European Natural Soaking Society

Immersed

2026-09-25T21:17:20.225+02:00

on Sunday...we do nothing 🛀🏻 Sleeping, eating, cooking, exercising, cuddling, relaxing and watching a movie. That's our typical Sunday.
What about you? ♥
...
4. Iceland, Landbrotalaug hot spring
...
#couplegoals #bathtime #flowerbath #relationshipgoals #bathtub #beautifulhotels #luxurylifestyle #poolvilla

An Icelandic special, so no surprise we start with the Reykjavik Grapevine (Jun. 19) which reports on the rise of Icelandic swim culture.

It's an article with snippets of the island's swim culture.

Such as the newly published coffee table book Swim Around Iceland, while they also interview the author Bragi Þór Jósefsson.

Then over to Reykjavikś Sundhöllin swimming pool where they discuss architecture with Heba Hertervig whose newest project is to integrate a swimming pool with a library/civic center:

“What you need to understand is that pools are a municipal service,” Indro explains. “In Reykholt, for example, they have an extremely popular pool. I was talking to them about how there’s so many tourists up there that it is quite congested during summer. Isn’t that wonderful? Even good business for the pool? No, for every visitor they’re operating the swimming pool at a deficit. They’re losing money for every guest.”
...
In Canada, one can find good models for community centres that handle civic engagement in cold weather. “They had these training facilities, like a gym but in public housing. They had a swimming pool, but they kept it separate. When we asked why, they said because they cannot compete with private swimming pools. The gym [there] is for everyone. Not the pools.”
Dalslaug does in fact demonstrate the great public good intended with UNESCO’s declaration. A beautiful pool connects to a well-used library, with the school also attached. The pool is the neighbourhood’s heartbeat. And the neighbourhood, despite being a healthy 45 minutes away from downtown Reykjavík during traffic, functions'.

Then also over to the University where you can study:

'Immersion in Icelandic Culture, Society, Geology and History: Understanding Icelanders and Iceland through the Geothermal Pools/Baths. “Nice entry point to Iceland, right? It’s, you know, geology, politics, society, culture, history, everything through the pools, right?” Professor Valdimar Tryggvi Hafstein tells me. “It’s on the books, but it hasn’t been taught yet, the course.”

But then:

“There’s a local discussion about this, which is funny, because that exact same discourse about hygiene and foreigners goes on to this day, except 100 years ago, foreigners were shocked about how unsanitary Icelanders were. Now, Icelanders get into public discourse about how unsanitary foreigners are in the public pools,” Valdimar says. On cue, the next month the newspapers will discuss how foreigners are wearing underwear under their swimsuits. Later, it will be revealed that in fact Icelanders are choosing to wear underwear in the pool, despite being told this is unsanitary'.

What?

The Iceland Review (Jun. 9):

'Staff at swimming pools in Akureyri are regularly having to intervene with guests who enter the water wearing underwear beneath their swimming trunks, according to local pool management'.

Really?

The Times (Aug. 25) continues with this revelation:

'Iceland fears its famous pools will attract unwashed tourists
A crucial element of the country’s swimming culture is the compulsory and vigorous naked shower, which devotees fear foreign visitors will try to avoid'.

Unfortunately it's a pay for site. But from their Instagram account:

'But Icelanders worry it [UNESCO accreditation] will lure foreign visitors by the coach-load, not all of them scrupulous about following the country’s hygiene protocols'⁠.

A couple of reactions (n=70+), a couple:

'This is a genuine cause for concern here. As tourists realise the ‘lagoon’ resorts are overpriced they are starting to migrate to the much cheaper public pools. Enforcement is difficult but we have rules, a combination of hygiene and tradition. If people are not prepared to respect them, no one is forcing them to attend the pools.
...
That's just ridiculous. Japan has the same rules and nobody unwashed enters the hot spring areas.
[ ] as a person who’s lived most of my life in Japan, I beg to differ. What you say is true in general but lately in the really heavily trafficked tourist zones in Japan I’m sadly seeing some of the same when I travel domestically and happen to stay at a hotel that has its own bath/onsen/sauna. Some people don’t seem to get the full memo that they’re supposed to wash before entering. I’ve seen it with non-Japanese in my local sentō as well, though people usually speak up about this immediately. It’s gross'.

Similar in vein, but the reference from the other side of our planet. Sydney Morning Herald (May 16) no less presents an article on hot springs on Iceland:

'Until recently, the 150 or so pools around Iceland had managed to stay mostly out of sight of the tourists who come by the millions.
...
Now some Icelanders worry that overtourism could reach their pools, too. That’s because late last year, UNESCO honoured the country’s pool culture as “intangible cultural heritage”
...
Every trip to an Icelandic pool starts with a shower. Or, at least, it should.
“We are a little bit scared that foreign people are not cleaning themselves well enough,” said Thordis Erla Agustsdottir, a photographer who has spent two decades documenting the pools. She – like nearly every other Icelander I met – made it very clear to me that I would need to shower properly first. That meant fully naked, with enough scrubbing to stir up a lather. Many locker rooms display a body diagram targeting armpits and genitals, in case anyone needs a reminder. It’s for hygiene, as the pools are only lightly chlorinated.
What I had not anticipated was that Agustsdottir preferred the outdoor locker room in Hafnarfjordur, south of Reykjavik. I shook uncontrollably even under the hot water, dutifully soaping as she chatted in the slicing air. “I’m like the police in the shower,” she said, laughing a little at herself. “It’s such a simple thing to do. Just clean yourself!”
She was one of several Icelanders who said they were worried about cleanliness standards if the UNESCO designation brought in more unaware tourists. Already, that’s why many Icelanders choose to avoid the lagoons, worrying that those sites are less stringent about the showering enforcement.
...
There are other differences between the types of swim sites. Lagoons can have swim-up bars, plush towels and let visitors bring their phones to the deck for selfies and scrolling. Pools usually don’t. And the price gap is vast. Pools cost about $14 a day, depending on the location, or about $400 a year. (They are usually free for children and older adults.) But a basic ticket to the Blue Lagoon, one of the most famous, can cost about $200 during peak hours.
...
Valdimar Tr. Hafstein, a folklore professor at the University of Iceland who co-authored a book on the country’s pools, said, “In some ways, safeguarding is the main source of threat.” Icelanders always liked the “adventurous spirits” who wandered in for a dip, he said. But now, “there’s a fear of the tour buses coming in,” he said. “That’s a very different kind of animal.”
...
The tourists, however, are coming. And they often do need reminding about the showers. That’s especially true at Sundhollin, a public pool that attracts a lot of foreign visitors, in part because it is in Reykjavik. There, in the locker room on a recent morning, Marianna Niemann Filippi was preparing for a soak. “I don’t really like doing the touristy things,” explained Niemann Filippi, an American who lives in Denmark, still dry as she pulled on her suit.
Rookie move, I gently explained. She stripped.
“Sorry, it’s like an automatic thing!” she said, half-apologising to the other women in the showers. One smiled thinly'.

Imbalanced

And then we arrive at our coveted natural springs. With all the negativety, it's no wonder that private owners want to have more control.

Iceland Review (Jun. 30) with the lesser news:

'What’s the Story?
Public access to Reykjafoss and Fossalaug has been closed by the landowner.
The owner cites increasing tourism and concerns over site management.
The attractions are located on private land, where access depends on the owner’s permission.
Why It Closed
The landowner said the decision was not prompted by a single incident but by long-standing concerns over the site’s use and the responsibilities associated with hosting visitors.
He also stated commercial tour operators have benefited from bringing visitors to the area without contributing to its upkeep or assuming responsibility for the site. He said this imbalance had become “What you need to understand is that pools are a municipal service,” Indro explains. “In Reykholt, for example, they have an extremely popular pool. I was talking to them about how there’s so many tourists up there that it is quite congested during summer. Isn’t that wonderful? Even good business for the pool? No, for every visitor they’re operating the swimming pool at a deficit. They’re losing money for every guest.” and ultimately led to the decision to close access.
The owner has updated online map services to indicate that the attractions are no longer open to visitors. Despite this, he said some people have continued attempting to visit the area after the closure took effect.
Unlike many of Iceland’s protected natural attractions, Reykjafoss and Fossalaug are situated on private land, meaning access is ultimately subject to the landowner’s permission'.

Fosslaug is very picturesque, I've more photo's waiting. So please note, this is not the actual situation!

lottasworld

#fosslaug#hotpot#hotspring#iceland#travel#whatsonrvk#igersiceland#wonderlusticeland#exploreiceland#exploringiceland#icelandlove#home#travelling#traveller#move#moving#icelandtravel#wheniniceland#icelandexplorer#icelandexplored#nature#naturelovers#naturephotography#landscape#landscapephotography#landscapelovers@wakeupreykjavik#heyiceland

Is there then anything left?

On Reddit (3 months ago) a post with reference to 59 hot springs:

'We've spent months exploring all the hot springs in Iceland and have personally visited almost all of them. Our full list currently covers 59 hot pots - wild springs, man-made pools, mountain tubs, and the big commercial lagoons.
To be clear: these are the springs you're allowed to bathe in (unless we've marked otherwise). We deliberately exclude places where bathing is forbidden, like the Stóragjá cave. But "publicly accessible" still doesn't mean "do whatever you want" - it means act like a guest, every single time.
For each spring, we've gathered the common info you actually need upfront so you can visit responsibly and know what you're walking into: the type of spring, water temperature, whether there's a changing room, whether it's free or paid, how to get there, what car you need, and how busy it tends to get. No surprises, no guessing.
And so this is our list of all 59 hot springs, with maps, temperatures, car requirements, and access notes for each: https://epiciceland.net/all-hot-springs-iceland/

Iceland Spirit presents an overview (updated (?) Sep. 2026) of wild hot springs, only 7 though. But a fair number of other tips and an extensive FAQ. Also this:

'The experience comparison: wild spring vs. commercial spa
The difference between a wild hot spring like Reykjadalur and a commercial spa like the Blue Lagoon is not just about price. They are fundamentally different experiences.
Commercial spa: Controlled temperature, consistent quality, changing rooms, a bar, staff, and certainty that the experience will meet a defined standard. You know what you are paying for.
Wild hot spring: Variable temperature, potentially shared with no one or with 50 people, no facilities, no staff, the possibility that the water level has changed since the last report. The landscape context is raw — steam rising, volcanic geology visible, no architecture to mediate the experience.
The wild spring experience involves more personal agency and accepts more variability. This appeals strongly to some visitors and deters others. Both preferences are valid — the choice should be based on honest assessment of what you want, not on a general cultural assertion that “wilder is more authentic.”
If budget is the primary driver, see the Iceland on a budget guide for cost-effective strategies that include free thermal bathing without pretending the trade-offs are not real'.

The World Pursuit lists (May 27) 30 hot Icelandic springs.

Nordic visitor (updated Sep. 7) has an overview of 24 hot springs (public / free) and geothermal pools (private / cash first). Their number one (literally & figuratively):

1. Hvammsvík hot springs
Forty-five minutes from Reykjavík, the coast opens up into a fjord – and right at its edge, tucked against black sand and framed by mountains on every side, you'll find Hvammsvík.
This isn't one pool. It's 8, scattered along the shoreline so the tide itself becomes part of the experience. Some pools flood and change temperature as the sea rises and falls. You move between them at your own pace: warm water lapping against volcanic rock, cold Atlantic waves within a few steps for a proper shock to the system, then back again. The temperature range runs from a bracing 10°C (50°F) right up to a deeply soothing 42°C (107°F), so there's a pool for however brave you're feeling.
The setting does most of the work, but the sleek amenities hold their own. Private changing rooms with hot showers, a steam room, a swim-up bar and an-on site bistro.

Hvammsvík:

edyta_orlicka

Coldest day of my life in the warmest circle
#winterocean

Impressed

Howl at the Moon sauna co organizes an Icelandic hot spring "expedition" starting this November:

'Icelandic Bathing Expedition · Nov 2–8, 2026 — Howl at the Moon Sauna Co.: For seven days, we experience Iceland’s bathing culture the way it has been lived for generations: by stepping into it ourselves. We move through the rhythm of heat and cold, soak in geothermal waters, gather in saunas, share long meals around the table, and let Iceland’s wild landscapes set the pace instead of our calendars'.

Something (slightly) different.

Since 2024 (more or less) there's mudbaths available at Hveradalir, read about the history of area and current set-up. Reviews (ob google) are only of the last 3 months.

So, we're at not natural hot springs then.

Iceland Monitor reports (Sep. 7) on new geothermal bathing lagoon at the foot of Reykjadalur in Hveragerði:

'The project has been on the drawing board for more than five years, while construction itself has taken around two years.
During that time, the project has grown considerably in scope. The lagoon was expanded, greater emphasis was placed on the overall visitor experience, and a bathhouse and an upscale restaurant were built'.

The Reykjavik Grapevine also reports (Aug. 27)

Named Reykjaböðin entrance to the hot springs starts at roughly 70€.

Google rates it a 4.8, this based on nearly 50 reviews. Examples:

'I have visited all the top-notch spas and baths in Iceland and Reykjaböð is without a doubt one of the most unique I have ever experienced. The first impression, the smell, the sight, the feeling and the service – everything comes together to create a complete experience that will last a lifetime'.

and

'nope, these baths have a lot of work to do. We've been there yesterday, it was noisy, without basic facilities, smelly and impractical in the baths - barn. The water outside wasn't warm enough and both fireplaces were more like a decoration, without any warming effect for a body. Inside The baths (extra paid part) are few nasty indoor pools looking like old communist pools, nice ordinary sauna and strange peeling. The best part was the cold room, that was an unique experience'.

Jury's still out? Potential visitors should note: Reykjaladur is a stiff hour's walk away, a total different, but natural experience.

Finally, Travelstarts at 40 looks (Aug. 7) (not too closely we presume) the nude beaches of Iceland. Are there any?

'The clearest answer is: not really in the formal sense.
...
Iceland’s bathing culture is often where confusion begins. At public swimming pools and many geothermal spas, visitors are expected to shower thoroughly without swimwear before entering the water. This is a hygiene rule and a normal part of Icelandic pool etiquette, not an invitation to bathe nude in the pool itself. Swimwear is normally required once you leave the shower area.
Natural hot springs vary. Some remote springs have few or no facilities, and local practice may be more relaxed, but popular places are often busy and may have rules. Bring swimwear, a towel and warm clothes, and assume clothing-optional bathing is only appropriate when privacy and local expectations clearly allow it'.

nomadic_cosmopolitan

Bathing, hiking and biking in Iceland cuz there ain't no travel abroad on offer #lovinglife#staycation#ferðumstinnanlands#icelandisopen#highlands#hotspring#yoga#skinnydip#biking#hiking

West

2026-09-25T21:17:16.059+02:00

The very small chain of Vitae Wellness Centers in the Nertherlands has 1 of it's 2 centers on the outskirts of the west Brabant city of Roosendaal. This area is not really well served by competitve wellness complxes, let alone one connected to it's associate hotel.

Oddly located alongside a motorway on an industrial park, the wellness complex is shielded from the motorway by this associate hotel (Otium Wellness Hotel Roosendaal), with which it shares the reception.

This reception is very efficient, very guest friendly.

We arrived late in the afternoon with a last minute evening entry, neatly discounted.

One can enter Vitae Wellness Resort Roosendaal complex directly from hotel, but normally beyond the changing rooms, you'll come to the facilities. These comprise of three sauna's indoors, one steam room, an in/out pool, a special aufguss sauna, a neat outdoor panorama sauna and a couple of outdoor jacuzzi's. All complimeted by a very efficient run restaurant.

The saturday late afternoon of our visit was still quite busy, a smattering of all age groups. But after the Aufguss of 18:30, most left or retreated to the restaurant.

The 20:30 aufguss saw only about 20 or so die-hards. Music was a bit different (the sauna meister failed to expand), but the dance like nmovements provided a nice compliment to the music and process.

Overall a very good impression, I would rate it a 8.95, basically I felt that the lack of vegetarian choice limits a higher mark.

It was very clean, efficient and neatly layed out. Well maintained, though note that all was renovated in the beginning of 2024). Possibly if the wind is from the east, the noise of the motorway might be a distraction, but that's not what we experienced.

Blootkompass agrees, it was awarded as second best sauna complex of the Netherlands in 2026, the same as 2025. 130+ reviews indicate a 9.7!

Google rates it with 4,4 stars (770+ reviews).

