German baths are called baths or baths, they are very common, many baths can be found on the territory of many German cities. Bady - one of the most significant pleasures of German citizens, they often have several saunas, one or two pools with cold water. Dietary supplements often represent entire complexes intended not only for washing, located here additional entertainment and amenities make the stay very comfortable.
Cafes, restaurants, massage, beauty parlors, salt grottoes, clinics, hotels, gyms are part of the bath complexes. If the bath is built on the basis of a thermal spring, it will definitely include pools with warm thermal water, located indoors or outdoors.
In this country, baths are common for both sexes, all visitors are guided by one rule - you can’t be in bathing suits in the baths, so they take off their clothes completely, leaving them in special lockers. This does not apply to the thermal complex, a swimsuit is required for the pool. The Germans are quite calm about this state of affairs. If visitors who are not accustomed to these rules are seen in incorrect behavior, they will be asked to leave the premises.
Public baths in Germany are part of the FKK, an acronym for the phrase "free body culture" that is actively promoted among the German people. A Saturday trip to the bathhouse with the whole family, in the company of friends or colleagues is considered one of the most pleasant pleasures in this country.
In Germany, there are many Turks who can appear in a public bath, wrapping themselves in a bathrobe or using a bath towel as clothing. Regulars of bath pleasures look at it with a smile. A different situation may arise - visitors who do not dare to take off their swimsuit will be taken out of the sauna by the sauna staff, as they violate the rules of visiting.
Most often, German baths are built according to the standard, representing several saunas, relaxation, music, with salt crystals, Finnish, where the temperature reaches 90 degrees. Steam saunas are equipped with many bath complexes, there are "glasses" of cold water for lovers of such pleasures. Inside the sauna, at different heights from the hearth, beds are arranged in 2-3 rows.
The sauna employee pours water on the heated stones, pumping air with a towel towards the visitors who are located on the beds. This procedure is loved by many, the schedule of this process, which is called aufgus, is posted in a conspicuous place, and by the time it starts, a significant number of people who want to take a steam bath gather on the floors. In some saunas, birch brooms pre-soaked in boiling water are used instead of towels.
Flavoring is often added to the water, before the procedure, the sauna employee gives brief information about the supplement, tells how to behave during the procedure and after it. After aufgus, sauna visitors receive various substances for rubbing into the skin - honey, snow, salt, and so on. Ordinary visitors to German saunas are people over the age of 30, there are young couples. Sometimes they come with children, it's kind of a tradition.
Video review and impressions
Video review and impressions of a Russian woman from visiting a German bath.
Rules for visiting German baths
If you do not consider it possible for yourself to visit a common bath, you should use certain days - men's and women's, which are in every bath. The rules of conduct in different regions of the country differ from each other. In the central part of the country and in the south, you can buy beer in saunas, in the north it is most often prohibited.
A visitor to a German bath should remember that in the sauna you need to sit on your own towel, while placing your feet on the other side of the towel. Sweat flowing from a hot body should only fall on your individual thing - a towel. Sometimes in German baths the time allotted for one session is strictly limited, if you are late to leave on time, you will have to pay a surcharge at a higher rate.
German public baths are designed for joint trips with family, work colleagues or friends. Many of them are located on the banks of the Oder and Main rivers, as well as near thermal springs. Their steam rooms are very different from our baths, so Russian tourists should first familiarize themselves with their rules. Different mentality and culture can cause a strong shock caused by the traditions of the German public baths.
Many bath complexes in Germany resemble a water park. They are divided into sectors with different purposes. In one of them there are large pools with slides and tubes, cold and hot water, shallow and deep, with a fast flow and hydromassage. And in the other - a variety of thermal procedures: Russian, Finnish, Mongolian and Japanese baths, hammam, bio-sauna and ice cave. And between them there is a jacuzzi, winter gardens and massage rooms.
The most popular are the complexes located near the thermal springs. There are large German public baths in Lower Saxony and Bavaria. Also among the leaders in terms of the number of visitors are:
- "Caracalla Terme", erected directly above an underground source of healing water;
- "Liquidrom" in Berlin with free treatments, sea water in the pool and interior in space style.
