude is in contrast to that which Australian society has adopted, the country of my childhood and adolescence'.

The lessons learnt:

'I have learned a valuable lesson on nudity during my sauna visit in Berlin. Being comfortable with our body should not be a privilege withheld for certain people or societies. Non-sexual nudity around others, especially those of the same gender, is about having a healthy attitude towards body image.

Although I don’t condone brazen acts of nudity performed in unsuitable social settings, I feel people should be comfortable enough within their skin to be naked around others.

Ultimately, whether we’re tall, short, thin, fat, hairy or bald, we are all born in like manner - without clothing. Anatomically, within either gender, our architecture is the same.

Embrace your body and liberate it by visiting a sauna in Berlin (or elsewhere in the world)!

Worldofsauna looks (Mar. 28) at Spanish sauna culture:

'When I started researching the Spanish sauna culture, I was laughed at and told that the Spanish don’t take saunas.

...

So I found out that Spain has a long spa culture. Spanish people are especially familiar with Turkish saunas or hamams.

The Spanish do not take saunas as often as the Finns or have as many saunas as the Finns. At least not yet'.

The sharing concerns just one experience and that at an hotel.

Finally, another country, another TV channel. Denmark's TV2OstJylland reports (Mar. 28) on a sauna "battle" in Silkeborg. Translated:

'A meeting of the Culture, Leisure, Outdoor and Sports Committee in Silkeborg Municipality on Monday evening resulted in the city council politicians slamming their hands on the table and terminating the agreement with the sauna club Almind-Wellet.

It comes after several weeks of trouble about whether it should be allowed to use swimwear in the sauna or not.

The sauna club, led by chairman Freddy Skovbo, has fought for a swimwear ban, but that battle has been lost.

In any case, a majority in the Culture, Recreation, Outdoor and Sports Committee has now decided to terminate the user agreement with the association'.

carladelfin

22 de enero del 2011

Culture craze

mosskurbadstue

Globally there are only a few examples of how enjoying a soak in natural hot springs has become a facet of everyday life, becoming a part of it a nation's culture. Japan springs to mind, while Iceland seems to be heading in the same direction what with the many more luxurious bathing establishments opening or on the verge of opening. Though the ease of access (for locals) might not be taken into consideration. So maybe not there yet ...

In recent years, especially in northern Europe where the absence of freely available hot waters or hot waters easily accessible subsurface, enjoying a natural swim has taken a flight. Outdoor swimming. Wild swimming. Winter swimming. Especially cities are looking at ways to encourage swimming.

Other similar to hot-spring-culture encouragement are the existence of smaller public saunas. Continental Europe though has seen a decline in these facilities as larger more luxurious sauna based complexes have elbowed the smaller sites out of the market. Thus giving the sauna visit something more elitist.

However the low threshold saunas are coming back. 

In Ireland we've seen a couple of initiatives of rental saunas, England has followed suit; I'm also familiar with companies in less traditional sauna cultured countries such as Germany, Denmark and Switzerland which offer the same: small scale mobile saunas, adjacent to natural (cool) waters, sometimes complemented by a small hot tub. You rent them privately. Or they organise it for the public to use. Or they compliment festivals.

The Guardian very recently (Jun. 18) had an article on what could Britains next rave:

'In the last two years, “at least 50 ‘new wave’ UK saunas are either already up and running or being built, with many more in various stages of planning”, says the British Sauna Society founder Mika Meskanen. This summer’s festivals are setting up wellness areas with saunas, while author Caitlin Moran called the sauna “the new pub”.

A very Brits oriented article, but it's clear that many of these new saunas are low-cost community based.

Norway's answer offers a new twist. Often very sleekly designed sauna's, that are either moored to a jetty or which can be boated out onto a bay. It's apparently all the rage.

Travelwritersmagazine (Mar. 10, 2021):

'One of the hottest trends in Norway in recent years, architecturally savvy floating saunas offer an unbeatable combination of a hot sauna experience and a more than refreshing dip in a chilly Norwegian lake or fjord'.

Alternate

Now coincidentally I was in Norway not too long ago.

So what would we be talking about? In the town of Kragerø (south Norway) we took the opportunity to enjoy one of these. 

The remaining photos of this blog are of this visit.

I had stumbled across a photo on Instagram of their account which links to their website (Kragerobadstuforening) where besides info there's also an explanation of how to book an hour of sauna fun. Unfortunately in Norwegian, but with translation opportunities it's all quite understandable.