The hotel also has good reviews. Google 4,5 stars (nearly 1500 reviews), booking.com: 8,5 (1250+ reviews) and Tripadvisor: 4.2 (18 reviews).

Testify

2026-09-01T14:55:40.829+02:00

marco.bergonzi.film
Alba a Fordongianus, Sardegna ‘25
#sardegna #waterfotography #portrait #turismosardegna #terme #hotspring #nowness #fordongianus #canon

A somewhat more concise edition. And as habitual lately, little on soaking itself. Just these snippets.

Starting off in Italy.

French Nature st source chaud has been off (Jun. 8) to Italy's volcanic island of Ischia. As usual his blog entries are very long and full of details. Eleven volcanic and or thermal visits are described. A translated snippet:

'Ischia is not thermal by chance: the island rests on a still active hydrothermal system , linked to its volcanic history. Under the ground, the waters circulate in fractures, heat up deep down, become charged with gas and minerals, then rise to the surface.
The scale of the phenomenon is impressive: a scientific inventory lists approximately 264 groundwater extraction points on the island, the majority of which are wells. This figure, which testifies to the incredible activity of the subsoil, should not be confused with the number of visible natural springs. Ischia actually has 29 groups of thermal springs, in addition to numerous fumarolic phenomena. The 264 points thus encompass different realities: historical springs that have been developed, but above all, wells, boreholes, and water intakes that supply the island's thermal and tourist establishments'.

He also has a section dedicated to the islands natural pools (as opposed to the many private entities).

Spabusiness (Aug. 2) reports on improvements at Saturnia, Tuscany. But only on the developed side of the termi. The public side remains over touristed.

betybut555

#naturaleza #termasarnedillo

Hot springers has an entry (Jul. 30) on Lukács in Budapest:

'There were a lot of soakers in the small space, so it felt a bit noisy.
However, when I closed my eyes and focused on the water, it turned out to be the most satisfying soaking experience I’ve ever had among bathhouses in Budapest'.

Hot spring-ish. Greek news website news247 has a feature (Aug. 9) on taking a mud bath at Krinides. Translated:

'The interaction of thermomineral waters, organic materials, microorganisms and inorganic components formed a mature therapeutic clay, which is used in clay therapy and has recognized applications in musculoskeletal and skin diseases.
...
...
In recent years, the space has been attempting to change again.
The goal is to stop operating exclusively during the summer months and transform it into a destination that can receive visitors all year round.
As part of the upgrade, an outdoor swimming pool with warm thermal water is being created, while indoor mud therapy and hydrotherapy areas are being constructed'.

Hmm, despite the included (old skool) photo, it seems bathing costumes are also being allowed.

I looked at more recent sources. f.i. discoverkavala (Jun. 11):

'Practical Tip: Remember to pack a swimsuit, towel, and flip-flops. Please note that wearing a swimsuit is mandatory for hygiene and safety reasons'.

Is it the official line? The official website makes no mention of a dress code.

From 2 years ago there's this review (on google):

'The males and females are separated into different mudbaths and the overall experience was excellent (everyone was nude, but you can purchase some small underwear for €1). Skin feels very clean and rejuvenated!

There's also at least one review from 2025 which mentions nudity.

There's this youtube from last year (Feb 13, 2025; so probably vdo from 2024), it shows with and without situation:

Attention

Over to sauna (culture).

Czech expats tries to explain (Aug. 14) the situation concerning nudity in the Czech Republic.

On the local sauna (cluture):

'Czech sauna culture has its own set of unspoken rules, and here the expectation is often that you won't be wearing a swimsuit at all.
...
She says people have very different attitudes toward nudity, and that mixed saunas can sometimes put women off because of unwanted attention.
“I often feel sorry that saunas are a bit sexualized here. I've talked to girls several times who don't want to go to the mixed sauna because the guys look at them lustfully.”

It's all quite complicated.

Thekit ("tells stories that matter to women" (in Canada)) has a sauna experience report (Aug. 21) from Austria:

'Stripping down wasn't just about shedding my clothes—it was about dropping my emotional baggage
I didn’t notice the flopping penises until I stepped into the sauna.
Was I at a nudist retreat? A wellness commune? Neither. Just a regular spa resort in Austria.
...
Then suddenly, everyone was naked—and my friend Stacy and I were the only people still dressed, sitting awkwardly on the wooden bench in our bikinis.
“No bathing suits in the sauna,” the sauna master explained gruffly. “It’s unhygienic,” he added, presumably for my benefit.
Stacy and I were silent.
“I’ll do it if you will,” Stacy dared me. Not wanting to look like a wimp, I nodded. We shimmied out of our bathing suits right there, in the middle of the sauna—which, in retrospect, I don’t think was proper protocol—and arranged ourselves on the bench as casually as two newly naked North American women possibly could. Help, I said to myself.
...
If anything, I was the weird one, sneaking glances around the room because I was still trying to decode the rules.
...
Maybe that was what I had been nervous about all along—not merely being naked, but being exposed as somehow abnormal. Instead, I discovered that I was just like everyone else'.

letzebuerger_land

Nicht so frei wie die Deutschen, weniger prüde als die Franzosen: Wie es um die hiesige #sauna kultur und das Nacktsein steht (Text: Sarah Pepin, Foto: @atelierimages )

Baseball

A reel from German comedian (!) Marioadrion (Jul. 31) on the differences between his sauna culture (German in Sweden) and that of the US. Live-ish from the sauna itself. It gains a lot of traction, 200+ comments. Such as:

j.ortiz.art
I just had this experience! I went to a sauna in a new place (in the states, in a women’s locker room), and they had a sign that you cannot be naked! I couldn’t believe it. There was also a lady that was fully clothed, wearing tennis shoes, a baseball hat and watching a movie on her phone. Yes, really. It was a very surreal experience.
...
matthiasstrass 4 w.
I remember the first time I went to a sauna in Europe (Norway. Was living in Spain at the time) and there were schlongs EVERYWHERE! Schlongs to the left. Schlongs to the right. Tiddies right in front of me! I was intimidated at first but quickly acclimated to letting my schlong go free 🤗 when I got back to the US, I forgot that my bare schlong made people uncomfortable at the sauna but idgaf. I always go into the sauna and steam room bare schlong and don’t care what the American prudes think anymore 🙌

From Medium Slavicuncovered on how to enjoy a naked sauna (Jun. 27):

'During my travels — and trust me, I’ve sweated in more sauna cabins than I can count — I’ve discovered something rather amusing: almost every country believes it has ‘perfected’ the art of sauna....What’s fascinating is that many of these traditions flatly contradict each other. In some countries, mixed-gender nudity is completely normal, but talking during a session is practically a crime. In others, conversation flows freely, but everyone’s expected to wear swimwear (! eww!). Some places lean into essential oils and elaborate ceremonies, while others keep it plain and simple.
...
As someone who lives a fair chunk of her life uncovered, I can tell you people often assume naturists choose nude saunas to make a statement. The reality is far less dramatic: a sauna is designed to heat the body, full stop....That doesn’t mean everyone must be nude in every sauna — local customs vary, and that’s part of the fun of exploring them. But in traditional sauna cultures throughout much of Europe, nudity combined with proper towel etiquette is considered the most hygienic and practical approach. Not scandalous. Just sensible.
...
The best sauna etiquette isn’t really about rules at all. It’s about consideration. Shower before entering. Use a proper, full-length towel. Respect the atmosphere of the room. Trust the sauna master. Cool down properly. Stay hydrated. None of these habits exist to make your life harder — they exist to make the experience better for everyone, including you.
For me, sauna culture is just one more layer of “uncovered” living — the same philosophy behind everything I do with SlavicUncovered, whether that’s the podcast, the videos, or simply walking around without my clothes on more often than most people would expect. It’s about shedding the unnecessary and the performative, and getting honest with your body, your comfort, and the people around you. That’s intimacy in its own quiet way — not always romantic, but always real'.

A post (Aug. 26) on the instagram account of Diese_reisegefeahrten asks the question:

'Sauna auf Kreuzfahrtschiffen – textilfrei oder mit Badeanzug?

At least 50 (mostly free) answers.

Finally, over in Scotland, sauna's are all the rage. The all-encompassing Culture on bathing reports (Aug. 13) on the Edinburgh's Fringe festival effort in combining sauna and theater. Which the Aufguss in reality is.

'For over two decades, theatre director James Grieve and designer Lucy Osborne have brought shows to highly unconventional spaces.
...
Jane Withers talks to Lucy and James about using sauna’s superpowers to redefine how we experience storytelling and their ambitions for building an art and culture ecosystem around bathing.
...
But we only recently started thinking about the similarities between sauna and theatre. They both evolved from sitting around a campfire telling a story. They both give people communal sensory experiences in a world that has become increasingly screen-orientated and disconnected. We’ve been talking about how these two worlds could merge for three years and now we’re opening Sauna Theatre in Edinburgh.
...
JAMES: Aufguss is how we’ve been introduced to theatricality in a sauna space and we have seen a lot of show aufguss which is governed by rules and regulations. As theatre-makers, we are naturally rule breakers and enjoy subverting theatrical form. So what we are most excited about is bringing theatre artists together with sauna masters and finding new ways to create worlds'.

kuinbich

La cabra tira al monte, y nosotras pal norte
#rinconesconencanto #viajedechicas #brujas #meigas #comodiosnostrajoalmundo

Pasta & passion

2026-07-27T12:59:28.473+02:00

healingis_hot
Fosso Bianco & more termes of Italy pt 3 — the journey , what fuels me to get to hot springs … lots of pasta 🍝 and a passion for honoring life. ❤️‍🔥
Visiting the hot springs of Tuscany with a new friend 💋 🥰, my trusty thermomotter 🦦 and my grandparents, was special seeing everyone soak in the healing. My sidekick mini Stevie 🐺 also enjoyed the steam 🌬️
Incredible in the last video to see Fosso Bianco with many people enjoying at nearly dark, then like in my recent photos.. we had it to ourselves for the most amazing sunrise over hot springs I’ve seen yet ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

What's hot? Or not?

Hot spring guides (Jul. 7) on Greece's Thermopylae:

'The springs are not recommended for families with young children. The site is entirely unmanaged, there is no lifeguard, and the combination of hot water and irregular slippery rock presents genuine risk for small children. Older teenagers with good physical confidence can manage the site, but the environment rewards caution. The therma loutra character of this spring is entirely informal; visitors assess conditions themselves and soak at their own discretion.
For solo travelers and small groups comfortable with undeveloped natural settings, the springs offer a distinctive experience unlike any organized hot spring facility in Greece. Natural hot springs in Greece of this historical significance are rare, and the combination of ancient thermal activity and battlefield heritage makes Thermopylae unlike any other site in the country. A short daylight visit with practical expectations is the best approach: bring a towel, water, water shoes, and a change of clothes, and treat the stop as a brief soak rather than a full day out'.

An entry on Serbia ((Jul. 25), found on Facebook). Translated:

'Looking for a place without the crowds of tourists, where you can recharge, improve your health, and admire the natural beauty? Save the coordinates: Visočka Banja, hidden in the canyon of one of the cleanest rivers in Europe – Veliki Rzav. This amazing natural phenomenon has existed for over 80,000 years. Warm geothermal springs flow out right from the rock cliffs at the water's edge. Under pressure, the water temperature remains +27°C all year round, and literally a meter away from them flows an ice-cold mountain river'.

So not so hot.

The official Spanish tourism website presents (May 26) an overview (or their overview) of Spain's thermal treasures. They didn't do too much research, only 4 thermal locations!

blnk.99

diXxfrutÓn!!✨

Guise

In this section, we move to the sauna world. And start off by reviewing the new.

Nearby.

Amsterdam's Parool reports (Jun. 8) on the (changing?) sauna scene of the capital. And how smaller sauna's are leading the way; at least for the younger crowd.

From owners of a floating sauna (translated):

'According to the owners, 'social saunaing' is the central concept: the sauna as a place for meeting and relaxation'.

The article continues:

'The rates for these mini-saunas are, in any case, less elitist: whereas you pay at least 45 euros for daytime entry to wellness resorts like Spa Zuiver or Spa Weesp, at Badhus a membership costs 25 euros per month allowing you to visit the sauna twice. According to urban sociologist Roos Gerritsma, who conducts research into Urban Leisure at Inholland University of Applied Sciences, among other subjects, these relatively low prices for short sauna visits are one of the factors why sauna hubs are popular among millennials. “Some of them are already aware at a young age of the importance of a healthy lifestyle to keep up with their busy lives.”
At the same time, many millennials are being efficient about where they spend their money and who they spend time with, says Gerritsma. “Spending a whole day at a wellness center, trying out multiple saunas and often having lunch in between, is not only expensive but also takes a lot of time. A quick visit to the mini-sauna is a form of passive wellness where the effort and time are minimal, but the effect is enormous: it cleanses body and mind and also has a preventive effect.”
...
Joanna Wojtkowiak, an assistant professor at the University of Humanistic Studies who has conducted research into changing rituals, among other things, views the revival of (social) sauna culture as an example of how 'ritual emptiness' is being addressed in this day and age. That emptiness, she says, has arisen from secularization and individualism in society. “It is an old practice in a new guise. A ritual gains meaning through the 'how', that is, through the manner in which a practice is performed with attention and reflection.”

Having just visited Sweden, I can relay that Swedish public sauna's are few and far between. Surprised? Then again, private ownership is huge.

But it seems that Stockholm is possibly seeing it's first public sauna. That's accouding to the Guardian (May 17):

'There is little doubt that Stockholm is a city of sauna-goers. All year round, from early morning to late into the night, the city’s residents can be seen emerging from wooden huts, a trail of woodsmoke coming from the chimney, and lowering themselves into the deep brackish waters of the Swedish capital’s shoreline.
But, for locals and visitors alike, getting access to one of these saunas can be a bit like getting into the world’s most exclusive private members’ clubs: the most popular waterside venues have years-long waiting lists of thousands and when new places open up they disappear in minutes. While a proportion of spots are sometimes bookable to non-members, they are difficult to come by.
...
The scarcity is thrown into particularly sharp relief by the sauna scene in its Nordic neighbours. In the Norwegian capital, Oslo, despite a huge rise in popularity over the last decade, it is relatively easy to get a same-day sauna spot at one of the seven Oslo Sauna Association floating saunas. In Helsinki, Finland, where the ability to sauna is considered an essential part of daily life, there is an abundance of public saunas and even a waterside community-run sauna.
...
Stockholm’s authorities say the sauna is part of a wider quay-side strategy aimed at opening up the city’s waterfronts, including new areas for swimming, walkways and seating areas.
It is also planning new guidelines requiring all sauna slots in the city centre to be fully publicly available to book.
The new booking rules have been criticised by some sauna associations, which say it could make it difficult to maintain the old membership model, which they say makes it cheaper for regular sauna users.
Karlsson believes the city and privately-run models “complement one another” and that the city’s pricing means they will not be undercutting other saunas.
But, at 150 kronor (£12) for 90 minutes, which is more expensive than guest sessions at many privately run saunas, the cost could be prohibitively expensive for some. Initially everybody will pay the same rate, but Karlsson said they would look at different pricing structures for students and pensioners once they have a sense of demand'.

TimeOut (Jun. 1) reports on developments in Copenhagen:

'Copenhagen, already well-known for its bracing harbour plunges and saunas, is about to become even more of a hotspot for swimmers and bathers with the opening of the brand-new Water Culture House. The bathhouse will take up residence on Copenhagen Harbour, neighbouring the city’s Opera house, later this year.
It’s been designed by Japanese architecture firm Kengo Kuma & Associates, and will house a ‘water culture centre’ as well as a wellness centre and community facilities. According to the official website, the building will be made from solid brick stumps, arranged with tactical gaps to allow light to filter through the walls and then reversed at night, allowing light to be emitted through these gaps from inside'.

Lot's of blah blah.

Resting Dragon (Jul. 11) heads for Bad Ragaz, Switzerland:

'Bad Ragaz has the best water of any thermalbad I’ve visited. Technically classified as chloride-hydrogen carbonate-sulphate water, it has a thick, fizzy feel. My skin is always silky after a few minutes bathing in it, and my sore muscles are soothed. There’s only two downsides. First, the baths are often busy, even outside of peak season, and there’s a lot of families, which is great if you have kids with you, but can make it more difficult to relax otherwise. Second, the water is fairly cold. It comes from its source, the Tamina Gorge, at 36.5 C, and while some of the pools are heated further, they are small compared to the cooler ones. As far as I can tell, the Tamina Therme doesn’t adjust the pool temperature seasonally, like some spas do.
...