Differences of the German bath
German men and women visit bath complexes together. There are no men's and women's quarters or visiting days. Only in a few complexes there are separate days for visiting men and women. This tradition shocks many foreigners, although it came from ancient times. It is believed that in the past, in order not to waste firewood on heating the bath separately for men, women and children, everyone washed together. Since then it has become a tradition. 
Another distinctive feature of the German public baths is the obligatory condition to be completely naked. The natives of Germany are not inclined to be ashamed of their nudity, so it is considered normal for them to bathe naked next to members of the opposite sex. There, even young men calmly bathe next to the parents of their friends. But the Germans look at the hiding people in surprise.
However, this does not mean that you will have to walk around naked throughout the bath complex, since this rule applies only to steam rooms and saunas. The Germans explain this by the fact that most swimming trunks and swimsuits are made of synthetic fabric, which causes discomfort and harm to the body at high temperatures. Also in German steam rooms, for the same reason, rubber slippers and slates are prohibited.
You can sit on the shelves in public baths in Germany only on special two-meter towels. It also spreads under the feet, as sweat flows from the heated bodies, which negatively affects the tree. Particularly shy visitors can wrap themselves in a cotton towel.
Subdued lighting is installed in the steam rooms to create a friendly atmosphere. There are a few unwritten rules:
- You can not shoot on photo and video equipment;
- You can not stare at other visitors;
- You can not comment on the appearance of other people;
- Silence must be observed and other visitors must not be disturbed.
Additional procedures
An important procedure in German public baths is aufguss, i.e. pouring thermal water with essential oils onto hot stones, as a result of which fragrant steam spreads through the steam room with special fans or towels. Most often, orange, honey or eucalyptus oils are used. This procedure is performed by special masters, who even annually compete with each other in Austria. 
The duration of the aufguss is on average 20 minutes. In most steam rooms, the schedule for this procedure is weighed so that each visitor can navigate in time and not miss this ceremony. Its cost is already included in the entrance fee.
During the exercise, it is forbidden to leave the steam room, only in case of dizziness or a sharp deterioration in well-being. The attendant performing the procedure may also entertain the assembled people with anecdotes and jokes. In some complexes, pleasant relaxing music is turned on, and creams, cubes of people or salt are distributed free of charge. After the procedure, visitors are offered a choice of a soft drink, hot tea, ice cream or fruit.
For the first time in a German bath. Well, yes, they are all nudist.
One evening, about 2 months after my move to Germany to my husband, after walking around the evening town, a glass of mulled wine in the cold and eating a huge French pancake with custard, my husband suddenly says to me: Yes, you know, one colleague invited us to the sauna tomorrow . He will pick us up at 8:30 in the morning.
What kind of sauna, I ask incredulously. I know these German saunas, although I have never been.
So, the husband says, there is a Russian sauna, they even say there is a swimming pool in the neighboring town, shall we go?
Well, why not?
Colleague is a punctual guy, well, we have already learned too. We left exactly at 8:30. On the street, everything is frosty, there is no snow, but there is definitely a minus 2.
We arrive in the city of Lingen, Freizeitbad Linus. Before us is a huge sports complex, glass and concrete, and inside you can see the pool and palm trees. Well, just a Parisian water park. And then a colleague says: Yes, if you have a camera with you, don’t take it there. You can't take pictures there. The Germans generally do not like being filmed. Leave it in the car.
Ha, wow, a secure facility, I think.
At the entrance we buy tickets, we are given wristbands and a chip for the sauna.
Already in swimsuits and with bags we pass through the pool area. Of course, this is not a Russian sauna, my husband misunderstood everything, but all together - a huge water complex. There are five different pools - sports, entertainment, hot, children's, with access to the street, with pipes, slides, fast flow, boilies, and I don’t know what.
But our path is to the sauna. There is a separate door leading to it. You apply the chip - and you go. And then the main shock awaited me. Three cherished letters were written on the door - FKK.
For residents of Germany and those who know German, everything is immediately clear. FKK - Freikörperkultur, free body culture. In short, a nudist area.
The area was huge. Four different steam rooms: Finnish, Russian, bio, steam (hammam), relaxation room (really - couches and sleep on them), a swimming pool with ice water, a large outdoor area.
Well, what are we going to do, the husband asked, untying the rope on the swimming trunks. At this time, a colleague approached us, well, without anything at all. Do we have a choice?... I answered quietly and took off my bathing suit.