About the organisation:

'Kragerø sauna association is a non-profit association that was established to facilitate local quality bathing for everyone in the entire municipality throughout the year. You become a member by visiting us, and everyone is warmly welcome to contribute and think according to desire and ability. Profits must be returned to the above starting point'.

We booked for a later slot at 9 pm. 

Just head online, book and pay. And then turn up at the allotted time. 

The website ensures there are no more than 12 soakers per hour, so never too busy.

As it was mid-June light or lack of this is a non-issue. 

Located midway up a jetty adjacent to the Gunnarsholmen islet (with small beach), we could already see others jumping from the float into Norway's clear waters. 

We walked the jetty to the sauna. 

There's no explanation, but there's a small 2 persons changing area, a shower (cold) and roughly three quarters of the float is taken up by the sauna, finely blazing. There were two other soakers on the verge of terminating their sauna session. They were taking a boat up the coast for delivery in Oslo and were sheltering while the coastal wind would dissipate, day after tomorrow. What else to do but take a good sauna? 

We were soon joined by someone else, who had just found out how sauna bathing was helping her health. 

Temperature inside was great and I was surprised that the fjord seawater was a nice 17C degrees. 

A great way to pass by an hour or so, with alternating cold sea plunges then back to reheating and sweating.

Trendy

The sauna in Kragero is by no means an abnormality. Now for your Norwegian topography lessons:

• Kristainsand was inviting offers for similar initiatives (Apr. 4). Translated:

'Now we can get sauna rafts in three places in the municipality. One in the city center, one in Høllen and one east of Otra'.

• Tonsberg (Tonsbergfjordspa; a for profit operation from an Oslo based group) had boatable saunas, they were trying to add hot tubs to their tubs but their permission seemed to be opposed by locals fearing party like atmosphere. Their Facebook page (May 13): 

'Unfortunately, we were not given the benefit of the doubt by a group of Kaldnes residents and now they have made it their mission to stop us getting permits for the area - which results in the entire city of Tønsberg not having available the awesome, healthy, fun and sustainable activities that we provide'.

• Melsomvik: not floating, but mobile (source, community funded).
• Skien-Porsgrunn: a company (Saunaboats) offering floating saunas.
• Longyearbyen on Svalbard, a floating sauna owned by the port authorities.
• Drammen has a couple of operators. Elvebadstua and KOK Oslo based as well).
• Jevnaker, just north of Oslo has a company (Flytfjord sauna) running a single floating sauna.
• Stavanger: a company (Dampsauna) with mobile and floating saunas for private rent
• Sandefjord: association still acquiring the floating sauna.
• Flåm: Fjordsauna
• Moss, another town, another floating sauna. See lead photo.
• The inner city of Oslo harbour is jam packed with floating saunas. Harbourfront redevelopment has encouraged swimming possibilities, so it's no wonder that these also very popular for tourists saunas. These possibilities are very youth oriented. The visitoslo website notes 2 floating saunas as well as the quayside SALT sauna / art / drinking hole. I think I saw at least two other operators downtown.
• Bergen. Heitsauna has two floating sauna's in the city's center. The company also has sauna's at Akrafjord, Haugesund and Sørfjord.

I suppose the above list can go on forever. For instance Opplevnorge has a list of 17 sauna exceptional sites. But let's just say Norway has got a thing going when it comes to floating / mobile saunas.

Cheating

So, we've established that this sauna thing is catching on (in Norway) and might just be a similar-to-soaking culture, one heading for the Europe's mainstream even? 

 

But then on  a side note: what did surprise me is that where you would expect an absence of clothing to be a non-starter, the impression seems to be opposite. 

What's up here Norway?

Is this because these sauna's are often located in built-up areas? Is it because younger persons / Norwegians are taking a different direction in life? Is social media to be blamed? Is it solely for tourists?

Over at Norway's largest sauna complex, The Well Spa, they believe that promoting what they say continental sauna culture is a good business set-up:

'The Well is built on continental bathing traditions with natural nudity. Natural nudity means being naked there and when it is natural, and many find peace and enjoy the freedom in just this way - to swim naked'.

I spent a day there enjoying all what's on offer (no, no it was research for this blog!), but felt very confused by how they try to promote their ideas. 

Nakedness is essential in the saunas:

'The Well sets the highest standards for hygiene and health, and therefore in saunas and steam baths are not allowed with swimwear'.