It’s hard to describe the vibe that makes Sauna World so great, but I’ll try. Everyone there is chill and friendly, even if you don’t speak the same language (which you probably wont). No one is creepy, even a bit. Etiquette is immaculate, in fact, staff once politely spoke to me for sitting in the sauna on my bath robe instead of a towel'.

Outside (Jul. 1) research this:

'Therme Group, Europe’s wellness behemoth, is planning to open stadium-sized health spas across the USA. Are Americans ready for Roman baths? We traveled to Bucharest to find out'.

It's an extensive article revolving around the experience of Therme Bucharest. And whether or not the US is ripe for such developments:

'Therme [Bucharest] is crowded in winter (with Germans wanting to look at palm trees) and summer (with guests from all over wanting a vaguely exotic beach-resort-ish experience, minus the hassle and cost of traveling to an actual beach resort). More than that, I got the sense that it was a place that people go because it’s a place that other people go. The people are part of the attraction, and Instagram keeps them coming, to take selfies against the soaring glass roof, the seductive blue pools, the lush indoor jungle, the sense of scale and space. Which is also part of the attraction.
Therme’s business is based on the German Thermes ...

It doesn't really answer whether or not an investment of 500$ million will pay itself back. Or whether the US appetite for these wellness Disney sites are on.

planetnudeblog
Lessons to learn at Therme Erding
A visit to Europe's largest spa raises questions U.S. naturism hasn't answered

Torn

Doing the rounds at the moment is the documentary the Changing Worlds of the Morrocan Hammams. There's a trailer. By Sauna Channel.

Film freeway (Jan. 19, 2026):

'Narrated by bathing and travel enthusiast Francis Mathew, the film blends personal stories with rare access to reveal how historical and cultural threads are being torn apart and what is at stake. The documentary explores how ancient traditions endure or vanish in a rapidly changing world'.

There's a lot of sauna related items coming from / co-inspired by the upcoming Sauna congress in Oslo.

SaunaTimes (May 26) has an interview with Oslo's The Well's Ingrid G. Motrøen, Chief Marketing Officer:

'From the beginning, The Well was inspired by continental bathing culture and the idea that wellness is about more than treatments alone. Over the years, we’ve continued to refine and strengthen that direction'.

Sauna Times also has an interview (June 15) with Lasse Eriksen who is the Development Manager of Farrisbad (Larvik, Norway). It's actually a very good interview, over an hour long. Well, worth a listen.

Slightly different news, a popular public sauna (Sompasauna) in Finland reports (June 23) on vandalism / stealing at their location.

alinapalahniuk

Банна церемонія від якої я кайфанула не менше за дівчат 🌿
Дякую кожній, хто розділила зі мною цей день🤍

Repressed?

Filling out this section seems never to be a problem. Due to the content?

Thisisyules (Jun. 17) starts us off with sharing on instagram, her experience at Hotel Nesslerhof (Salzurg, Austria). Especially highlighting the clothesfree possibilities. More than 8000 hearts are shared as well as many comments. And in these comments section, the pro's need to have scientific arguments to convince the cons, who rely on their own beliefs ...:

flubber09:
'Ist interessant hier die Kommentare zu lesen und vorallem wieviel gegen Textilfrei sind. Woran liegt das? Verklemmt auf Grund der Erziehung, Religion, nicht dem oft suggeriertem Körperideal entsprechend oder blödsinnige Verbindung von Textilfrei und Erotik?
Ich stamme aus dem Osten, entspreche in keinster Weise dem Idealmaß, mach trotzdem seit Jahrzehnten FKK, weil es nix nervigeres gibt als nasse Badeklamotten. Von daher finde ich es super, dass es solche textilfreien Einrichtungen gibt'.

She also shares a code for a discount.

An older find (Jan. 6, 2025), a Swiss article from the University of Basel questioning whether we have all became prudes:

'In den Schwitzstuben der Schweiz trifft man hüllenlos aufeinander. Frau und Mann. Chefs und Angestellte. Topverdienerinnen und Sozialhilfebezüger. Wer man war und ist, spielt keine Rolle. In der Nacktheit ist man gleich. Bislang. Denn gerade verschiebt sich etwas.
...
My body, my choice – mein Körper, meine Entscheidung. Die Parole hört man bei Strassenprotesten, wenn es um sexuelle Gewalt gegen Frauen geht, darum, das Recht auf eine Abtreibung zu verteidigen. Nun drängt sie auch in die Schwitzkabinen. Badeanzug und Bikini als feministischer Akt.
Offen bleibt, wie sich das weiter auswirkt. Was die Aufladung der Nacktheit mit uns macht. Vielleicht besteht auch die Gefahr, dass wir ein Stück Ungezwungenheit verlieren. Und Selbstvergessenheit. An einem der letzten Orte, wo das noch möglich ist'.

On the Sauna Congress 2026 (Oslo) website an article (Jul. 9) by sauna expert Mikkel Aaland. At a presentation, he was corrected by a woman who said that in Finland there's no co-ed naked sauning. Mikkel disagreed:

'What are my thoughts on co-ed nudity?
Personally, I am more comfortable bathing naked, regardless of who I am with. I equate nudity with sensuality but not with sexuality.
I always bring a clean towel to sit on, but that's all. I also respect local customs and sensitivities and when necessary cover myself appropriately with a loose-fitting towel or sheet. (I avoid wearing synthetic bathing suits. They become uncomfortable in the heat, and the synthetic fabric doesn't breathe.)
...
On the other hand, over and over I've seen how the soothing heat of the sweat has a way of melting inhibitions. I've witnessed people who were initially body shy, relax in the womb-like environment, drop their modesty, and reveal their natural, glowing selves. The transformation is inspiring'.

HeistBerlin then seeks the opposite answer to:

'We tried out two textile-mandatory saunas to answer the question: Does Berlin really need this?

The start of an answer:

'Nobody who’s felt the joy of letting sweat flow freely from nipple to kneecap, unobstructed by sodden polyester, can possibly return to the tyranny of swimwear.
Or so I thought, until I started seeing social media ads for a new breed of spa. A place filled with beautiful young people contorting themselves into yoga positions, gracefully slipping into cold plunges and dancing to techno, all while clad in trunks and bikinis.
In other words, the American-style sauna has landed in Berlin. And it’s brought American prudishness with it'.

Again, considerable discussion; from Reditt this article gains some 70+ comments. This sums the discussion up (that's a "no"):

DendriteCocktail:
'As an occasional thing wearing a swimsuit is fine. It's not something that I'd want to have to do regularly.
Places / days that require suits often come with a funky smell because nobody is washing their bits between rounds so bacteria is building up and up and up.
Pools require much higher amounts of chlorine and acids to counteract the increased bacterial load from all of the people not washing their bits.
Sweating under a swimsuit is just plain uncomfortable.
Standing around in a wet suit, especially if dripping cold water on your legs and feet, isn't very pleasant'.

From Deutsche Welle Travel Instagram account (May 20) highlights Germany's sauna culture which (we know) entails nakedness:

'No swimsuits, no phones, and heat up to 100°C – Germany’s sauna culture can surprise first-timers. Germans swear by it for its health benefits, from boosting circulation to detoxifying the body and reducing stress'.

It combines with this ten minute youtube article which highlights the Vabali spa's and Baden-Baden:

On Instagram, Badstuprat (Jun. 24) present an interview with:

'Kim Nyheim Ragnarsson, who runs the wellness oasis just outside Oslo'.

In short:

'Not least, The Well has gone all in as the main sponsor and partner for@saunacongress2026which takes place in Oslo in September, and is looking forward to welcoming sauna enthusiasts from all over the world. 🌎
In this episode we also get the answer to the ever-recurring question: do you really have to be naked at The Well?

Unfortunately it's in Norwegian, so the answer needs to be sought elsewhere ...

The Well's own site answers: Tuesday is non-nude day, other days sauna's are nude, swimming is clothing optional. But only with the Well's own swimwear.

Route North (May 26 it says, though the comments section refers to comments 10 months ago ...) on Swedish sauna etiquette:

'The first thing to remember is that, for many Swedes, there’s nothing particularly odd (or sexy) about getting naked in the sauna.
Not having clothes sticking to your skin just makes the whole sauna experience a bit more comfortable. Some purists even consider it unhygienic to bring swimwear into the sauna.
On a social level, there’s also a certain honesty to being completely naked. In the sauna, everyone is exposed, and (in theory, at least) everyone is equal'.

DestinationClothesfree has updated (April 2026) it's entry on European spa etiquette. Lots to be concerned about?

'European clothes-free spas operate by a set of rules that most visitors only discover once they have broken one. The nudity policy tends to be the clearest requirement. What trips people up is everything else: the hygiene protocol before every sauna, the towel etiquette, the Aufguss ceremony, and the significant variation in spa culture by country'.

Finally, on nude.ru a transcript of a discussion (Feb. 27) between the website content creator (A) and a journalist (Yu) about the banya:

'Yu: The banya has become truly fashionable. How did this happen? What need did it fill?
A: Perhaps it's the legitimate lifting of taboos. You're naked there, something happens to your body that you can't explain. And a set of taboos, both minor and major, suddenly comes to light. It affects you and becomes mysteriously interesting. Secondly, there's the trend toward national identity. And thirdly, all the trends from other markets have migrated to the banya. For example, strong design, not "izba style." Even public bathhouses are getting decent repairs. The banya is no longer just a steam room; we eat properly there, look normal, and we now have decent hats and bath rags'.

devki_v_bane
Девки, привет! Вы спрашивали - мы отвечаем. Вот она наша тату-мастерица @gribkova_tattooer . Воплотит самые безумные идеи, трепетно разработает эскиз и даст рекомендации по уходу, особенно для любительниц бань. Она и сама к нам в бани заглядывает. Наша девка одним словом, жоска рекомендуем.
Следуя инструкции по уходу уже через месяц можно наслаждаться в парной и кайфовать. Среди бывалых девок много расписных красавиц, и каждая на наших банях чувствует себя комфортно. Ну а мы гарантируем вам полный прогрев и что ваши тату в бане не выцветут и не смоются🤣 проверено лично!
Показать свои татуировки и посмотреть на наши можно уже в эту субботу на бане с колыбельником, осталось еще парочка мест 😏
Запись у @dmelshina
А что думает @gribkova_tattooer на этот счет, ищи в карусели.

Inked

2026-05-05T21:00:00.000+02:00

mikeinked66

#sourcechaudenaturelle #source #lifestyle #life #nature #inked #ink #inkedboy #inkboy #french #france #france🇫🇷 #neige #neige❄️ #montagne #montagnes

Trying to stay ahead of the edge. Very little hot spring news; all the more photographic evidence. Still, all the more text concerning sauna culture.

Though in reality, it's just the one item concerning the latter: sauna with or without?

Basically an ever and never ending item, one that revolves around cultural norms as well as one that fluctuates with societal change. Or not?

So it's off to the Netherlands this time, testing their tolerance?

Not often does sauna usage makes the national headlines. But leading Dutch newspaper AD found a way to make sauna culture the headline (Apr. 5).

In short: a massive wellness operation is opening up on the outskirts of the central Holland city of Zoetermeer. Its' size matches the mega centers in Germany. Though with one difference: in Zoetermeer it has just the one identity rather than the centers in Germany which have massive swim areas, with a textile free area adjacent with sauna's and sorts.

So ..., besides the high entrance fee (but comparable to that in Germany) the article highlights something they believe newsworthy: not only 65€, but ... everybody has to be naked!

Anyway, translated:

'Paying 65 euros and not even a swimwear day? Shortly after the long-awaited opening of Sweet Lake Wellness (SLW) in Zoetermeer, significant criticism immediately arose regarding one of the largest wellness resorts in Europe. According to the architect, the complaints are far too premature. "I don't know where the idea comes from that we definitely do not want to introduce a swimwear day."

So what's up?

'Social media was flooded with reactions to the opening of SLW . Positive, but mostly a lot of negative commentary. All kinds of stories circulated regarding the choice for full nude recreation at Sweet Lake Wellness'.

The article fails to pinpoint the social media involved.

I did try to find some critique; possibly they revert to an Instagram post (Apr. 1!) by SLW where somebody mentions (translated):

Wow, it looks beautiful! 😍 I'm coming veeeery soon. Do you happen to know yet what the swimwear days are? 💦👙🩴♥️

But all 'n all, the point fails to drag the comments. The post in itself racks 6,400 likes, 670 comments, liberally appointing 20 as insisting on textile days.

So has this been constructed to titillate the opening here?

The lead article heads further:

'According to Poleij [SLW architect], if there is a high demand for swimwear days, there is no reason to oppose it, but he does add a caveat. "We hear from other saunas that they have had bad experiences with swimwear days. The atmosphere of a nude wellness center is simply different. When everyone makes themselves vulnerable by being naked, there is a sense of equality. With swimwear on, problems with unwanted advances arise more quickly. That might sound strange, but that is how it works. Especially when groups of young men come in."
“We don’t want cannonballs in the pool. Sweet Lake Wellness is too chic for that. I wonder if the criticism comes from wellness-goers, because they are used to nude recreation. In a wellness center, you don’t look at others. People are here to relax.”
...
“All those hundreds of people who are now voicing criticism haven't been here at all yet. We haven't launched any major campaigns yet. It would be nice if critics came to take a look first before voicing their opinions.”

Clothesfree? saunate
Zin in een kleurtje zonder strepen? 🦓
Bij ons kun je zorgeloos zonnen zonder tanning lines! ☀️
Of je nu gaat voor een egaal bruine huid of gewoon heerlijk wilt ontspannen, wij zorgen dat jij stralend de zomer in gaat.✨Het blijft nog de hele week stralend mooi weer! 😎 Dat betekent dus zalig zonnen, afkoelen, relaxen én genieten!💦
#thermensaunate #zonzonderstrepen #egaalbruin #zonnenbijons #stralendehuid #genieten

Besides giving SLW the opportunity to explain itself, (social) media echoes on the headline and tries to put this into perspective. Some snippets:

Oddly, AD's own Facebook site racks up nearly 400 comments, basically everybody thinking "duh, it's a sauna, of course you naked". F.i.:

'I think that “fierce criticism” isn't that bad. Just another small group of loudmouths. And AD is happy to add its woke two cents. How nice that an entrepreneur in the Netherlands can still determine their own business concept. I wish the entrepreneur much success.

The BNNVara Joop social media website (Apr. 6) adds a post on the article. Translated:

'In Zoetermeer, and even beyond, there is uproar and commotion surrounding a new icon of the city: Sweet Lake Wellness. By its own account, it is the largest and most luxurious wellness center in all of Europe. A summary of the criticism: the entrance fee is no less than €65. Yet swimwear is prohibited. Guests are required to go naked. Naked . Completely naked. In their bare bottoms. All of them'.

They go on to explain, that 65€ is not expensive. And naked is not sexual (rather the opposite). Like above, they question the alarmist article; making something private and apolitical the opposite. 70+ comments.

andrealisations

Les Bains Chauds - Documentaire est un hommage à l'énergie créatrice. Merci à @magnetikka_ pour ce moment hors du temp et aussi à @gzmez.martin1 qui a été d'une grande aide le jour du tournage.
Au coeur de la montagne, Magnetikka marche vers des bains chauds naturels. Le froid, le silence, la roche puis l'eau. En s'immergeant dans celle-ci, tous ses sens s'activent. La vapeur se mêle au paysage et la frontière entre elle et la nature s'efface.
Ce court documentaire capte un moment d'abandon total, une expérience physique et sensorielle où le corps rentre en résonance avec la montagne.

Uproar

There are more reactions, in article form.

The AD contradicts itself? A local affiliate gives the opinion of the owner of Thermen Binnenmaas. Translated:

'Christine Kouman of NFN Open & Bloot, the advocacy group for nude recreation in the Netherlands, supports the position of entrepreneurs like Naaktgeboren.
According to her, the commotion in Zoetermeer is not a good indicator of reality. "A sauna is basically meant to be sat in naked. If you don't want to do that, there is a choice: you don't have to go."
For guests in 's-Gravendeel, it is simple: the clarity of the policy prevents disappointment at the door. Everyone is welcome, but relaxation here takes place without clothing. Regardless of your personal preference.
And for those who find that daunting? "They get used to it faster than you think," says Naaktgeboren, who certainly has a fitting name. "As soon as you are inside, everyone is equal."