Then hysterical laughter began to disassemble me, so I had to hide in the shower. I saw a man who had... well, THERE was a ring with a balloon.
Actually, everything) I laughed, pulled myself together, took a big breath ... and then we spent almost half a day in this unforgettable place. I haven't experienced more pleasure in a long time.
We started with the Finnish sauna, which can only be accessed from the street (minus 2, remember, right?)
We continued in the pool. Then the main ceremony began.
In the Russian-type sauna, that is, wooden and with a heater, at exactly 11 o'clock an uncle came with two buckets. One had ice in it. He is such a interesting shape- you can put it on your fingers) In the second - water with a ladle. He closed the door and began to pour water with some additives on the stones - well, everything is just like ours. But then he took a towel and began to disperse the steam - first gently, on top, then with a towel for each. It is something. The procedure was repeated 5 times, each time it was getting hotter and hotter.
After 15 minutes, we fell out of there, wet with sweat and steamed to the bone. All at once, without anything at all, hurried to the playground on the street and began to walk barefoot on the frozen grass. I can imagine how it looks from the outside...))) Naked men and women, from whom steam pours, walk in the cold, not noticing anything around...)
These sessions are held once an hour. Between them, you can have time to swim in all the pools (to go to the common area, you need to put on a nasty cold swimsuit) or just sleep in the bedroom. You can also jump into an ice pool or douse yourself from a tub, it is also with ice water, hanging on ropes under the ceiling.
Then you can sit on a sunbed with your legs up and meditate, looking at a huge aquarium. Or soak your feet in special foot baths. Or eat - you can come there with your own food. Or buy in a cafe, right there, by the pools. In this area you can steam ...)))
In general, comrades, we got hooked on this matter.
A little about how dumb it was to take off your swimsuit. Maybe only at the first moment. Then you very quickly realize that, in general, no one cares about you, and all your cockroaches about the imperfection of your body are only in your head.
Yes, but it costs 14 euros per person for everything about everything, without time limit. Including a sauna with towel-waving sessions (remember: called aufguss, when you are in Germany and see a sauna with aufguss - immediately go there!)
German baths in Moscow in the classical sense are not common. As for sanariums, this novelty of the bath market is finding more and more admirers.
What is a sanarium
Sanarium is a type of sauna invented in Germany. It is characterized by a combination of more gentle indicators of temperature and humidity in comparison with other types of baths.
The air temperature in such a sauna does not exceed +60 degrees, and the humidity is no more than 45-50%. Thus, a very mild and pleasant climate is created in the sanarium, reminiscent of the atmosphere of a tropical forest.
V Russian bath, Turkish hammam or Finnish sauna can be difficult to stay for a long time even for a healthy person. In addition, there are big lists contraindications. The creators of the new German sauna tried to minimize the number of restrictions on visiting it.
A sauna operating like a sanarium is not recommended if:
pregnancy;
Critical days;
Diseases of the gastrointestinal tract;
Respiratory tract diseases during exacerbation;
problems in the central nervous system;
epilepsy;
Malignant tumors.
In modern high-tech saunas, which certainly include sanariums, air temperature and humidity levels are regulated using a control panel. Having created the most comfortable conditions for yourself, you can stay in such a sauna for up to 30 minutes, in contrast to the recommended 10-15 minutes for visiting a standard sauna.
The aromatherapy procedure in the sanarium, which is very popular in any baths, is also automated. This sauna is equipped with a special unit equipped with an ultrasonic essential oil spray generator.
Another possibility of this bath is color therapy. Special lamps are mounted in the walls and ceiling of the sanarium, which alternately emit white, yellow, red, green and violet light. This smooth change of lighting creates an unusually positive feeling, and on a chemical level, it stimulates the production of endorphins. In addition, sanarium saunas are equipped with stereo music systems with an extensive repertoire. Of course, both light and music can be adjusted or turned off completely using the remote control.
In terms of health benefits, this German sauna is on par with other types of baths:
Has a positive effect on metabolism;
Helps cleanse the body;
Helps fight viral infections;
Trains the cardiovascular, circulatory, respiratory and endocrine systems;
Regulates the work of the nervous system;
Eliminates pain;
Improves blood circulation in the limbs;
Helps with sleep and appetite disorders;
Restores strength;
Prepares skin for subsequent spa treatments.