And optional while swimming. But not on Tuesdays, when it's all optional. 

Effectively it meant that on Tuesdays you're really standing out if you choose the establishments preferred policies. And you're barred from swimming and saunaing outdoors. So much for good intentions.

It doesn't seem to a good copy of continental (?) sauna culture where enforced naked enjoyment is once more enjoying more popularity (it seems the clothed days are leading to more maintenance / management issues) and the clarity provided means everybody knows what to expect.

I'm not the only one with a case of confusion. On reddit:

'After some wonderful days in Oslo, the missus and I are spending two days at a spa (The Well). With Finnish sauna culture in mind, we expected everyone to be very liberal about their nudity here, even more so than in the Benelux and Germany where going naked is pretty much obligatory in all the spas / wellness centers.

We knew from the website nudity was optional but were very surprised to see we were in the vast minority, with like 90 percent of people wearing bathing suits and thus very much drawing attention to our nudity as something odd and non standard, which is exactly what you don't want when you're naked. Even in the saunas everyone was wearing little towels around their bits'.

I thought this other experience by ghetran (Feb. 19, 2017) shouldn't be withheld:

'Easier said then done, of course, ’cause at 12 o’clock am we’re the only people without a bathing suit! haha! It feels so awkward we almost go back and buy one [not allowed to bring one's own, only company endorsed swimming suits allowed], but then we’re like, oh, come on, you need to take it off at the sauna and in the shower anyway. Except some people don’t, not even there, even though it’s written on walls and so on. So we feel slightly cheated.

Gordana: “I’ve been in Norway for 20 years, so I’m used to showering naked before entering the pool and besides one needs to be naked at the sauna, so I don’t mind that much.” Me: “And I’ve been here for 17 years and I avoid swimming pools and saunas for exactly the same reason, although, between me and you, it’s mostly because I don’t want to see everybody else’s untrimmed bushes and tiny weenies.” We laugh so hard we make waves in the pool, waves that roll over us and crush onto our naked boobs'.

So even Norway's sauna Walhalla fails to provide proof of the pudding. 

Update Nov. 2022: I'd like to apply a figure to The Wells experience. 

Overall it's very luxiourious, very neatly finished. Other pluses were the Banya experience, the big indoor pool. 

On the negatives were beside the unclear clothing optionalities the non-use of outdoor pool and sauna as these were in a clothes obligation zone, the confusing onsen situation (was eventually closed). An 8, or 8+ even?

Fear

But what do others say concerning Norwegian sauna culture?

Fodors has a 10 step guide concerning Oslo's urban saunas (Oct. 5, 2019) and google prefers you read this as part of the research:

'Many saunas have a strict “no swimsuit” rule to limit bacteria brought in by wet bathing suits; guests are asked to use clean towels to cover up instead. Check the protocols of the particular sauna before going—and check in with your own nudity comfort level'.

Hmmm, of the above noted floating saunas, not one had such a strict rule. To the contrary: most assume / presume you going to be in a bathing suit, only the Oslofjordspa is more or less clear:

'CAN I BE NAKED OR GO IN THE SAUNA IN MY UNDERWEAR?

Afraid not! Awim [Swim?] wear is required at all times both inside and outside of the saunas.

I also tried looking up non-English info, because whereas the Norwegians might understand their own culture, others might need an explanation. 

Skigebiedengids in Dutch, turn on google translate for the gist:

'Naakt of met zwembroek in de sauna in Noorwegen

Noorwegen behoort tot de wat preutsere landen als het gaat om bloot. Net als in de andere Scandinavische wintersportlanden zijn er over het algemeen geen gemengde openbare sauna’s. Mannen en vrouwen gaan apart naar de wellness. Alleen in privé-sauna’s kun je gemengd naar de sauna. Maar hotelsauna’s zijn meestal gescheiden en dan nog houden de meeste Noren hun zwembroek in de sauna aan'.

When sauna mixed, Norwegians like to hide behind their swimming trunks (or more).

Der Zeit (23 Dec. 2020) reveals more of the same:

'Neben dänischen gehen auch französische, britische und norwegische Saunabesucher dagegen meist mit Badesachen in eine gemischte Sauna'.

So let's presume that the Norwegian craze of floating saunas everywhere catches on (northern Europe wise), would we suggest that each culture might adapt to their own? Or will we stick to the safe, all the easier to show off social media wise?

Possible answers below?