The owner (by the name of Naaktgeboren [= Bornnaked]) also posts the above article on his (private) Facebook page, naturally gathering lot's of positive support (nearly 600 ...). Talk about a positive spin.

De Stem (Apr. 7) then, translated:

'It is not uncommon in the wellness world: saunas offering swimwear days for guests who do not want to be seen naked. That was already the case when Spa One opened its doors in Oosterhout, Brabant, in 2017. "But we never went along with that," says owner Bart Veraa. "The interest simply wasn't great enough."
...
Spa One's door policy has never led to controversy or national headlines. How different is the situation at Sweet Lake Wellness in Zoetermeer, where criticism erupted immediately after the opening.
...
But according to Director Christine Kouman of NFN Open & Bloot, the advocacy group for nude recreation in the Netherlands, the uproar over Zoetermeer is not a good indicator of how things really are these days. As many as 2.5 million people regularly engage in nude recreation, and another 1.6 million 'occasionally' take off their clothes for a sauna visit. "A sauna is, in principle, meant to be sat in while naked. If you don't want to do that, there is a choice: you don't have to go."

She therefore does not expect to see separate nude and clothed establishments happening anytime soon. "In Soesterberg, there was even a sauna for a while with a clothed section and an unclothed section, but that has been completely shut down. People who don't understand what you are supposed to do in a sauna – relax – behaved in the clothed section as if they were in an indoor swimming pool and did cannonballs into the water. Now everyone goes there naked".

Dutch language saunagids even dedicates a special (undated) post: to be naked or not. Translated:

'For many people, it is a hurdle: being naked in the sauna. Yet, more and more sauna visitors are consciously choosing an experience without swimwear, not only because of the physical benefits but also because of the surprisingly positive impact on their mental well-being. Entering the sauna naked proves to be liberating in many cases, resulting in increased self-confidence, self-acceptance, and deep relaxation. In a sauna room where everyone bares all, social masks fall away. Fashion, status, and appearances are temporarily cast aside. This creates an atmosphere of equality. You quickly realize that no one is perfect, and that they don't have to be. This confrontation with yourself and others in their purest form can be daunting at first, but for many people, it leads to a growing sense of acceptance of their own bodies. The critical view of oneself softens and gives way to gentleness. You learn not to judge your body, but to respect it as it is. In the long run, this process strengthens self-image and boosts self-confidence, not only within the walls of the sauna but also outside of them'.

mariegoestospain

Ein paar Tage detoxen in Santa Fee bei den heißen Quellen.
Es regnet immer noch sehr viel, aber die Sonne kommt immer mal wieder raus.
Die Finca Suche ist mühsam, sobald man nach Baugenehmigungen oder sonstigem fragt, melden sich die Besitzer nicht mehr.
Die Suche geht weiter, und sonst mal schauen, der Sommer in Spanien wird sehr heiß, ob ich doch nochmal in den Norden oder sogar nach Österreich/Deutschland fahre und den Sommer dort arbeite und Freunde und Familie besuchen gehe.
Buenas Dias
Marie
#santafe#heissequellen#termasdesantafe

Another two cents from a very recent report (May 5) on a visit to München by Planet Nude:

'The textilfrei section holds thousands of people. The clientele includes mixed genders, ages 16 and up, and all shapes and sizes. The number of people from ages 20 to 40 might make U.S. nudist resorts envious, however'.

Maybe a different discussion?

Meanwhile SLW are having a soft opening. Still, it's creating some negative vibes (Facebook post, Apr. 15): not wheelchair friendly for instance.

Now (beginning of May), their Facebook page has 30k followers and loads of positive critiques, so all's well that ends well?

My own experience?

No surprises that I prefer the no-textile as best practice. For virtually all the reasons already mentioned; not much to add.

Though ..., by now I have discovered that I'm allergic to chlorinated water, but only when swimming / immersing myself. Everyone naked? Then everyone tends to be much cleaner, meaning less chlorine. Swimsuits? Chlorine shoots up and I end up with a sore throat, a runny nose and itches on my hips and ankles.

So doctor's orders: get naked (and really be free).

Sheer

Now for some other hot spring news.

Hotspringers.net heads to Budapest and reports (Apr. 25) back on Irgalmasok Veli Bej Bath.

It's thermal swimming pool, partially in it's original 15th century building, but enclosed in a medical facility. Get's just the two stars.

Hot spring journeys (Apr. 22) has an extensive post (10 soaks visited) on Tuscan hot springs. With a few from Lazio. On Saturnia:

'The sheer commercial popularity takes away some of its soul'.

The website even has a rating for "being able to be alone". The free options encountered are rated with only 1 or 2 stars, but even those with an entrance fee are not free from a low rate.

Rule of thumb it seems: the more you pay, the more you're able to lose the crowds. Capitalism at it's best.

Hot spring journeys also has an extensive post on the Dutch sauna facilities (Mar. 3). The sell:

'For the spa enthusiast, the "Low Lands" offer some of the most sophisticated wellness retreats in Europe, blending traditional Dutch hospitality with high-tech thermal facilities'.

ayaneidan

and for our next trick, we will be rediscovering Heaven on Earth 🌍 hot springs, waterfalls, spiralling currents, thunderstorms, edible flowers, healing mud, and spring water directly from the cave walls in the womb of Pachamama... and yet no words, no images can convey the feeling of being in God's immanent presence...
🎶 and we die die die again, to be born born born again

Obsession

2026-05-02T10:07:00.001+02:00

nomadic_cosmopolitan

What happens when a group of Faroese men show up to Iceland and realize it’s better to bathe in hot springs than dive in glacier lakes 😂

A couple of photo's with some recent article references.

Starting off with Outsideonline (Mar. 3) also recognizes how Icelandic soaking culture has gained UNESCO status:

'Some experiences in life fuel obsession, and for me, soaking in a natural Icelandic hot spring is one of them. On each of my eight trips to Iceland, I’ve dipped in hot springs and geothermal-heated pools in the rain, snow, pitch black darkness, midnight sun, and in freezing temperatures and whipping wind. I’ve relaxed in remote, rock-ringed pools, hypnotized by steam rising from a verdant valley. And I’ve driven for hours chasing the thrill of a new-to-me hot spring in the middle of nowhere, and mingled in a large city swimming pool, dotted with locals relishing in the warmth of the water and company. Every experience has undoubtedly been nothing short of magical.
Now, Iceland’s daily practice of a warm dip is getting the global recognition it deserves.
...
Today, Iceland’s swimming culture emphasizes how Icelanders build community, survive in a harsh climate, and disconnect from the stress of everyday life. “I say that I’m going swimming, but I don’t always swim. I guess the pools are like the pubs in other countries. You go there to meet friends and chat in the hot tubs,” Pálsdóttir [Margrét Pálsdóttir, a 70-year-old linguist, teacher, and choir director in Reykjavík] says. “Well, yes, you might have the goal of swimming first, maybe 200 meters, or one kilometer (like my daughter does every day). But afterwards, you take time with friends in the hot tubs.”
Another reason why Icelanders want to hold on to this daily ritual is that they are one of the last phone-free spaces, which Dagsdóttir says is proof of how deeply related the swimming pools are to their communities and important to society as a whole. “This allows people to have more chill moments in this environment, allowing for deeper conversation, even sometimes with a stranger,” says Marteinn Briem, owner of CityWalk walking tours in downtown Reykjavík'.

The article comes with a couple of suggestions.

charli_pino

Unfortunately we didn't found a hot pod today :( but at least this one is bathtub warm ☺️🛀🏼 #heißequellen #hiddentreasure #relaxingbath #outsidebath #hotpoticeland #naturbadeteich #warmlake #daeneryshair #wheniniceland #timeoutinnature #chillingwithnature

The Reykjavik Grapevine has an article (Feb. 11) on the many lagoon like structures being set up, so as to cash in on tourists wanting the UNESCO soaking experience, but less willing to take the track there (figuratively):

'Icelanders know a moneymaker when they see one. Every other year another lagoon is dug and filled with hot water. I’m not going to list the names of the various lagoons that have opened in the past two decades because when I called their owners they would simply not agree to send me a kickback, but I will say that there are a lot of them dotted around the country, and there are more being built'.

Over on Facebook the linking post is sounded out by likewise comments. Sorta of like paving paradise, putting up a parking lot. And opened a soaking lagoon, rubber stamped by UNESCO.

Lagoonisized

Iamapolarbear notes (Oct. 9, 2025) that Mývatn Nature Baths has changed it name.

'Imagine the shock I got on Monday night, lounging in the bath after walking a mile uphill from Rangers to be greeted on Instagram by an announcement from an unknown Earth Lagoon in Iceland. A new lagoon? How did I not know it was coming? The mystery was quickly solved: after 21 years in business, Mývatn Nature Baths is rebranding. Actually, it’s not even such a huge change. Its name in Icelandic is Jarðböðin, which means Earth Baths, so it’s just bringing its two names together'.

She continues:

'So here we have it. For fourteen years, Earth Lagoon’s only competition was in the opposite corner of the country. Now it’s got two very new and very different lagoons practically on its doorstep. And even as a fan, I can’t deny that it’s starting to look its age. It still doesn’t have an electronic wristband system, so you lock the lockers in the decidedly-rustic changing rooms with a key on an elastic band and if you want a drink in the water, you either have to pre-order at reception to have it delivered to you or you need to take a method of payment into the water with you. It’s just small things but it’s small things that make a big difference when you’re fighting for your place among ten geothermal wonders.
...
I knew there was a new service building coming and a bigger pool but the rebranding is a surprise. Earth Lagoon. Well, it does fit nicely with the Blue, Secret, Sky and Forest Lagoons, it fits the existing Icelandic name and it fits the location on the slopes of the volcano, but it also feels like Sandy in the black leggings at the end of Grease, like it’s betrayed itself to earn the approval of tourists playing the role of Danny Zuko. Even its new website now has a very strong resemblance to several of the others, Sky Lagoon in particular, with the beige background and the rounded boxes everywhere. The individuality is rapidly leaking away'.

Iamapolarbear also discusses all the developments in the Lagoon business, as the older places are trying to play catch up. Is it just me or do they all provide the same experience? Moving further away from the natural experience itself?

The website also provides an even more recent post (Mar. 30) summing all the lagoon's up.

On paving paradise & Forest Lagoon:

'The weird: For all the noise they make about the unique setting and the tranquility of the forest, it’s very hard to overlook how much forest had to be flattened to squeeze this in here'.

majda_je_grafik

🇮🇸 /hotsprings#island#hotspringsisland#landbrotalaughotspring

Tradition

Some travel sites also provide content. Goldencircledaytours (Mar. 11) article is named

Soaking Completely Naked in Secret Lagoon: Is It Worth It?

Really?

'The Secret Lagoon in Iceland is known for its natural hot springs and relaxed atmosphere. One distinctive feature that sets it apart from other geothermal destinations in Iceland is the tradition of nude bathing. Many visitors wonder if soaking completely naked in the Secret Lagoon is something they should experience. In this guide, we'll explore the cultural context, practical considerations, and whether this unique experience is truly worth it.
Iceland has a long-standing tradition of communal bathing that dates back centuries. In Icelandic culture, nudity in bathing contexts is viewed naturally and without the stigma that might exist in other Western countries. Public swimming pools and natural hot springs throughout Iceland operate under the assumption that bathers will shower naked before entering the water, and many areas have designated nude bathing sections.
The Secret Lagoon, being a more natural and less commercialized hot spring compared to the Blue Lagoon or Sky Lagoon, maintains this traditional Icelandic bathing culture more authentically.
At the Secret Lagoon, nude bathing is permitted and commonly practiced. Many visitors, both Icelandic locals and international tourists, choose to bathe without swimwear. However, wearing a swimsuit is also perfectly acceptable, and many visitors do wear one. There's no pressure or requirement to bathe nude.
What Does Nude Bathing Look Like?
The changing facilities at the Secret Lagoon are gender-separated, and nude bathing typically occurs in a natural and unselfconscious manner. The atmosphere is relaxed and respectful, with an unwritten understanding that nudity in this context is purely functional and non-sexual. Many international visitors are surprised by how natural and comfortable the environment feels'.

It's conclusion:

'Soaking completely naked in the Secret Lagoon can be a worthwhile cultural experience that offers insights into authentic Icelandic traditions. For many visitors, it's a liberating and memorable part of their Iceland journey. However, there's no obligation to bathe nude, and the experience is equally enjoyable in a swimsuit if that's your preference.
The key is to approach the experience with an open mind, respect for local culture, and awareness of your own comfort boundaries. Whether you choose to embrace the nude bathing tradition or opt for a swimsuit, soaking in Iceland's natural geothermal waters is an experience you won't forget. Plan your visit to the Secret Lagoon today and create memories that will last a lifetime!

Is this an AI generated article?

I contacted Secret lagoon. Their (AI generated) answer:

No, bathing naked is not allowed in the lagoon. Swimwear made of materials designed for swimming is required.
Topless bathing is also not permitted.

The latter I believe is not true, anti-discrimination here forbids such. And is this how our future bodes: AI vs AI?

Well, if not allowed, would it not be a neat business niche to make it possible at your lagoon, rather than competing with the more cash flushed competitors?

likelokike

Connecting with the water element during my transfer in Iceland 💙

GuidetoIceland on the never ending update concerning nudity on Iceland (Jan. 28) add:

'There are no specific nude hot springs in Iceland. However, that does not mean you cannot enjoy the hot springs while naked. Many remote hot springs out in nature are perfectly safe and acceptable to enter in the nude, and you can even find some without anyone around.
There is no judgment from locals for this kind of skinny dipping, should they catch you. Odds are, they have done the same thing before. Not only is naked bathing seen as a beautiful way to connect with nature, but it’s also a smart way to keep your clothes dry and lighten your laundry load.
Of course, if there are other guests at your destination, you should perhaps ask if they mind before getting naked and joining them. Different people will react differently, and for some, your birthday suit might fall into the realm of “indecent exposure.”

A recent comment concerning the article:

'I think wearing bathing suits in pools and sauna's is rather filthy. I'm really surprised Iceland does not offer any naked alternative for the Blue or Secret lagoon. So my conclusion is that Iceland is not nudist friendly at all and therefore we have to shorten our trip with at least one day. Unfortunately no swimming for us'.

pennyfox.me
Das Land aus Feuer und Eis.
Überall lauern Geothermetische Felder und locken mit lieblichen Schwefelgeruch, blubbernden Substanzen und irgendwas zischt und bläst immer aus einem Loch.
Und wir waren gut darin, die kleinen, feinen, kostenfreien und kaum frequentierten heißen Quellen zu finden. Teilweise als erste des Tages bei -7 Außentemperatur. Da wirken auch 35° nach kurzer Zeit ungemütlich kühl, so dass wir uns um den begrenzten Platz direkt an der Quelle kloppten.
In jedem Fall jedes Mal ein besonderes Erlebnis.

Aol has an article (Apr. 1) directed to visitors to Iceland. Not a joke by the way.

The fear can hit long before anyone ever touches the water. Iceland’s famous pool culture sounds inviting right up until the pre-swim shower rule becomes clear. In Reykjavík’s public pools, guests are expected to wash thoroughly without swimwear before getting in, and the Blue Lagoon says the same thing just as plainly. For many travelers, that is the moment confident vacation energy suddenly takes a dive.
What helps most is realizing that Icelanders do not treat this as some awkward performance for tourists. Geothermal pools are part of daily life there, and Reykjavík’s own visitor material describes the pools as a mix of sports center, spa, social hub, and neighborhood routine. Once that becomes clear, the whole experience starts to feel less like a weird personal ordeal and more like stepping into a real local custom.
...
This is the real breakthrough, and it often comes faster than expected. Everyone else already knows the routine. Nobody is lingering. Nobody is staring. Nobody is turning the room into some strange social experiment. The atmosphere is far more ordinary than anxious imaginations usually prepare people for. Blue Lagoon’s own etiquette guide says the same thing in softer language: privacy is respected, and this is simply standard practice in Icelandic bathing culture.
A lot of people build the whole thing up in their heads as if the room will pause and react to them. It does not. The actual vibe is much closer to brushing your teeth in a gym locker room. Wash, move on, get dressed, head to the water. The second it becomes obvious that nobody cares about anyone else’s body nearly as much as each person fears, most of the panic loses its power. That is the point when the experience stops feeling like a personal trial and starts feeling like what it actually is: a normal part of getting from the locker room to the pool'.