German style vaping
The vaping procedure in Germany and some others neighboring countries differs from the generally accepted in the world not by the design of the baths in which this happens, but by the approach to the process itself.
Saunas or, as the Germans themselves most often call their public baths, baths are usually part of water complex or a water park with various sports and entertainment pools, attractions, a restaurant area and spa rooms. For each middle city there are 5-10 such establishments.
Steam rooms in these baths are not divided by sex, age or any other sign. In all saunas, even sanariums, even ordinary ones, men, women and children are steamed at the same time. Moreover, a rule has been established everywhere, sometimes confirmed by a special sign, that one should be naked in the sauna room, maximum in a towel. Perhaps it's all about habit, but no one considers joint sweating erotic. Looking at each other, and even more so getting to know each other while taking bath procedures, is considered the height of indecency.
It's funny, but some 300 years ago, foreigners, including Germans, were deeply amazed at the Russian bath tradition of washing male and female together.
For example, the German scientist and traveler Adam Olearius, who served in the 17th century as secretary of the Schleswig-Holstein embassy in Russia, described his impressions in his Description of Muscovy as follows: and rub my body with heated birch brooms, which I could not bear, then, when from such heat they turn all red and exhausted to the point that they are no longer able to stay in the steam room, they run out of it naked, both men and women, and douse themselves with cold water, and in winter they roll in the snow, rub their bodies with it, as if with soap, and then, having cooled down in this way, they again enter the hot bath.
Anyone who has ever been in a sauna knows that being there in any kind of clothing is sheer torment. However, since Catherine II forbade women and men to enjoy bathing procedures at the same time, we have not returned to washing together in public institutions. Nevertheless, those who wish to visit saunas in German, that is, without gender division, can use separate rooms with steam rooms, pools and relaxation areas in almost any bathhouse in our country, designed for relaxation in any composition.
Bath in Germany in recent years has become a full symbol of this country, along with beer, sausages and schnapps. Baths attract both German “experienced” bathers and tourists who find themselves in this country. All bathhouses are open to all categories of guests, including wheelchair users. The management of bath complexes does not save on the latest equipment and staff development. What is the specificity of German baths and why are they so popular with tourists?
The bathing tradition in Germany has accumulated many interesting facts about bathing events and generally about the benefits of bathing:
Swimwear - down
On the banks of the Rhine and other German rivers there are many bathing and health complexes, as well as saunas, steam rooms, swimming pools ... Women and men in the German baths will find something special for themselves. Baths are not just baths in the usual sense for us, they are extensive health centers. Many of them are located on natural thermal waters. There you can not only enjoy the delights of the bath, but also get treated with mineral water.
For the convenience of customers, such complexes are equipped with massage, beauty salons as well as restaurants and cafes. Once in the morning in such an institution, you can build a leisure program until the evening.
General baths for men and women in Germany are divided into two zones. In one, where the pools are located, waterslides You must be in bathing suits. In the second, where saunas and steam rooms work, you need to completely expose the body. The maximum that can be used is a cotton towel wound around the body.
Bath for the whole family
German baths are not divided into men's and women's. This is done because the bath is an attribute family leisure. Often the whole family comes to the bathhouse. Therefore, baths are not divided by gender. Baths in Germany are joint, where both men and women, and the elderly, and children can come. These are the traditions of this country.
A women's bath in Germany is a rather rare phenomenon. Only in some bathhouses once a month women's day is announced, on which men are not allowed to visit the bathhouse.
Bathing suits are not allowed in steam rooms and saunas. The Germans are sure that wearing synthetic fabrics in hot rooms can adversely affect health. For the same reason, do not enter the sauna in rubber shoes and hats.
Special rules
Baths in Germany have unconditional rules:
Photo and video in the baths
It is forbidden to take your phone to the sauna in Germany. That is, there is no opportunity to film this event on camera. Considering that everyone in the bathhouse and sauna is naked, it is extremely difficult to hide the camera. So all photos and videos of German baths from the inside are staged.
When visiting bath complexes, you can not be afraid to later meet your image on the expanses of the World Wide Web.
What is aufguss?
Public baths in Germany offer special kind leisure called aufguss. "Aufguss" is translated as "watering". The procedure consists in the fact that the bath master pours over the stones with solutions of essential oils. Visitors warm up with these pairs.