Inimitable

yo.frn

Les Mentonnais dans le Valais 🏞

#valais #suisse #pontsuspendu #niouc #pontdelaraignée #grotte #cave #dive #sourcedeauchaudenaturelle #28degrees #naturalhotwater #swim #minedesel #secretplace #sunnyday #friends #teatime #rencontre #apero #sion

Let's start with some lengthy topical info from Switzerland, a country we don't often highlight here. Well, basically there's not much wild and free soaks to be had.

An opening of a thermal spa in Baden (Aargau), named Fortyseven:

'Mit 47°C sprudelt das Wasser der Thermalquellen aus den Tiefen der FORTYSEVEN Wellness-Therme.Wussten Sie schon?

«Wasser mit Wirkung»

Thermalwasser unterscheidet sich generell von normalem Quellwasser durch seine Inhaltsstoffe. Diese werden über die Haut aufgenommen und wirken sich positiv auf die Physiologie des Körpers aus. Die wohltuende Wirkung auf den Geist entfaltet sich vor allem durch die Wärme und die entstehende Ruhe.

Das Wasser reichert sich in bis zu 1,200 Metern Tiefe vor allem mit Kalzium, Eisen und Jod an. Vorhandenes Schwefel wird herausgefiltert. 4'000 bis 12'000 Jahre dauert die Reise des Badener Thermalwassers im tiefen Gestein. So wird es zum mineralreichsten Heilwasser der Schweiz. Vergleichbare Quellen gibt es in Westeuropa keine. Das macht das Thermalwasser des FORTYSEVEN so einzigartig'.

In itself nothing too spectacular. 

But not all is going to plan. Argoviatoday (Nov. 29) and google translate:

'The "Fortyseven" in Baden celebrated its grand opening on November 20th after three and a half years of construction (ArgoviaToday reported). The thermal bath, which was designed by the Swiss star architect Mario Botta, offers a wide range of spa facilities in addition to the bathing area. This includes a total of three different sauna zones. However, these cause trouble for some visitors.

Nina Suma, managing director of «Fortyseven» rejects this criticism. «A textile sauna was created because it also meets a need. With the Fortyseven wellness spa, we are also addressing a younger, urban audience, which up to now has not necessarily belonged to the classic sauna-goers, "Suma told ArgoviaToday. In addition, the managing director emphasizes that the visitors to the wellness oasis also include employees from companies in Baden who do not always want to sit naked across from each other.Critics of the textile sauna have a problem with the swimwear requirement not only because of preferences. Textile saunas are also questionable for health reasons.

Google review by Sascha Krähenbühl

The sauna culture in Europe is primarily textile-free and there are legitimate reasons for this. Because the swimwear is left out for reasons of hygiene, taste and safety.

Another visitor writes that he understands that not everyone wants to take a sauna naked. However, he finds it incomprehensible that the «Fortyseven», as a wellness oasis with health claims, propagates the sauna in clothes. Concerning the criticism, Nina Suma says that she does not know whether saunas without clothes are more hygienic than saunas in the nude. You also do not know whether there are studies that prove it'.

A month later the Argoviatoday (Dec. 28) reports that the above has resulted in changes. Translated: 

'Since Christmas Eve, guests have been able to relax in the Limmat sauna without wearing clothes. The change has become apparent, as managing director Nina Suma reveals: "We didn't want to rely solely on individual feedback, we also conducted a survey of the guests."

Most of the more recent reviews (and there are many) reflect on the changes (positive), though there still seem to be a lot of smaller issues to be ironed out. In itself it's quite surprising that users views are noted and acted upon.

Anyway, while on the town of Baden and it's soaking possibilities, I stumbled on the website of the Swiss Verein Bagni Popolari. The Verein wish to highlight the role of thermal bathing in Baden. Literally translated:

'From 2015 to autumn 2021, Bagni Popolari operated temporary thermal fountains in the spa district, art installations intended for use that addressed the thermal water in public spaces and the role of the fountains as social and sociable meeting places in the city. And Bagni Popolari planned the two resulting hot fountains, which have made the thermal water permanently tangible for everyone since November 6th. Since then, the association has been accompanying the operation of the hot fountains as a "water guard" on behalf of the municipalities and has used the former Bad zum Raben with art interventions and exhibitions as well as various events. The aim of the association is to revitalize the old bath as a cultural city bath and bar.

fotogunni

Testing the new Bagno Popolare. Nice and hot 🔥

One of the latest activities has been the establishment of a guerrilla bath. SRF (Nov. 30):

'Der Verein «Bagni Popolari» hat sich ganz dem Thermalwasser in Baden verschrieben. Am Limmatknie sollen wieder alle unter freiem Himmel und ohne Eintritt das heisse Wasser geniessen können. So wie es über Jahrhunderte Tradition war in Baden – von der Römerzeit bis ins 19. Jahrhundert.