Overall very odd. What are the sensitivities? On the other hand the fears are real, take this reditt (2 yrs back), full of how respondents (200+ comments) steer through the process at the Secret Lagoon, though we just learnt that full nudity is allowed (or did we?). Plenty of people who just skip the entire experience of soaking just because they do not want to shower naked!

lottasworld

Bathing with a view 🏔️
#naturpooliceland #northiceland #traveliceland #akureyri #siglufjörður #breathtakingview #whatsonrvk

Disappoint

2026-05-02T10:07:00.000+02:00

A short review of the Schwarzwald Panorama hotel wellness section.

Located in the pleasant Bad Herrenalb, on the northside of the Schwarzwald, the hotel prides itself as a wellness hotel. However in my experience, there's preciuos little to pride over.

The wellness part comprises of two small sauna's (both in themselves ok) and an intermittently functioning hamman / steam room. There's no adjacent resting room and the outside sun area, is well overseen by all and sundry. Imagine organizing a conference and the participants all the looking outside to see a glimpse (or more) of a naked myself, oblivious to being the lead topic of the conference. Hmmm.

There's also a good thermal pool adjacent, but formally that's the clothed part.

The experience in itself was ok, people enjoying a sauna are like that. However there were those that failed to read the German / English signs saying "no clothing here!" Out of ignorance? Could be, there was a French family who felt they were above these rules. And also the rule to sit on a towel. There was an Eastern European family, who managed to state that bathing nude was impossible for them. Quite odd. Oddest maybe was that everyone else tolerated their behaviour.

That said, there was also no-one disapproving (in public) of using the pool clothesfree (really?). But at least that's still very hygienic.

The rest of the resort was also ok-ish. Rooms very good / spacious. Food, mwah, but all organic. Staff ok, frontdesk hmmm.

The resort backs up directly to extensive forest, that's beautiful. Think all-day forest bathing.

The review world is equally not overwhelmed by the experience here. Note most stars / rates are based on the full overnight experience.

Tripadvisor rates it a 4.3 star (from 1000+ reviews). Booking.com figures are 8.1 (850+ reviews).

Google surprisingly notes Schwarzwald Panorama a rather good 4.6 stars (1150+ reviews); the main reason why I stayed here. Here are some snatches of reviews:

'Very disappointed by the behavior of the numerous French guests in the saunas and pools. They showed no respect for the sauna rules (silence, towels on the benches, etc.) and left their cups lying around everywhere'.

And:

'The spa area is nice but small. Many people were in the sauna wearing swimwear'.

So should of been forewarned?

Found

Bad Herrenalb, as the names says is a kurort. Wikipedia (translated):

Since 1954, Herrenalb has been able to call itself a climatic health resort. In 1964, a borehole at a depth of 600 meters led to a mineral-rich thermal spring. The thermal baths built as a result opened in 1971 and Herrenalb became Bad Herrenalb. The city has had the name suffix "Bad" since July 26, 1971.

More history.

A Schwarzwälder Bote article (Jan. 24, 2021) highlights Bad Herrenalb's Forest Shower:

'Mit Philipp Friedrich Weiß begann 1840 der Kurbetreib in Herrenalb. Er nahm sich dabei die Heilmethoden von Vinzenz Prießnitz zum Vorbild. Eine Heilanwendung wurde an sogenannten Waldduschen praktiziert. Bad Herrenalbs Bürger Michael Arndt hat nach intensiven Recherchen den Platz der Herrenalber Walddusche gefunden'.

A cold shower (fresh sourced water, 4-5C!) purposely constructed half an hours walk in the forest which was supposed to be enjoyed on a (bi-)daily basis for patients.

Comaprable?
Diese Darstellung aus dem Jahr 1836 zeigt eine Prießnitz’ schen Walddusche in Gräfenberg. Dort hat Vinzenz Prießnitz gewirkt. (Foto: Schwarzwälder Bote)

There's a six minute youtube vdo, explaining more.

The thermal baths (Siebentäler Therme) though were under renovation (until end of the year), maybe a good alternative to the included in the price wellness section of Schwarzwald Panorama. There's a kur center, basically a big meeting hall, with a drinking pavilion next to it. Here you can taste the waters.

Note that public transport (i.e. train/tram) serves the village well. It's a breeze to reach the station of Karlsruhe.

Venting

2026-04-01T22:01:00.002+02:00

shotsbyluke

The hot spring tour on São Miguel continues at Ponta de Ferraria, on the west coast of the island with @hayleybythesea. This one has hydrothermal vents in the ocean. Protected in a little cove of black volcanic rock. The water is actually HOT but then a wave of cool ocean water washes in and the mixing of water is incredible. No entry cost, so as you can see, it was busy. But once the sun set, people trickled out and it was super relaxing and peaceful as the light faded and the stars came out.
#hotsprings #azores

Another post.

Preciously devoid of anything concerning hot springs.

How so? Is this something that will continue in the future? Are hots springs out of flavour? Unworthy of the insta crowd? Not enough bizniz sense? Blase?

What I do have are a couple of links to stories making waves from the sauna culture. Quite a few actually.

And some photographic evidence of hot spring (culture). So, not all lost then.

Starting off with slightly older articles from I am a polar bear (?) Also slightly on the natural hot spring soaking biz, which this was intended for.

But Ms I am a polar bear has an inclination for those soaks run by business.

On Nov. 24 2025 she visited Spa:

'On the one hand, Thermes de Spa isn’t as exciting as some I’ve been to. It certainly doesn’t compare, attractions-wise, to Therme Bucureşti and its sauna area isn’t nearly as extensive as any of the ones I visited in Germany at the beginning of the year, although access is included here whereas it’s an optional extra at all of those. There’s a choice between a clothed and textile-free area for the sauna and steam room so you can satisfy your own sense of hygiene and public modesty. But the outdoor pool is good and the fact that no one under 15 is allowed in means it has much more of a serene feeling than you can possibly get when there are children around treating it like an ordinary public pool. Because it doesn’t have 10 saunas, 3 steam baths, a multitude of experience showers, hot pools, cold pools and everything in between, you don’t feel like you have to tick things off a to-do list and you can just relax. I was there for nearly eight hours and never found myself getting bored. I spent a lot of time in the outdoor pool, enjoying the contrast of chilly autumn air and warm water and trying out bubbling pools and benches and jets.
And besides all that, it just feels special to be at a spa in Spa!

Earlier that month (the 11th) she also visited the Therme București which she reports under the good, the bad & the weird.

The bad:

'It’s not a spa. I knew that going on, so that’s not a surprise. It’s a therme, which is something we don’t really have in English but from my experience of them in Germany and Poland, it’s a kind of waterpark with an optional adults-only sauna area attached. Don’t go expecting tranquillity and whale music here.
...
If you’re after authentic Romanian wellness traditions, this isn’t where you’ll find it. Yes, the water is natural geothermal water from a borehole (and extensively treated to remove calcium, sulphur, carbon and then ozonated, which is how its sanitised) but if Romania has any kind of longstanding bathing culture, this isn’t it.
...
So, is it overrated?
In my opinion, yeah, absolutely. Maybe it was just an excruciatingly busy day but I’ve been reading other blogs as I write this and I’ve seen the same opinion from other people more than once. Personally, if I ever find myself back in Bucharest, I will no doubt come back but if I’m looking for a nice therme experience, I’d rather go to Germany. Emser Therme was a lot smaller but otherwise more what I’d expect of a waterpark/sauna combi and it’s half the flight time (although I admit, it’s nowhere near as close to an airport)'.

healingis_hot

It’s 2025, of course I have my grandma take my newds at the hot springs. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Booming

What also pops up most often article-wise are those articles from the Anglo-Saxon language press. And their (lack of) traditions. Something with the algorithm?

We will start off with a report on the UK sauna boom. The Guardian (Mar. 20):

'The British Sauna Society now lists about 640 saunas – up from 540 at the start of the year – while a recent report predicted that the UK could become the world’s largest sauna market by 2033, outpacing even Finland and Germany.
...
A new study suggests the benefits of sauna use may run deeper. Analysing data from more than 1,900 UK sauna users, researchers found that regular sauna use was linked to improved physical and mental wellbeing, with the strongest effects reported by those who used saunas weekly and felt the greatest sense of belonging to a sauna community. It suggested that much of the benefit may stem from the sense of connection and shared ritual that develops among bathers'.

It doesn't mean it's all hunky-dory. The UK sauna scene revolves very much around pop-up sauna's. Which due to their success become permanent structures, expanding into successful (community) businesses.

In Wales, one of these will probably need to close, as administration needs catch up. So reports the BBC (Mar. 17):

'A seaside sauna business has been turned down for retrospective planning permission after residents complained about "naked and semi-naked people being visible".
Halsa Sauna in Caswell Bay, Swansea, has been operating since 2023 and is based in the grounds of a detached house.
An application submitted to Swansea council in August 2024 by an agent on behalf of the business's owner Gareth Davies has now been rejected on nine grounds, including concerns around noise and privacy issues'.

It's quite odd how the mundane news is sensationalized all over the UK as one issue seems to draw the most attention. With no proof. Insta's are all well covered ...

onlysergio_maspalomas [soaking in the south of Spain ...]

The Times (Mar. 21) helps out on this. They ask:

'Are Brits warming up to the naked sauna?

The author (who also noted the article above):

For years now I’ve been a frequent visitor to nations where sweating in a small wooden room is a traditional pastime — think the Nordics, Germany, Austria and Japan — where no one would dream of wearing swimwear. I’ve merely joined in, like the purist that I am, feeling all the more smug for it. But at home in Britain? It always seemed somehow against the rules. Until I heard the story of Halsa Sauna near Swansea …
...
While we have embraced the heat in the UK — according to the British Sauna Society, there are now more than 600 public saunas, up from 45 in 2023 — we have been slower to strip off. Abroad, nudity is part of the experience and swimwear is often banned.
Could it be that Brits are finally feeling bold enough to strip off?
...
There is scant evidence to suggest that going naked offers anything more than the usual sauna health benefits — improved circulation, blood pressure, stress levels and better sleep — but the experts and devotees agree that it is more hygienic. So why is sauna nudity still niche in Britain?
...
Sometimes, as in Swansea, the objections come from outside the sauna community. Kathryn Tyler, who runs Kiln Sauna on the beach in Falmouth, Cornwall, offers private hire and was happy for her guests to go topless — which many did — until the council sent out its code of practice to saunas in the area, reminding them that “appropriate bathing costumes” must be worn. “We’ve recently been advised by the local council that this [semi-nudity] isn’t currently permitted, which is something we must respect,” she says. “Culturally, we haven’t caught up with other countries but hope that, over time, perspectives in the UK may soften and evolve. Sauna culture carries such simplicity, it’s like returning to ourselves, and hopefully one day there will be space for that here, too.”

But whether they are warming-up remains unclear ...

Sauna culture is so mainstream it seems.

And on the other side of the Atlantic, there's seems the need to overdo this.

CNN (Mar. 4):

RECESS, which opened in September, is one of a new wave of businesses debuting across North America that are often called “social bathhouses”: venues reimagining saunas and other bathing rituals as not just a wellness experience, but also as a night out, a first date or a way to build community.
“There’s a possibility of meeting new people. There’s a high energy, or vibe. You can dance,” said RECESS cofounder Adam Simms, of the social evenings. “There’s just some beautiful connections to come out of that.”
..
The last decade has brought a global revival, including in Norway, where {Mikkel] Aaland spends part of each year. The resurgence is what he also calls a “long remembering.” In much of Northern Europe, that means tapping into existing practices, albeit with modern flourishes, like the design-forward floating saunas on the Oslo fjord.
Many bathing spots in North America — often serving an audience with little personal connection to the history of communal bathing — riff on traditions from elsewhere while also freely reinventing them.
...
As North American bathhouses have innovated, they’ve found fans — and plenty of critics. Some see the nightclub atmosphere as an unwelcome departure from more traditional experiences.
...
In half a century of studying global bathing traditions, Mikkel Aaland has met plenty of purists, too. “Not everyone’s going to be a fan of the disco sauna,” he acknowledged.
But Aaland likes much of the innovation he sees. He recalled a 2021 book by American artist Travis Skinner that recounts his construction of a whimsical mobile sauna resembling an anglerfish.
“It gets me excited when I see an artist throwing something like that in the mix,” he said. And he emphasized that blending human contact and bathing is far more than a passing fad.
“The social part has been an element of any bathing culture that’s lasted,” he said, whether it’s through quiet, shared contemplation or something decidedly more raucous. “It adds an important element to something that’s already really powerful.”

The B B C (Mar. 11), which notices these (sub-)trends:

This year's fast-growing spa trend isn't about pampering and relaxation: it's about contrast therapy and elemental experiences. Enter the brave world of Viking wellness.
...
I'm hardly the first to discover the benefits of this practice. Across northern Europe, alternating between heat and cold – often referred to as "contrast therapy" – has long been part of daily life. But in recent years these traditions have begun spreading far beyond the North Atlantic. Conde Nast Traveller even named "Viking wellness" one of its trends of 2026, citing rising interest in elemental bathing rituals rooted in Nordic cultures.

ladepechedumidi [Feb. 2026]

Un bain chaud dans une source naturelle et accessible gratuitement toute l'année, c'est un de nos spots préférés dans l'Aude. Voici les fameux bains doux de Rennes-les-bains, à 50km de Carcassonne.

Rulings

Further away.

From a month ago, on reddit, a discussion on sauna traditions around the world, but then focusing on Austria. Many comments. Not only on the Austrian sauna culture but also on that of other European countries. Comments such as :

'same in Germany'.

In Austria:

'When you enter an occupied sauna, the people there will be sitting in silence, on towels, and in such a way that none of their skin touches the wood. They will be naked, regardless of gender.
No bathing suits, no shoes, no iPhones, no headsets.
Usually, upon entering, no eye contact or greeting will be made unless you initiate it.
Silence in the sauna is expected, an unspoken rule'.

A report (SHZ.de, Mar. 10) from the German-Danish frontier. Are the sauna cultures different?

'In Deutschland ist die Sache nämlich klar: In die Sauna geht man, wie Gott einen schuf. „Textilfrei. Das ist bei uns die Regel“, sagt Christoph. Der Grund? Hygiene. „Man weiß ja nicht, ob die Sachen gewaschen sind.“ Außerdem gilt: Schweiß gehört aufs Handtuch, nicht in die Badehose und schon gar nicht auf die Holzbank.
In Dänemark ist das Saunieren oft eine eher bekleidete Angelegenheit. Und so kommt es hier und da in Deutschland – vor allem in der Grenzregion – schon einmal vor, dass die dänischen Gäste mit der Badehose in der deutschen Sauna sitzen.

The sauna users in Germany rest assured: Danes with bathers are diplomatically requested to shed these. Or leave.

Finally, the must have been very entertaining.

Schaffhausen24.ch (Feb. 25) of course looks at the sauna marathon which took place end of February. Eight hours to sweat at the 25 sauna's placed all over town. For the 2000(!) participants. Though only 2 managed to finish all stations:

'Apropos Schwitzen: Letztes Jahr erreichten 34 Teams die Ziellinie. Das war für die Veranstalter ein Grund, den Sauna-Marathon kniffliger zu machen. Und siehe da, nur ein Ehepaar hat alle Stationen in der dafür vorgesehenen Zeit besuchen können. «Der Weg ist das Ziel. Etlichen Teilnehmenden gefiel manche Station so gut, dass sie gar kein Bedürfnis mehr verspürten, weiterzuziehen'.

evalunabaldurs

RE WILDING
Learning to live in nature - or at least spending time without the comforts of modern society - is a great teacher. Nature feeds the soul. Its medicine.
I belive it also enables us to tap into our RAW essence - enhancing our connection with source, consciousness and life force of Earth.
Stepping into our wild nature we step into an unknown power - Energy.
Exploring your wilderness goddess,
your medicine woman,
reconnecting to something that has always lived inside you. Ancient.
Im on the path of reclaiming or integrating my wild authentic self.
My intention is to nurture my sacred feminine nature with reverence for Earth - and claim that power.
To do that i have to step out of the comfort zone more and more - challenge myself -
and return to a more natural state of being meaning spending more time in nature. Connecting with it. Living in the wild.
And nature is naked.
Lack of nature in your life will -
and i say will -
keep your lifeforce down.
It will increase or enhance all of western lifestyle diseases. Burnouts. Depression. Overthinking. Fears.
Along with bad diet and lack of movement.
To tap into your creation and live life alive -
raw nature is our medicine.
Free flowing water. Spirit of mountains. Moss. Rivers. Glaciers. Wild animals. Herbs.
Walk outside - see or swim in water or/and meet trees everyday - it will keep the sun in your heart.
And the mind calmer.
#nature #rewild #sacredfeminine #wilderness

Lasting

2026-02-16T20:24:00.003+01:00

harcort2020

Nicht der Beginn wird belohnt, sondern einzig und allein das Durchhalten #katharinavonsiena #caldasdereis #caldasdereisnatural #abinswarmewasser #schwefelbad #nakedinspain #jasministauchdabei #amendekommtdiebelohnung #muskelaufwärmen #vivalespagña #caminoday9 #entspannungamabend #belohnungmusssein #dubekommstdaswasdubrauchst #dubekommstdaswasdubestellthast🤪 #gaycaminodesantiago #aufdemjakobsweg #galizaisnotspain #galizaisdifferent #galizaisbeautiful

Sauna season in full swing. That means that hardly any soaking news. Just eye-candy.