The procedure itself is more like a show. The master jokes with the guests, tells jokes. Often all this happens under musical accompaniment.
The bath master is waving a fan, a towel and other items. As a result, steam accelerates throughout the room, and the sauna is filled with an amazing aroma.
The ceremony lasts no more than 10 minutes. At this time, it is not recommended to leave the sauna, so as not to release steam.
Special aufgusses are also popular, when visitors are given ice cubes, massage salt, and creams. Such activities have additional therapeutic and cosmetic effects.
After the aufguss, guests are offered to drink fragrant tea, juice, lemonade, and enjoy ice cream. There is no extra charge for these pleasant surprises.
Aufguss are held strictly on time. For example, every hour. The action plan can be viewed at the entrance to the bathhouse.
Such different saunas
Fans of bathing ceremonies in Germany travel hundreds of kilometers to enjoy the comfort of popular saunas. Some saunas are unique establishments that no longer exist. For example, not far from Munich there is a planetarium sauna. In it you can bathe and contemplate the beauty of the heavenly expanses.
In Erding there is a sauna-beer house where they offer a non-alcoholic drink. Sauna-bakery offers its visitors fragrant buns.
Baden-Württemberg has a sauna-cinema, which shows interesting films all day long. In the sauna with an aquarium, you can watch unusual fish swimming. The tropical sauna offers views of rare birds.
Thermal resorts and complexes
Many thermal complexes in Germany are so extensive in their territory and services that they are rightly called resorts. Such complexes base their treatment methods on the healing power of mineral water.
The most famous such resort is Oberstdorf. It is high up in the Alps. This perfect place to restore lost strength and health. The leading specialization of the complex is the treatment of diseases of the musculoskeletal system. In addition to thermal waters, massage techniques are used, as well as acupuncture.
Resorts in central regions Germany is rich in mineral waters that help treat diseases of the cardiovascular system. Vacationers bathe in mineral water and drink it inside.
The resort of Bad Harzburg has seven thermal springs with a water temperature of 24 degrees Celsius. It is heated to 32 degrees.
Everyone knows famous resort Baden Baden. He has developed infrastructure with many hotels, parks and clinics. The beginning of the development of the resort falls on the Roman era. The Romans discovered the amazing properties of thermal water. It was they who built the first thermal baths. In the 19th century, the resort became known to the aristocratic circles of Europeans. People began to come to it from other countries.
There are 12 thermal springs in Baden-Baden. They help treat rheumatism, asthma, heart disease. mineral water used for both internal and external use, as well as for inhalation.
Number thermal spas Germany - more than two dozen. People go here not only to restore their health, but also just to relax with the whole family, spend a vacation, relax and get a lot of pleasant emotions.
Impressions of Russian visitors
Russians have no tradition of undressing in public in front of strangers. Therefore, for those Russians who visit a bathhouse in Germany for the first time, it is not easy to get naked at first.
I must say that in the culture of the Germans it is not customary to consider another person, especially in a naked form. "Glancing" is considered the height of indecency. Therefore, it is difficult to catch an interested eye on yourself. In a German bath, women do not have to fear for their integrity, correct behavior is in the blood of the Germans.
In addition, usually twilight reigns in the steam rooms, and it is extremely problematic to see anything. This, of course, can be a consolation for those who have a heightened sense of shame.
There are few visitors in expensive saunas, and it can easily turn out that there are limited number people. A session for only one company is a completely normal situation. So you can not be afraid of the immodest glances of strangers.
Usually shyness and shame disappear after some time after the start of the event. And pleasant emotions from the bathing event make you forget about all the conventions and limits.
The uniqueness of German baths
The Germans who have visited Russia remember the Russian steam room with joy. Russians believe that the bath opens the soul of a Russian. What is the uniqueness of the German bath in Germany?
In a word, it is difficult to answer this question. Visiting bath after bath, you can gradually absorb the flavor of Germany. The Kelo sauna has a section made from ancient pine wood. This place is accessible even to wheelchair users. Unfortunately, this is not possible in other saunas, but bath specialists will definitely help “special” guests.
On the outskirts of Germany, there is a smoke sauna and a Russian sauna where you can take a steam bath with a birch broom!
Public baths in Germany are truly varied and unique. Having discovered the amazing bathing world, you can absorb the spirit of this interesting country.