More info from the Verein (and translated):

'The two hot fountains have been open since November 6, 2021 at 2 p.m. and are operated by the municipalities of Baden and Ennetbaden. They are warm from approx. 7 am to approx. 10 pm every day. The pools are warm (depending on the air temperature and wind) between approx. 37 and 43°C and are fed by undiluted, natural thermal spring water from the Schwanenquelle (Ennetbaden) or Heissem Stein / Limmat and St. Verena spring (Baden)'.

As stated the Verein also holds temporary exhibitions around Badens link to thermal waters.

There are more acts of soaking guerilla in Switzerland, though also somewhat officially condoned. Basically heating up spring water and encouraging public soaking.

Such as in the village of Tschlin (Graubünden), where during the summers of 2018 and 2019 only, a bath was created using traditional fountain (report). Evidence:

engadinscuolzernez

Quite warm today 😅 How about a refreshing bath in a village fountain? In Tschlin you can 🤗 

📷 by @dominik_taeuber .

Or the city of Basel where cultural collective Hotel Regina has instituted a new front. Badische Zeitung (30 Jan. 2020):

'Basel hat einen neuen Volkssport: "Brunnen gehn". Während der Wintermonate heizt das Kultur-Kollektiv Hotel Regina historische Brunnen an wechselnden Standorten auf angenehme 39 Grad. Der Badeplausch für Jedermann ist eine gute Gelegenheit, die Stadt einmal ganz entspannt aus einer neuen Perspektive zu erleben.

catarinasinde

#throwback: after work. 1oC outside, 39oC inside. Every two weeks #profontaineschaudes warms the water of one of the Basler fountains.

Profontaineschaudes is part of the action. It's website notes that soaking is a very social / community event, at least in some countries (Iceland / Japan). With Brunnen gehn they hope to use wood fired heaters to heat up selective fountains / springs. A translated snippet:

'The Brunnenheizer*innen, the so-called "Chauffeurs · ses des fontaines", heat the water in selected wells to a comfortable bathing temperature between October and March using a wood-fired, mobile stove. From 6 p.m., bathers can report to the reception and are introduced to the bathing ritual from there via the cloakroom and cold shower. Tea is served in the warm fountain basin, lifeguards ensure compliance with the bathing rules and general well-being.

...

Brunnen Gehn wants to connect with this [community] spirit. In Basel, where brunnen gehn is currently the most active, you are not only breaking new ground. In contrast to other Swiss cities, it is common there to bathe in public city fountains in summer; the IWB [local electric / water provider, manages roughly 200 town springs] even offers a fountain guide with the best swimming spots. The adaptation for winter seems obvious.

They call their action Crowdfountain.

Lausanne is another city, where Fontaine de la Palud is a steaming soak, organized by the crowd action organisation jacuzzi.ch. They have developed a heater exchange which can be externally used to heat up selective waters, as in this case fountains (photo from website page concerning this project (2015)):

Uncovered

More rarities, this time topical notes from Portugal. Chaves (Vila Real, northern Portugal) have opened a museum concerning their Roman thermal past. From Facebook (Dec. 21):

'Located on the right bank of the Tâmega River, the Termas Romanas de Chaves are the most important Portuguese thermal complex, but also one of the most monumental in Europe. Its prominence is given to you by the awesomeness of the structures, both their size and architectural quality and their state of conservation.

The visitor can find a building that collapsed in full operation in the fourth century, being ′′frozen in time′′ until discovered in 2008, by chance, when excavations were on site for the construction of an underground parking lot'.

TSF (Dec. 21) translated:

'Opening to the public takes place 16 years after being identified. It was in 2005, during excavation work for the construction of an underground car park, in Largo do Arrabalde, in the center of the city of Chaves.

Unsurprisingly, the park project was abandoned and work immediately began to uncover several pools. Two large ones, seven small ones and a complex hydraulic system to supply them, which still works today.

"In Roman times, there was a great concern to keep a healthy mind, which was achieved through therapeutic spas", highlights Rui Lopes , a municipal archaeologist. And in Chaves, formerly Aquae Flaviae, they would have great use, namely to treat ailments and war wounds'.