We will start of with some general sauna news.

First off, from the other side of the big ditch. From Bloomberg (Jan. 16):

'Bathhouses are booming. The Altar and Lore Bathing Club are both opening in New York this year. The Community Sauna Baths is planning 20 locations in London by 2028, while groups Othership and Bathhouse will open a combined nine high-design locations in the US by the end of 2027. Spanish bathhouse and spa group Aire Ancient Baths, a longtime luxury player, opened a second Manhattan location and a Toronto bath in 2025, and it plans to open in Los Angeles in 2026. Therme Group, which develops massive facilities that can hold hundreds of people at once, recently raised €1 billion ($1.2 billion) to expand across Europe and is developing locations in Washington, DC, and Dallas.
The bathhouse trend, as one founder put it, is a new idea that is thousands of years old. In countries like Hungary and Turkey, baths and hammams have long been a part of everyday life. But in the US, bathhouses have more often been associated with old-school Russian banyas, Korean spas filled with grannies or places for cruising.
...
The New Sauna Wave, as the rise of social bathhouses is known, was gaining ground in Europe before the pandemic acted as a global catalyst. In Oslo in 2016 a group of Norwegian anarchists built a floating badstue out of a drift boat in a fjord (the cold plunge), knowing that they wouldn’t get permits to build legally. The sauna was public (it cost about $20 to drop in) and became so popular that the politicians who frequented it helped secure retroactive permits. The Oslo Sauna Association today operates 29 saunas, has 20,000 members and serves 300,000 visitors per year. (It’s now anarchist mostly in spirit.)
“People just needed something to be real and the total opposite of sitting at the screen or your cellphone,” says co-founder Ragna Marie Fjeld. Many people in Oslo live alone, and social isolation is a problem. Unlike neighboring Finland, the country didn’t have a social sauna culture, Fjeld says, and there weren’t a lot of public places where it was easy to strike up conversations with strangers.
Saunas fill a gap, like a cigarette break outside a pub might have, a time-limited shared activity that makes it simple to connect with total strangers. “In the sauna it’s very easy,” Fjeld says. “You can just say, ‘It’s very hot.’ ”

BBC also chimes in (Jan. 13):

'As saunas gain global popularity, a hypnotic offshoot involving theatre, music and towel-twirling known as "Aufguss" is attracting wellness-seekers across the world.
My fellow sauna-goers and I drip with sweat while a semi-nude man prances around the room with arms extended, twirling a white towel like a matador rousing a bull. The aromas of patchouli and grapefruit tangle in the cloth, and as oil-infused ice sizzles on the scorching rocks in the centre of the sauna, the exposed performer flicks and spins his towel, fanning hot steam towards our faces. We raise our arms, submitting to the power of the heat'.

Zooming in.

Travelbook have an overview (Jan. 23) of Germany's best wellness places to experience their textile free sauna culture. Includes 1 hot spring (Bad Wildbad). Good overview:

'Oft beschränkt sich in Schwimmbädern der Bereich, in dem man sich frei nackt bewegen kann, auf die Sauna-Landschaft – doch es geht auch anders. TRAVELBOOK zeigt 11 deutsche Thermen und Bäder, in denen FKK erwünscht ist.
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.
Angefangen bei textilfreien Abenden bis hin zu Thermen oder Bädern, die ausschließlich für Nudisten bestimmt sind. Für Unentschlossene oder Pärchen, bei denen einer FKK mag und der andere vielleicht nicht, gibt es auch Anlagen, in denen Besucher die freie Wahl haben zwischen textilfrei und Badekleidung'.

You might have to use translator ...

huumsauna

The naked sauna experience 🌿
In Estonia, going into the sauna 𝘢𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭 is quite common - especially when you’re among family, friends, or when men and women go separately. Of course, sometimes we’ll wear swimsuits (particularly in mixed-company or public saunas), but more often it’s just a towel… or nothing at all 🔥
Around the world, we’ve seen all kinds of sauna attire: swimsuits (very common), workout clothes, and even shoes (yikes!). However, we definitely recommend letting your body sweat freely, so skip the extra layers whenever you can. The less between you and the heat, the more authentic the experience - and your skin will thank you.
How do you prefer to sauna? Do people in your country usually wear swimsuits, towels, or nothing at all?
. . .
#sauna #saunalife #saunatradition #wellness #benefits

GB's Metro (Jan. 16) on an spa experience (in the UK):

'I had volunteered to spend my morning at Banya The Bath House, in London’s Belgravia, before really thinking it through. I’ve never lasted more than a few seconds in a sauna, nor have I ever been inclined to throw myself into the sea in order to feel ‘invigorated’.
...
I’m not quite sure what’s just happened to me, but I do know that I enjoyed it, and I’ll definitely be going back.
So, is it worth it? 100%'.

Marvel

Therme Erding is sort of a hot spring. But the news to share concerns their sauna set-up. Anyway, the Therme got new owners. But their users are concerned.

From / on Reddit (Jan.):

'My husband and I frequented the Therme regularly for 14 years (nude area). Also went there once with a hen party and once or twice with friends and family (slides area).
Over the years I recommended the place (nude area) to countless people because of its flair and atmosphere and despite the rising prices (because hey, everything everywhere is more pricey these days huh).
Well that ends now.
I highly advise everyone who’s planning on going to read the recent 1 star google reviews before they get taken down. It’s a shame what the place has become: profit over everything, families feel exploited and not safe because they let too many people in. Sauna customers feel robbed too: Kelo-Sauna (an absolute highlight) is (amongst other places) not part of the nude area any more. Also fewer possibilities too lie down and relax because fewer lounge chairs and all are either reserved or occupied.
If you heard people marvel about that place it most likely referred to the past. Do your research and my advice: don’t go. We might have a voucher left but I don’t know if I want to use it! I don’t think we will be back'.

Some of these 140+ comments:

'Unfortunately, I must confirm. Therme Erding went downhill fast after it got sold to Therme Group. Nude area getting smaller and smaller, while prices rise. Bonus program (stamp card) cancelled. Too many people; if you're not in the sauna 15 minutes before an infusion, there's no room left. 30-minute queue for the Banja and Keltenthronsauna'.

or:

'As others have pointed out, the management is changing things to maximize profit while ignoring the requests of their regular visitors. With our community at r/munichtechsauna, we visit spas regularly and can highly recommend Phönixbad nearby. In 2027, a new Vabali Spa is being built near Olching, and we have high hopes for that too'.

So the new owners need changes: the investment needs to be paid back asap.

Now even the INF have decided to step in:

'The International Naturist Federation (INF-FNI), working in close cooperation with the German Naturist Federation (DFK), has written to Therme Erding in Munich following reports that the world-famous spa and sauna complex is substantially reducing its textile-free (naturist) capacity in favour of expanded clothed areas.
In its letter, INF-FNI expressed concern that such changes represent a retreat from Germany’s long-standing tradition of Freikörperkultur (FKK), which has been an accepted and valued part of social life for decades. The Federation highlighted recent evidence from European surveys showing growing interest in naturism, particularly among younger adults, and underlined the cultural, social and wellbeing benefits of non-sexual social nudity'.

More on lesser experiences. The Stuttgarter Nachrichten (Jan. 14) reports:

Nach Alkohol und Pöbeleien setzt eine Therme in Brandenburg seit mehr als einem Jahr auf ein besonderes Sicherheitskonzept. Und sorgt damit bundesweit für Aufmerksamkeit.
...
Ein "biologisches Geschlecht" dürfe seither das andere um maximal 20 Prozent überwiegen. Anderenfalls erfolge ein "temporärer Einlassstopp für das überwiegende biologische Geschlecht", sagte Schauer. Vielfalt und Herkunft spielten dabei "ausdrücklich" keine Rolle, betonte er. "Seit wir das machen, funktioniert es sehr gut."

Other measures mentioned: groups of 3 or more have to announce their visits. Mind-boggling that these sort of measures are needed.

A quick update on the previous Eurosoaking post which noted how German law means all who partake in the German sauna culture can be filmed / photographed legally. The petition to demand change is at 71.000+ signatures; nearly double that of a month ago. And in an email (Feb. 16) the initiative takers share:

'Wir haben großartige Neuigkeiten: Dank über 65.000 Unterstützer*innen unserer Petition, konnten wir gleich drei Bundesländer (Niedersachsen, Nordrhein-Westfalen und Saarland) überzeugen, gemeinsam mit uns und dem innn.it Team eine Bundesratsinitiative zu starten.
🎉 Und auch Bundesjustizministerin Hubig (SPD) & Bundesfamilienministerin Prien (CDU) unterstützen unsere Forderung und haben eine Reform bis zur Sommerpause angekündigt – parteiübergreifend!
Unser Ziel: Sexuell motivierte, heimliche Nacktaufnahmen müssen unter Strafe gestellt werden!
Vielleicht hast du uns im Fernsehen gesehen? ARD, ZDF, RTL, Sat. 1, NDR, WDR… alle Medien haben von unserer gemeinsamen Pressekonferenz im Justizministerium in Hannover berichtet – der Raum war knackevoll!

So it looks like this is heading in the only way possible.

polnakuna

Magic

Then some more on European sauna culture

This from Germany Reddit (Jan.): what's it like? 50 answers.

Another Reditt discussion from January (Jan. 8), this on the European spa experience / culture. Experiences from allover Central, Northern and Western Europe. What happened to Southern Europe?

Reditt on Dutch sauna culture (Jan. 25):

'We’re not scared or ashamed of naked bodies at all, but where I’m from we just don’t go to saunas or wellness places fully naked. So the whole SPA + sauna thing in the Netherlands on a nude day is pretty new to me.
...
I’m going with a friend (also a woman) and I’m just trying to understand how to behave there without being awkward or rude.
...
From what I think I understand: you usually walk around wrapped in a towel. When you go into the sauna, you take everything off, put your towel down and sit naked on it. But is it also ok to stay wrapped in a towel inside the sauna, or is that weird/not allowed?

Answer:

'It’s a magical place for relaxation, safe, clean. And it’s a liberating feeling to be nude'.

Some more personal insight, but still staying in the Netherlands.

There are actually quite a few reels with the same sort of cultural clash.

An insta reel from safiyah_cooper (Jan. 6) on her experience in Amsterdam:

'Wasn’t I in for shock? This is a tradition here for the Dutch is to go into the sauna in your birthday suit I must say it was a no from me but each to their own it just gave me the shock of my life🫣😂'

With many comments. Including her own:

'I didn’t actually go in because I didn’t want to be the only one with a bikini on and I wasn’t comfortable to go naked so I gave it a miss'.

Then an experience from Austria. Pavlinasundrich (Feb. 12):

'Cultural practices around saunas, stream rooms and hotsprings regularly trip me up'.

How it ended?

'Got yelled at!

100+ comments, most: yes, naked is the (only) way to go.

Other Euro sauna culture.

Flip_estonian (Jan. 26) posts this question:

'Being invited to an Estonian sauna means you’re friends. Going in naked is normal, and the real magic?

60+ comments, if you're interested.

mark_waldron (Feb. 14):

'Would you get naked in this Event Sauna? 😅 It’s on the 4th floor of a spa as part of @neuhaus.zillertal hotel where we stayed a couple of weeks ago for our MOVE Winter Retreat.
The spa was pure luxury but this event sauna experience was something a bit different 😁
They’d have different themes each night, such as rock, classic ballads or love song!
The rest of this floor was great too though, loads of chill out areas and a veranda with a VIEW! 🏔️
More footage of this spa to come as there was so much to see and do!

Nearly 30 comments.

Ikaria, Nana to agrimi's blog

Ikaria Lefkada, naked thermal bathing in the sea

Finally, something different.

The winter months see some odder activities pop up. Skagen's Winter Bathing festival (wild sea swimming and sauna, just finished). Ikaalinen's sauna carnival (also just finished). Schaffhausen's Sauna Marathon (this weekend!).

Or this.

A Norwegian Film Festival (Nor-Way) took place in Berlin last month complete with pop-up sauna's / hot tubs before the cinema hall:

babylonberlin

COME TOGETHER
NOR-WAY
More than 30 Films from 100 Years
+ Gratis Sauna for all Films
15.- 25.01. Still 8 DAYS of the wonderful Norwegian Films

Grey

2026-01-26T20:51:00.000+01:00

ejlish

Vi gikk for den grå lagunen!✌🏿🐳 #niceland #heiturpottur #gjørmebadur #landbrotalaug #visiticeland #utno #eventyreneerderute

A new year, another sparse piece of news from Iceland. And a couple of wintery photo's.

Inspired by Iceland (Dec. 11) notes this exceptional piece of news:

'It has been said by Icelanders that if it were not for the abundant geothermal hot water on this island in the middle of the North Atlantic, there would be hardly anyone willing to live here. Indeed, the bountiful hot water is a blessing. It heats homes, provides electricity, and, perhaps most importantly, provides the water for Iceland’s iconic year-round swimming pools across much of the country.
...
In Iceland, the phrase “going for a swim” rarely means doing laps. More often, it means soaking, chatting, warming up, cooling down, and simply being together. This everyday ritual is so central to Icelandic life that in 2025, UNESCO recognized Icelandic swimming pool culture as part of the world’s Intangible Cultural Heritage, marking Iceland’s first-ever independent nomination to the list.

The Reykjavik Grapevine chimes in likewise (Dec. 11):

'In December 2025, it was confirmed that Icelandic swimming pool culture had been added to the UNESCO Intangible Heritage list'.

Good link to the original list.

homerbritta

Oh I didn’t realise there were some hikers behind me! 🤣. They should have sung or whistled to alert me 😎🤩😄. I don’t know what I would have done though. I didn’t even bring a towel to wrap myself in. Anyway! It was near a hot spring so the water was pleasantly warm 😎. #warmspring #dailydip #skinnydipping #spectators #happyplaces #iceland

Book Review time!

Reykjavik Grapevine (Dec. 9) is reviewing Sketching Bathing in Iceland by Rán Flygenring:

'The book is designed by Studio Studio, donning a book jacket that looks like a towel and holds a cheeky (literally) postcard. It presents sketchbook pages of Rán’s — with the edgings still on, seemingly freshly ripped out — depicting her experiences in different pools around the country, always documented right after the visit, while the memory was still fresh.
...
Rán explains bathing culture in Iceland to the uninitiated, emphasising its significance to residents, recommending pools, and teaching the rules. At one point, I ask Rán a bit more about what she hopes readers understand from the book, and she laughs. “I mean, we are dancing around the big thing: getting naked.”

edyta_orlicka

Coldest day of my life in the warmest circle
#winterocean

A new post here concerning Iceland nearly always coincides with a new flashy soak site opening it's doors. Travel & Leisure (Oct. 19):

'This summer, a new wellness venue, Laugarás Lagoon, will open its doors to those looking to enjoy the variety of water-based experiences in Iceland'.
Located in the southern part of the country, and approximately an hour outside of Reykjavík, the new wellness center is home to a variety of activities including what the property calls the “first cascading waterfall lagoon opening on The Golden Circle."