Fox News (Nov. 12) in even rarer and may we say weirder news:

'An 11-year-old Austrian girl was reportedly infected with gonorrhea after bathing in a popular thermal pool while on vacation in Italy.

The girl was diagnosed with Neisseria gonorrhoeae following a dip in the hot spring off the island of Pantelleria's crater lake Specchio di Venere, also known as the "Mirror of Venus."

...

The experts believe that the temperature of the slightly acidic water served as a potential source of the infection.

The study's authors said that there needs to be public understanding regarding the risk of exposure to pathogens by bathing in heavily frequented shallow thermal pools.

They suggested adding a sign, a shower and antibacterial soap near the hot springs'.

It's odd that in these days when we attribute so much to personal health and hygiene, when it comes to swimming (in open water) and / or soaking the practice is entirely the opposite. Who of us wish we could emulate Japanese culture? Or it least Icelands strip showers first?

(Note though, there's a instagram post concerning above Basel fountains in which it's proven that the fountains are way cleaner than other (open water) swim sources).

However when you read the study with more care, there's no direct evidence that the waters are the source of the disease. It's just a hunch:

'Our case serves to illustrate that the very uncommon diagnosis of gonorrhea in a child may be the result of nonsexual transmission of the infection, and that contaminated hot pools are a very rare source of infection that should be considered'.

The story has gone worldwide and I'm afraid it might just stick. So the Lago di Venere might just see less bathers. What's even more worse though, is that the story has been published with photo's of many other hot springs. Mostly though, by the so-called gutter-press, what could you have expected?

simonemaddalena from the dirty(?) Lago di Venere:

When you photograph people in color, you photograph their clothes. But when you photograph people in black and white, you photograph their souls.

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#lagodivenerepantelleria #pantelleria2021

#island #libertà #pantelleriaisland #freeday #loveislove #fanghi #prospettivafotografica #italiasuperscatti #photooftheday #photoart #lifecompany #blackandwhite #photoblackandwhite #pantellerialove #illusioneottica #opticalillusion #huaweip40pro

Again rare, but slightly off topic. From Ireland a report on a seafront sauna. Irelands Independent (Nov. 10):

'A sauna, which opened its doors at Bray Seafront, is already booked out.

Fad Saoil Saunas have set up their Finnish style sauna at the harbour side of the Bray promenade for one week only, offering free sauna sessions. Booking opened on Sunday night at 5 p.m. and high demand meant that all the slots sold out quickly'.

Accents

Nudeblog.ru presents (Mar. 26) a third party interview (Calvert Journal, Feb. 21) with the bloggers themselves. Their blog concerns Russian restoring Russian sauna's / banya's as well as traditional bathing culture. A translated snippet:

'3. Baths are often considered something from the past - do you think the interest in baths is growing among the younger generation and why?

Yes, there is definitely a fleur.

But this phenomenon cannot be avoided. Very opposite feelings about the bath, either a bright yes or no.

In our country, like nowhere else, values ​​and foundations are shaken every 100 years and a constant search for oneself and foundations is inevitable.

With the bath, a substitution of concepts took place, saunas created a separate market that does not fight with the visual memory of the grandmother’s bath and gives a fictitious effect on the body.

Within this experience, an internal dispute arises in society, which leads to immersion in the topic, and with the bath.

In an attempt to find an honest, young generation is looking for their own space and forming a bath renaissance.

...

7. Bath is, of course, about nudity and physicality. In Russian culture in general, and especially recently, there is a rather conservative attitude towards the body and nudity, especially women. Has it always been like this - and do you think that a bathhouse could somehow help and liberate people?

Before, everyone washed and bathed, from childhood they saw a naked body, did not accentuate.

Then the aristocracy got the opportunity to swim in shirts and a private bathroom made its contribution to the social separation

Naked - at home, dressed - in ponds.

The desire to be higher, to change one's position in society has changed the natural path.

Over the years, the naked contact got lost and off we went.

They got out of the habit, they invented, they began to be afraid of the unknown, time and the regime aggravated.

The bathhouse removes the ban on corporeality, the bathhouse replenishes the overlooked, the bathhouse teaches not to assign anything to the body, it leaves it empty, but always beautiful.

sashakulak

Nudity is not about obscenity, but about purity, soul, and spirituality. @annartemieva shared her thoughts on the liberating, intimate, and transportive world which exists within Russia’s bathhouses for @calvertjournal'.