The Reykjavik Grapevine also reported on this (Oct. 16), mentioning that what T&L consider as this summer was in fact

'yesterday'.

entropialenta

Our time in Eden

The Times heads for the real experience (Dec. 31):

'Compared with the Blue Lagoon, Laugaras is significantly more modest in scale. Both are man-made, but Laugaras has a more tranquil atmosphere, a day pass costs from £41 rather than the Blue Lagoon’s £68, plus it is distant enough from the Reykjanes peninsula to avoid closures relating to seismic activity, such as those that took place from late 2023 to mid-2025.
...
Iceland has about 60 geothermal lagoons and spas, both natural and man-made, and with such strong competition, I can’t help wondering how Laugaras will fare in the future.
There are, admittedly, prettier lagoons and spas to choose from. The Blue Lagoon pulls in the punters with its mesmerising opalescent, silica-rich waters; Hvammsvik charms with its backdrop of sea, mountains and black sand; and Laugavallalaug compensates for its remoteness with a natural lake fed by a tumbling hot-spring waterfall.
Laugaras, however, plays a subtler hand to Iceland’s more famous lagoons. Intimate, and with that standout restaurant and its prime position on the Golden Circle, it will no doubt work best less as a destination and more as a calm, restorative full stop to an intense day of sightseeing'.

Google reviews notes (26 Jan. 2026) a 4.4, though with a few exceptions these are 5 star reviews.

evalunabaldurs

Ó náttúran.
Sem mikill náttúruunnandi - mæli ég eindregið með að nýta tækifærið og ferðast um villta náttúru landsins. Nakinn - eða í fötum 😉
With a few tourist around you get the feeling of being alone with the magnificent nature of Iceland. The raw beauty of this country - mountains, rivers, sands, hot springs, Waterfalls - is simply magical. Being as she created us- in the nude is freeing, playful, humbling - feeling the connection to pacha MAMA - mother Earth - the creation - con más fuerte.
#naturelover #meditation #iceland

Fiery

2026-01-12T20:42:00.000+01:00

healingis_hot
Fall at Fosso Bianco 🤍❤️‍🔥🤍 pt 1 — being here with just me & nonna , my photographer for life , was the greatest blessing on my trip to Italy this week. 💦 Healing in these hot springs with her was especially potent since she just got to the clear from cancer after 2 years of chemo.
Celebrating her birthday and the end of Scorpio season ~a fiery water sign~ ♏️ has been a dream come true.
These hot springs are free and usually popular in Tuscany. I’ve seen this entire mineral mountain — named Fosso Bianco or “White Whale” — covered in people enjoying. 🥰 So, visiting in the off season and in the middle of the week is a good bet to have some alone time with this incredible feat of nature.
Honor the waters by bringing an extra trash bag to your soak. 🙏I saw some beer bottles left along the mountain but these hot springs weren’t as trashed as many can get in America.❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

Again, an overview of what's topical on the European soaking scene. Which is preciuosly little.

So the bulk of sharing concerns some snippets from Europe's (mostly northern) sauna culture. And threats to that culture.

The Inews (Jan. 8) on when living in Rome, one baths (read soaks) in Viterbo, an hour and half from Rome:

'The water gushes from an underground volcanic spring called Bullicame and spouts from decorated stone mouths into the middle of the open-air pool, creating a gigantic jacuzzi. I’m not keen on squeezing into hot tubs with a crowd of other people, but at 2,000 square meters in size, that’s not a worry at Viterbo.
...
In the pool, I can feel my blood circulating faster in my legs and my heartbeat slowing down as my mind and body are cleansed. After a relaxing swim, I make my way in a bathrobe and flip-flops across the thermal park, which is dotted with sun beds and comfortable lounge chairs, to the grotto. This dark, underground cave is used as a natural steam room, which can apparently unblock pores and combat acne, rheumatic diseases, sore joints and some respiratory conditions. Even though, luckily, I have no health complaints, I breathe in the vapour-rich, dense air, which wraps around my lungs like a balm while sweat droplets trickle down my arms and legs'.

bagno_popolare

Alba Balmaseda @albalmaseda hat im Fachmagazin ARQUITECTURA Y AGUA 33 einen wunderbaren Artikel zu den Heissen Brunnen und der Tätigkeit von Bagno Popolare geschrieben! Link zum Artikel findet ihr in unserer Bio – Eng. Übersetzung am Schluss des Artikels.
***
Baden, Switzerland has a long-standing association with its thermal waters, which have been enjoyed for their healing properties since Roman times. However, the progressive privatisation of their hot springs has left the local population without access to public bathing facilities, culminating in the closure of the last municipal bathhouse in 2012. In response, the Bagno Popolare collective launched a series of urban activism actions to recover bathing as a collective practice, combining historical research, ephemeral interventions in public spaces, and negotiation with the authorities. In 2021, this process of temporary architectures was consolidated into a permanent project called Heisse Brunnen (Hot Fountains), which returned a free, open-air thermal water infrastructure to the area. Its design, based on full-scale spatial tests and the integration of thermal water as a common good, proposed an innovative model of urban bathing. This intervention redefined the relationship between the city, the body, and water, challenging the logic that water is a mere resource that can be privatised. This article analyses how the Heisse Brunnen project materialises water as a device for encounter through architecture, exploring the historical context, the initiators of the project, the consolidation process, the design strategies, the impact on everyday life, and its potential as a model for future infrastructures. The Bagno Popolare experience raises key questions about the right to water and the role of architecture in shaping water as a common space in the urban context.
***
Bild: Experimente in Baden während des Lehrseminars /Stadt Wasser Körper/, Lehrstuhl Städtebau und Entwerfen, Universität Stuttgart. Studierende: Pia Bahmer, Luca Buchholz, Lingqi Cai, Marie Grüniger, Gebhard Hack, Bruno Migliavacca Santos, Katharina Plankar, Isabella Rössler, Inga Schmidt, Romi Schnitzler und Mike Stricker.
📷: maik_stri

Concerning the above, also take a look at the article Balmaseda Domínguez, A. (2025) Heisse Brunnen, Baden y Ennetbaden, Suiza: El Agua Como Espacio Común - Proyecto, Progreso, Arquitectura - N33 (2025) Universidad de Sevilla.

From it's summary:

'This article analyses how the Heisse Brunnen project materialises water as a device for encounter through architecture, exploring the historical context, the initiators of the project, the consolidation process, the design strategies, the impact on everyday life, and its potential as a model for future infrastructures. The Bagno Popolare experience raises key questions about the right to water and the role of architecture in shaping water as a common space in the urban context.

Angels

Over to sauna culture.

Not often reports from Belgium. Bruxellessecrete (Nov. 11) on Belgium's premier sauna destination, Waer Waters. Translated from French:

'What makes Waer Waters unique in Belgium is its huge naturist area called "Re-Energize." It's a concept that's a huge hit in Nordic countries. Clearly, this space is designed for those who want to enjoy the benefits of a sauna in the truest sense, meaning naked . You can also relax in a large heated outdoor pool.

With winter hitting northern Europe hard this year (so it seems) suddenly practices of enjoying the cold and snow come to the fore. In the Netherlands there's a reportage from it's north, notably Zuidwolde. The Dagblad van het Noorden (Jan. 7). Translated:

'Normally, sauna-goers at Sauna Thermen Zuidwolde cool off in the outdoor plunge pool. But in these weather conditions, they're doing it in a completely different way: with a dip in the snow.
"It's really fun to do," says owner Erik Moes (57) from Meppel, laughing. He and Robbin van den Heuvel run the bathhouse in Zuidwolde. "We've actually always done this, not just because there's a lot of snow now. We're open all year round, and these weather conditions just make cooling off a little bit more fun."
Rain or shine, sauna-goers head into the outdoor garden without their swimsuits to cool off. There's plenty of laughter as they make snow angels together. The real daredevils even jump into the icy water of the pond. Winter fun is palpable. "The snow this week is actually wonderful. Normally, you cool off in an outdoor pool that feels almost as cold as the snow. It's a real revitalizer."
Sauna goers at Sauna Thermen Zuidwolde have a blast in the snow. Photo: Wilbert Bijzitter

Article was later copied by national paper AD (Jan. 7), but with different pictures.

Another country under-reported. From the Slovak Spectator (Nov. 21):

'It is not often one finds oneself naked, in pitch-black darkness, sweating among strangers. Wild jungle sounds and soaring Peruvian flutes echo through the hut as a man in a toga steps toward a raised bed of stones. He ladles water from a wooden bucket onto the rocks, releasing a wave of steam and earthy, woody, floral scents that swallow the room whole. This is the start of the “jungle” sauna ritual at the Aphrodite Spa in Rajecké Teplice, Slovakia.
...
Reflecting on the experience, it’s hard not to be drawn in by the unusual mix of theatrical luxury, natural thermal springs, and meticulous therapeutic care. The place invites you to give in — to the warmth, the ritual, and the sense that healing, even if temporary, is possible'.

Very much an advertorial to sojourn here. You could do worse.

The Inews reports on an experience of Sweden's Kallbad (Dec. 28):

'Positioned on the Øresund – the strait that connects the North Sea with the Baltic and separates Sweden from Denmark – Helsingborg is the Swedish cold bathing capital, with three bathhouses.
Each has a sauna or two, and the idea is that after sitting in the heat, the shock of the cold water will stimulate adrenaline and endorphins. The city’s annual Cold Bath Week is so popular that its sixth edition – starting on 28 January – has been extended to 12 days of bathing and sauna sessions'.

petra.svoboda

Spent the weekend in this amazing place @teepeeandspa and we are definitely coming back! #weekend #weekendescape #spa #naturespa #inthewoods #withbae #happy #teepee #hottub #collectingmemories❤️ #weekending #sauna #traveller #jetsetter #amazingplaces #backtonature #drinks #justustwo #czechgirl

Over to Ireland, another bulwark of sauna culture. The Irishnews (Nov. 23):

'Clothing-optional or nude saunas are becoming more popular in Ireland, but what does it feel like to get naked and sweat in a communal setting?

It's a very extensive article not only noting the experience but also sharing previous experiences concerning naked sauna use:

'I’m trying to listen, but my mind is nearly entirely occupied trying to learn this dance of mixed-gender social nudity. It may not require a degree in aerospace engineering to know the steps, but it is demanding the erasure of a lifetime of restrictions around men’s bodies and my own to be here'.

On a visit to Ribersborg (Sweden):

It was the first time in my life I had been in the company of nude women, and it occurred to me how very few naked bodies I have seen in real life and how freeing it might have been to grow up seeing scars, wrinkles, hair, weight on bones, as marks of the living, not the failing.
This feeling is backed up by research led by Keon West, a social psychologist at Goldsmiths University of London, who found that seeing real bodies, unaltered by technology, unfiltered through screens, helps to counter the negative effects of our visual culture, which advertises artificially altered bodies as the norm.
Yet there is inevitable tension telling anyone that I like to sauna without clothes; I feel it even while writing this sentence. It’s not normal, and so it is strange. People sometimes cite “Catholic guilt” as the reason they could never try it, yet Ireland’s own indigenous practice of sweat-bathing is a naked one.
Until the turn of the 20th century, neighbours, friends and spouses would strip off in fields and by rivers to crawl naked into stone sweathouses in search of cures from medical ailments. More than 300 of these sweathouses, or “teach allais”, are still standing around the country. They were part of people’s community infrastructure, and in the many recorded folklore accounts of people using sweathouses, nudity is not understood as transgressive but necessary to enter into these dark chambers.
...
We are naked, but it doesn’t feel like the most important aspect of what is happening. Together, we chat with a level of intimacy that goes beyond the minutes we have known each other. Shedding fabric, being vulnerable in a safe place, seems to allow for a shedding of social barriers.
Rosanna Cooney is author of Sweathouse: The New and the Ancient Irish Sauna Tradition, published by Irelandia Press

rosannacooney earlier last year (Mar. 31) on insta:

'I'm so happy to be able to share the cover of my book- Sweathouse: The New and The Ancient Irish Sauna tradition.
It's being published by @irelandiapress and is out the beginning of May 2025. It's been a labour of pure love from everyone involved and I still can't quite believe I got to write it'.

There's also some added discussion from the instagram post.

Due to Rosanna Cooney's publication, RTe (May 28) dedicated a radio item:

'Rosanna Cooney talks to Claire Byrne about what saunas mean to her, their importance in various cultures across the world and the forgotten legacy of sauna culture in Ireland.
...
"This is something that goes back much longer than the past 6 or 10 years that we’ve had sauna in Ireland. And so I started really digging into it and I went back to prehistory about 3,000 years ago."
Rosanna says she came across reports of ancient sweat lodge culture on the Island of Ireland, concentrated in particular areas of the country.
...
Physical evidence of Irish sweat lodges remains to this day, she says:
"Coming up towards pre-famine, 17th/18th Century, we had these stone domes that are still scattered around the country. You can still go visit them. You can crawl inside them, exactly where people would have crawled into them a few hundred years ago."

Finally, a personal account on German sauna culture from the viewpoint of an employee, this all on Reditt (Jan. 3). He/she contrasts habits from the US with what's usual affair in Germany.

'So, I think German Spas are kind of known around the world. The whole "Aufguss" technique comes from here and the mixed-sex, clothing-not-an-option rules seem to be mostly German'.

Outrage
And then we come to the less savory, the final section. Read and weep. And we'll sign off with the signatory French soak.

UK's Daily Mirror (Nov. 28) picks up on this the story concerning images taken in a sauna / wellness complex in Germany:

'The contradiction has caused national disbelief. Germany is known for its sometimes extremely strict privacy rules on CCTV footage, data storage and image rights — yet those protections fall apart the moment a woman steps into a sauna where everyone is naked.
Legal experts say the law is absurdly outdated, based on pre-smartphone definitions that no longer reflect reality. A 2008 ruling confirmed that a public sauna is not a “protected space”, and prosecutors still rely on that decision today.
...
Now, victims are fighting back. Marleen’s case has given fresh momentum to a growing movement demanding reform.
The outrage further escalated after one young woman Marleen Maxeiner posted a video online describing how she was ogled and followed by a man inside a sauna facility.
In an interview shared by the German broadcaster RTL, Marleen said she realised she was being watched and decided to stand up for herself. Her deeply personal account sparked a swell of support for her on Instagram, with thousands praising her for refusing to stay silent'.

A later article from Planet Nude (Dec. 2) sums it up:

'A new petition in Germany is drawing national attention to a legal gap that leaves people vulnerable to being secretly filmed while nude in saunas and public showers. Launched by Rebecca and Anne, the two women at the center of the case, the campaign urges lawmakers to amend § 201a of the German Criminal Code, or create a new provision entirely, to criminalize non-consensual nude recordings in semi-public nudity settings.
Their petition, hosted on innn.it and now signed by more than 30,000 people, began after the pair discovered they had been covertly filmed while naked in a sauna earlier this year. According to their account, the man who recorded them admitted to the act, and police seized his phone, which reportedly contained recordings of other nude women as well. But weeks later, prosecutors closed the case. The reason stunned them: under current law, a sauna does not qualify as a “protected space.”
That limitation stems from § 201a StGB, which prohibits unauthorized recordings that violate a person’s intimate privacy—but restricts that protection to places courts define as private, controlled, and shielded from outside view. Despite the deeply personal nature of nudity in German sauna culture, wellness facilities often fall outside that definition. As a result, voyeuristic filming may be morally outrageous yet still fall through the cracks of current law'.

The Petition has been signed by 38k+ by now. Lawlessness the current normal?

It can actually be worse. Weekend.at (Dec. 18) reports management action concerning some questionable incidents in the Salzburger sauna Paracelsus (see also Salzburger.at, Dec. 18). Translated:

'Specifically, more than 15 known incidents are mentioned. These include reports of swingers, exhibitionist behavior, and men allegedly staring at or harassing other guests. The allegations are causing considerable anxiety, particularly among female visitors'.