Reconnect

Some highlights from around the continent.

Albania warrants our first note, and it's not a positive one:

fromrusttoroadtrip

A lot can change in just a few years.⁣

That was something we were learning more and more on this journey, revisiting places that held good memories, finding them changed often irrevocably.⁣

Llixhat e Benjës was one place that we never thought would change, and it held for us such symbolism we would never want to see it so. It was the first place we came to on our first time in Albania, featuring in our first ever YouTube video, and a place we had returned to every time since.⁣

The landscape had changed very much in four years; the road was now well-paved, new pools had been constructed, a bar had sprung up in place of the old building on-site, and the village of Permët seemed to be prospering from the increase in tourism.⁣

We bathed in the large pool at sunrise where we met a family doing the same; it turned out they were regulars, coming down from a nearby mountain village to sell honey, raki and mountain herbs, all harvested from their land.⁣

What we weren’t expecting was to hear that a wealthy Arab had visited the Benjë hot springs recently, and was now hoping to “invest” in them.⁣

What this entailed was building a paid spa complex on site, thereby pricing out the locals and privatising one of the most beautiful natural resources in Europe. This was devastating news; we’d learned of similar problems across France and Spain, but we never imagined this would happen in Albania. But of course money talks, especially in an impoverished Balkan country.⁣

Why anyone would fall in love with a place so much they decide to change it entirely was beyond us.⁣

Perhaps pressure from local and international communities could halt these plans instead of allowing them to slip quietly under the radar- who knows?⁣

On a more positive note, we spent the rest of the morning exploring the Langarica canyon and its hidden gems, a place previously inaccessible to us during the winter, where we met the most wonderful group of elderly people and a couple of young sisters, and it reminded us instantly of why we felt so at home in this incredible country.⁣

We've compiled a list of 40 hot springs across Europe and a guide to each one- hit the link in our Highlights ♨️

Italy. Wanderingcarol (Nov. 20) has an article on the best spas and hot springs in Tuscany. It's mostly geared towards the spa's, the author finding little time to head off and experience the free hot springs. Her loss.

A (Spanish) comprehensive guide (Oct. 10) on visiting the Tuscan San Filippo termi. Translated:

'Did you know that the Tuscany region of Italy is full of hot springs ? Yes, natural waters at high temperatures in the middle of nature where you can take a warm bath even in winter . And best of all, some of them are free!'

Spain then.
Decadenzia has an article (Aug. 6) on Montanejos springs (Valencia):

'The original baths of the harem do not exist anymore but you can still swim in the same waters in Fuente de los Baños.

While you can swim in other areas of the river Mijares, this is the place with the hot springs. We recommend river shoes like this ones as the bottom is a bit rocky.

The water comes out around 26 degrees all year long. However, be aware that, although they are far away from the usual freezing waters of any river, they are not a balmy warm bath either.

But regardless of how warm you like your bath, we can guarantee you will enjoy the breathtaking landscape and crystalline waters in one of the most beautiful parts of Valencia'.

wanderersofestonia

Ask and you will be given... 🌸

After discovering Northern Portugal in a series of rainy days, sleeping in the car, brushing teeth in the rain, changing clothes in the rain, going to pee in the rain (you get the point😆), we felt we need a relaxing spa day. However, we couldn't find anything suitable and budget friendly, so we continued our trip. A few hours later we ended up parking our car next to Roman Hotsprings and had even better spa day we could have imagined in the middle of nature with 40 degree water 🥰🛁

#wanderersofestonia #travel #nature #europe #spain #thermalbath #roman #adventure #wander #travellingcouple 

Some possibly outdated info on the seasonal availability of Termas de Yesa / Tiermas (Aragon). Translated:

'Ancient Roman lands are discovered in the Yesa reservoir for only a few weeks throughout the year, just after the dry summers, almost always in the month of September-October'

However it seems there's more to this than meets the eye. As some previous (possibly seasonal) hot springs such as this and at Zujar (Andalucia) are now available for longer times. Is climate change (and drought?) to blame?

There are ideas to raise the levels of the Yesa bassin even higher (ensuring soaking will altogether cease), though on the other hand there is also an opposition group, yesano who want the levels to decrease.

noortjeschrauwen

Ultimate chillings in a natural thermal spring after being on the road and learning & working on ecosystem restauration! My gosh, this place is amazing!

#andalucia #zujar

Not on our soaking list: The l’Estany i El Riuet spring (Coma Ruga, north of Tarragona, Catalunya). Elvendrellturistic:

'Currently, the spring water is channeled to an outdoor ornamental fountain, from where it passes into the “Estany” lake and from there to the “Riuet” stream, which flows into the beach. Throughout the year it is common to see people of all ages taking a dip in the Riuet to take advantage of its healing properties'

Despite the highly mineralized waters, temperatures are 19-21C ...'.

manny_la_belle_vie

[Thermal water and fish pedicure]

Between Barcelona and Taragone there is a beach with a small canal leading to the sea, the Riuet de Coma Ruga.

These thermal waters are at a temperature of around 20 ° all year round 🥰 It was gray today and I admit that a little more sunshine would have been appreciated 😉 but it was super pleasant 🙂🙂

Apparently it It's not just me who loves the benefits of these waters since the basin is full of fish, more or less large, and who enjoys eating the dead skin on your feet ... It's surprising at first, but rather fun 🙂🙂

We are in winter so the only people we met were adorable and smiling locals and a little couple who travel in their cars and who asked me if the

So for info, the photos are nice with the palm trees and all and all, BUT the reality is that on one side it is the sea (great 😉🙂) and on the other, behind the explanatory wall it is the sea trip with a big hotel / Marina-type building 😅 (yes, not believing social networks, it's much less glam 😆)

And in summer ... It's stuffed with people 😅

📍 For camper operators, in low season no problem to park along the beach if you are not too wide, otherwise there are several parking lots 😉 we did not sleep here because we are not a fan of overnight stays in the street, so we went to the castle of Calafell

PS: No Christophe did not let himself be tempted,he needs at least 30 ° 😅😆

#thermalwater #hotspring #spain #valenciaturism #comaruga #fishpedicure #fish #thermalbath #wildbath #vanlife #camperlife #vanlifeeurope

A local article in French concerning La Fontaine chaude de la Nèhe (Dax -  Gascogne) from mid 2021. Translated:

Built from 1814 to 1818 , during the reign of Louis XVIII , this fountain would have inherited the name of a water goddess, of Celtic or Iberian origin: Nèha.

The nehae and nehalenia would indeed be “protective goddesses, tutelary geniuses of the cities, and more especially aquatic divinities personifying fountains and rivers”.

The Nèhe would thus be the protective divinity of Dax, which would have given its origin to its famous source.

The fountain was built on ancient Roman baths where butchers and housewives met, who, thanks to its exceptional and natural temperature of 64°C , could use the fountain for cooking.

It offers a daily flow of 2,400,000 liters. Surveys carried out in 1976 revealed the remains of a basin dating from the 4th century'.

Thermal.ru has a plethora of recent reports from Bulgaria, most though concerning developed and decaying concrete thermal palaces. One what did catch my eye was a report on Varna.

A little more Portugal. Wapiti travel have a useful and recent overview of 12 hot springs on the Azores islands, though most are on Saõ Miguel.

Finally, back to Rust to Roadtrip (Oct. 29). They visit the hamlet of Termia, deep in the Rhodope Mountains, north of Drama (we are on Greece now). Finding a soaking opportunity was not a given.

'Between 1990 and 2015 the village of Termia was thriving, full of families who formed one big community centred around the therapeutic benefits of hot water bathing. But recent years had seen a decline in visitors, as we’d evidenced from walking around the overgrown and dilapidated huts left open to the elements.

The spa complex down the road had been built in the early 2000’s but never opened, most likely due to the abundance of free bathing opportunities nearby, but there was now talk of developing the area for tourism, something Greece and the wider Balkan area seemed rather obsessed with- privatising natural resources for profit instead of leaving them to be enjoyed by all, young and old, rich and poor.

The shacks were used only in the summer months, much like the beach chalets we have back in England. But the interest in them was declining among younger people, and as such the village was now mainly full of elderly folk. The idea that bathing in hot springs was becoming less popular baffled us, two of the most dedicated hot spring nerds you’ll ever encounter, but it was a story not unlike others we’d heard in similar areas. The lure of the internet and modern life was too great for a generation whose iPhones were firmly cemented into their hands. You’d be as likely to find a frappé stall as a single bar of phone signal in these parts, but that was what we loved so much, the chance to be stripped away from modern life to reconnect with the wild'.

mmartalopez

retiro espiritual hace unas semanas 💆🏻‍♀️💆🏼‍♂️