Also the same kind of incidents, but this time reported (Der Standard.at, Dec. 1) from Vienna has lead to many more being reported to the same news outlet (Der Standard.at, Dec. 16):

'An article about this incident prompted several further reports from women about masturbating sauna patrons and attempts by men to drive women away – in the Amalienbad sauna as well as in other wellness facilities in Vienna and elsewhere. The Vienna Baths Authority (MA 44) announced it would take action. "There is absolutely no tolerance for sexual harassment," said MA 44 spokesperson Susanne Mederer-Schäfer.
And indeed: When a male sauna visitor recently masturbated in front of women at the Favoriten indoor swimming pool, the supervisors and lifeguards alerted the police. The police arrived quickly and found the man still present: He was ordered to leave the Amalienbad. The Vienna police confirmed this sequence of events.
...
According to Kussyk, an important aspect of the police intervention at the Amaliensauna was that it wasn't the harassed female sauna patrons who were driven away, but rather the disruptive male sauna patron who had to leave the premises. The occupation of public spaces by boys or men, while girls and women retreat in fear, is a demonstration of male power. "This starts in school and often continues beyond that."
However, a number of younger women are apparently no longer willing to tolerate this. They are demanding their right to be safe from harassment, even in a mixed sauna. This is extremely positive. "It is unacceptable when women restrict their freedom of action out of fear of assault," says Kussyk. This also includes the advice to go to the sauna on International Women's Day – as was frequently suggested in comments on previous articles on the topic'.

imgonnashowuhow

Toda la verdad
Una verdad pensada no es una verdad. Tan solo se materializa cuando es verbalizada.
Pero si nadie te está escuchando sigue sin ser una verdad. La verdad, solo se convierte en verdad cuando es compartida: cuando otra persona, además de ti, la escucha, la lee y la integra.
Mi verdad es que quiero encontrarte, o por lo menos quiero dejar de sufrir por no saber dónde estás.
He aprendido a vivir sin ti pero aún cuando te apareces en recuerdos sigo teniendo el mismo sentimiento: estoy loca, profunda y completamente enamorada de ti.
Me niego a pensar que nunca más volverás; de ahí la raíz de mi insatisfacción.
Nunca fui buena soltando. Se me da mejor patalear y soy number one proclamando aquello de que la esperanza nunca se pierde. Pero asumo que a veces me hace más mal que bien.
Algo fue de X. En algún lugar se escondió, o tal vez está más cerca de lo que yo creo.
Tal vez no hay nada que buscar; simplemente debo enfocar bien y aparecerá delante de mí (?).
Sé que la vida es aniccā pero una persona con apego se rebota mil veces con aniccā porque para ella las despedidas son igual a caca de la vaca y los cambios son igual a ansiedad.
Y lidiar con eso sí que es FOREVER.
Debo confesarte que cuando te marchaste llegó otra persona. Enseguida me hice con ella, pues la sentí muy familiar desde el principio.
Aún estamos conociéndonos, descubriéndonos.
Me encantaría presentártela, creo que haríamos un buen equipo.
Sí.
Quién sabe.
Igual, algún día, somos 3 en la cama peleándonos por el mismo lado, y en la mesa, intentándonos sentar en la misma silla.
Quién sabe.

Vibes

2025-11-20T14:30:00.000+01:00

ane__5

Cuando te permites lo que mereces, atraes lo que necesitas 🩵
.
#nature #landscape #naturalpool #hotspring #clearwater #dog #mountaingirl #love #world_bestnature #instant_es #autumnvibes #perfect_capture #beautifulpic #wildlife #adventure #paradise #strong #travelling #natureshot #vegangirl #nomad #exploremore #awesomeplaces #lifestyle #bnw #earth_focus #photography #dream_image #picoftheday #📷

News and views on hot soak and assorted culture of Europe.

News from the hot springs.

Timeout Budapest on the Gellert baths news (Oct. 1):

'Spas are a huge part of Budapest’s cultural fabric – and the Gellért, a legendary art nouveau spa richly decorated with Zsolnay tiling, is one of the most iconic venues in the city.
However, as of today (October 1), you won’t be able to visit the Gellért until 2028, as the century-old spa – first opened in 1918 – is closing for three years of renovation. Reconstruction work will now run alongside the overhaul of the equally venerable hotel of the same name, which has been closed since November 2021.
The primary consideration in the project is the preservation of the historical heritage: the restoration of the art nouveau interiors, tiling and aesthetic appearance. In addition, sustainability and energy-efficient solutions will be introduced, by modernising the use of thermal water and heating.
According to plans, the changing rooms will be unified, and a new sunbathing terrace, a modern wellness area and panoramic garden sauna will be created'.

Over to Baden (Switzerland), where they celebrated Badsgemeinde 2025! ❤️ (source). Translated:

'On the 28th. & 29. In August we celebrated the first implementation of the Badsgemeinde on the Kurplatz, Baden. We spent the whole program in a temporary basin filled with fresh thermal water. The GV of the cooperative Bad zum raven was held, debated under the moderation of Monika Schärer, the future Bad zum raben auctioned by Simon Balissat @sigats and a poem by Simon Libsig @simonlibsig given to the best. At the end, there was a concert by Strello under the starry sky in Baden. ✨

yvisflowers

So many exciting things happening right now:
🪶we are in the final part of the build of our home in wheels (soon we will share more)
🪶we are soon moving to a new house… I lived here since I was 18
🪶a person that lives far away but that I love deeply is coming to visit very very soon
🪶we are attending an amazing festival this weekend (the festival cancelled due to weather forecast :(((, but it has been rescheduled for sometime soon 🌝🫶)
Honestly, our head has been in the clouds for the whole year, we cannot believe everything unfolding in front of us. 🤍
Open to everything that’s coming next.
Happy to share here more details soon 😆

Skai.gr has a vdo on the mud baths / hot springs of Krinides. There is the possibility to autotranslate the vdo.

Briefly: they want to extend the summer mud bathing season, earlier and later in the year (before mid-June and after September).

Whether or not it's only for the reportage, but clothesfree mudbathing seems to have been discontinued. Question mark. Note: recent photo's are less clothed (Sep. 24).

Staying with mudbaths. And vdo's. Nowness has a feature vdo (Aug. 25) on the mudbaths of Akhtala. Description:

'Travelling to Georgia, director Sasha Kulak observes the mud between the softly exhaling landscape, to the full-body treatments that transfer its restorative powers, for the short film The Great Mud of Akhtala. Against storytelling passed through generations and understanding shaped by engaging with this strange landscape, the short documentary captures the profound respect that connects the spa’s visitors and practitioners, seeking its healing mud to restore balance and wellbeing in accordance with nature'.

Vanlife: Il Bollore

Bagni di San Filippo Siena province Italy

Wandering Carol visits (and reports, Nov. 9) on Bath, UK's only thermal spring, though much of the attraction is due to the Roman remains of their original bath. It does though look like it's an original post, rehashed again. Very glowing all, suppose if it's all you have, then it must be very precious.

Earlier (Aug. 5), Carol also reported back from Baden-Baden.

feelgoodbathing

At 39°, waters enriched with minerals flow like liquid silk, wrapping the body in warmth while lush greenery surrounds every pool 🌿♨️⁣⁣
⁣⁣
Here, volcanic origins meet garden calm — a sanctuary where bathing is both deeply soothing and beautifully restorative.⁣⁣
♨️ Terra Nosta Park Hotel, Azores⁣

Suggested

Sauna business then.

A missed opportunity. Badstufest 2025 [Sep. 19-21] is a collaboration between the Norwegian Sauna Association and a group of sauna operators in Southern Norway [Arendal].

'The festival is a celebration of Norwegian sauna culture, but first and foremost a good excuse to gather people who really enjoy saunas, nature and good vibes for a hot autumn weekend by the sea'.

Not to be missed: International Sauna Congress 2026 (Sep. 24–26), in Oslo, Norway. Billed as world's largest sauna event. Without reference as to what marks it as largest.

A report (KW Magazine, Sep. 3) on a community sauna in the center of the Flemish city of Kortrijk. Translated:

The founders envision the space as more than just a sauna. "Dreaming and building a place where we can meet without class and freedom," they say. Their core values are clear: creating through connection, accessible, and open to everyone. The sauna grows with its community and must be able to stand on its own. The result is an eight-person infusion sauna, equipped with a plunge pool, cold shower, and a cozy atmosphere. Admission is pay-as-you-can, with a suggested price of five euros''.

Some sauna culture?

Vegoutmagazine has an article (Sep. 22) on experiencing a German sauna:

'The biggest shock isn’t the nudity; it’s what the nudity dismantles: your self-consciousness.
Ten minutes in, your inner critic is too sweaty to speak. Bodies blur into bodies.
Scars, bellies, boobs, flat, round, old, young—none of it matters. This isn’t a nightclub; it’s a human defrosting drawer. That modesty panic you anticipate? It drains away in the steam.
You will become very aware of your towel (good), your breathing (better), your heartbeat (hello, you), and—surprise—your appetite.
There’s always a café. And yes, there will be cakes, pretzels, soup, a beer or an apple spritzer, maybe a potato salad that tastes like your grandparents would approve.
Shock five: you will eat after being naked with strangers and feel absolutely fine. More than fine—normal, companionable, like you’ve been through a tiny, polite rite together.
My first time, I sat in a robe, hair wet and wild, dunking a pretzel into mustard, and felt… wealthy.
Not money wealthy. Nervous-system wealthy'.

huumsauna

In Estonia, we have a saying: “Naised saunas rääkisid,” which translates to “Women in sauna talked.” And it’s more than just a phrase.. It captures exactly how sauna encourages genuine connection.
Outside the sauna, conversations might stay polite, short, or even superficial. But step into the gentle heat, surrounded by calming steam, and suddenly barriers fall away. You’re relaxed, honest, and ready to share openly.
Beyond its many physical health perks - like better circulation, detoxification, and muscle recovery - sauna time significantly boosts our mental wellbeing. It encourages authentic conversations, strengthens bonds, and helps ease social anxieties and feelings of loneliness.
Sauna truly brings people closer 🤎
Have you noticed that sauna makes conversations flow more freely? 💬
.
#huumsauna #sauna #saunalife #saunatime #saunawisdom #saunatraditions #nordiclife #nordicliving #nordicstyle #saunaselfie #saunabenefits

An Irish experience (Irish Independent, Nov. 7) of an Austrian sauna experience. Which was naked. And this was repeated oft enough in the article. As in:

'And now, sloppy globs of shea butter are being ladled into my hands. As the only non-German speaker in the steam room, I’m not entirely sure why… until I see my naked brethren rubbing it all over their bodies. I follow suit, and we let it sink in before all leaping into the icy cold lake, modesty be damned'.

The Times concerns itself (Nov. 8) about the rules concerning taking a sauna. Because on the British Isles it's becoming a thing:

'Brits are finally catching up: the British Sauna Society counted more than 400 public saunas across the UK this year, up from 45 in 2023. If you’re a newbie, here’s what you need to know'.

Is it healthy? A(nswer): yes,
What makes a sauna good? ?
Naked? A.: it's common somewhere else ...,
How long? A.: fifteen- twenty minutes,
Cold plunge? A. a short dip is fine,
How hot is too hot? A.: depends.

A longer reference.

Starting with the French Naturisme magazine (Oct. 21) which highlights an article (in German) published by Swiss 20min.ch (Oct. 20) on the sauna divide through the country. Swiss but talking German: naked. Others: not.

Translated from French:

'20minutes specifies that "in German-speaking Switzerland, nudity is part of an authentic spa experience and people are less prudish. In addition, saunas and hammams are very popular, especially urban couples under 40. In French-speaking Switzerland, on the other hand, aesthetics, architecture and light take precedence. Well-being is less about sweating and steam jets, but more about massages, perfumes and design, the study concludes ."
...
For its part, LeMatin notes that "Nationally, more than half the population feels uncomfortable in the presence of naked strangers. In German-speaking Switzerland, however, this barrier is much less pronounced: for many, nudity is an integral part of the authentic spa experience. In French-speaking Switzerland, on the other hand, the need for privacy and discretion prevails."
In France, if the survey were done…nudity would not win, the fear of “exhibitionists” in saunas means that the vast majority of establishments offering saunas require the wearing of swimsuits.

The original article (by 20min) has 180+ comments, mostly echoing the article which itself is based on a questionaire by Baden's Fortyseven.

_lydia.selenofilia

𝑆𝑖 𝑎𝑚𝑎𝑠 𝑙𝑎 𝑛𝑎𝑡𝑢𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑒𝑧𝑎,
𝑒𝑛𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑟𝑎́𝑠 𝑏𝑒𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑧𝑎 𝑒𝑛 𝑡𝑜𝑑𝑎𝑠 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑡𝑒𝑠..
𝙎𝙤𝙮 𝙁𝙖𝙣 𝙙𝙚 𝙡𝙤 𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙢𝙚 𝙙𝙖 𝙋𝙖𝙯 🌿⛰️💚
#AlmaLibre #NocheEstrellasBañosTermales
#disfrutona #librecomoelviento #MeEncanta

Honours

2025-09-22T12:59:00.004+02:00

The small German border town of Epe has the honour of having a higher than average rated public sauna complexes. Though the size would curtail the thinking in terms of complex. It's not really big, more compact.

Higher rated?

Google notes 4.5 stars (1142 reviews), most reviews in German with just a few exceptions, those from the Netherlands. There are some negative comments concerning temperature of both inside and outside pools.

Tripadvisor reviewers (50) are less enthusiastic: 4.3 stars, though not that many recent reviews.

Facebook doles out 4.6 stars, with the page having 6000 followers; cant actually read what this means.

Yelp's 2 reviewers meet midway between 4 and 5.

Elsewhere the Dutch language website Blootgewoon rates it 9.8 out of 10, but only based on 3 reviews. Likewise Dutch naturismegids, dishes out a perfect but singular reviewed 10.

Odd though that there's otherwise precious little info available. Is the internet shifting from content to just dishing out a couple of handles to make life less complicated?

Offically called Saunapark Epe, it's located 5 km from the Dutch border in a retail / services area.

Entrance is €34,90 or €29,50 for 4 hours. Note on weekends there's a €3 surcharge. The owners themselves note there's no need to make a reservation for entrance only. In practice, it wasn't that busy (weekday, first week of September).

The sauna park has 2 pools (unheated outdoor, heated indoor), a steam room a variety of sauna's, even up to 120 degrees (too hot to handle).

Every hour there was an Aufguss, the ritual not so special, though the technique was excellent, only just bearable combination of heat and humidity.

The restaurant starts from 13:00, good choice (for vegetarians), service excellent, huge portions of cake.

My marks would be 8.75, a nice place.

Mushrooms

2025-09-21T15:40:00.001+02:00

blende_eins_zwei_photography

#model#picture#photographer#photoshoot#fotoshooting#fotografie#fujifilm#fujifilm50r#Iceland#availablelight#icelandtravel#nude#bwphotography

Over to Iceland. What's hot? Or what not / too hot even.

Anyway the Reykjavik Grapevine (Aug. 7) gets us on the way. Supposedly bathing culture on Iceland is changing:

'The new generation of sleek, luxurious spas that have mushroomed around Iceland are something else again. A product of opportunism — both in taking advantage of the tourist boom, and putting Iceland’s plentiful geothermal water to use — they offer a different, fancier kind of bathing. They have warm rainfall showers with the herbaceous scent of Sóley toiletries hanging in the air, coal-fired saunas with widescreen windows, and powerful shoulder-massaging torrents to work out muscle knots. They’re quieter, and pricier — more like going for a tasting menu than popping into your local diner.
“For a town of 2,000 people to suddenly have a luxury spa on their doorstep is surely a good thing.”
These spas are a lurch away from the down-to-earth nature of Iceland’s pool culture — but they aren’t enjoyed by tourists exclusively. At the lush, wooded Forest Lagoon in Akureyri, I heard more Icelandic voices than English, or Chinese, or German. By the same measure, GeoSea in Húsavík — with its saline water and undulating infinity edge looking out over the ever-changing weather of the Skjálfandi bay — seems as much of a hit with locals as visitors. For a town of 2,000 people to suddenly have a luxury spa on their doorstep is surely a good thing — and it’s not like the town pool is going anywhere.
...
The wave of new spas — and particularly those with a more rustic edge, like Flúðir’s Gamla Lauginn — also come after a period of increased interest in wild bathing. That is, the classic experience of following questionable directions to an obscure, barely-there parking spot, and hiking towards a promising plume of steam a kilometre or two away; testing the water with a toe, hanging your clothes on a tree branch, and just hopping in.
Natural hot pots have a very special kind of charm, but the vast increase in tourist traffic over the last decade has kinda killed the vibe. The last thing you wanna see when you get to a prospective hot pot is a row of five gleaming rental cars'.

A Facebook follower of Reykjavik, Iceland Travel & Vacation asks (Jun. 17) if there are any hot springs where you can go au naturel, which I'll regard as question to local bathing culture.

Seventy six responses, anything worthwhile between them?

Topless is allowed everywhere
Maybe
Used to
Why?
You need to shower naked? (31 answers ...)
Not in public facilities?
Japan

This fits in neatly here.

MBL.is (Aug. 20) draws attention to the fact that sauna visitors in the town Gufunes walk around the villages pier naked. Some translation:

'According to her [Hafdís Hrundur Gísladóttir owner of Rjúkandi gufu] people try to be careful when it comes to the situation and do not intentionally show their nudity, even though they do wander naked outside the steam room.
"These are just adults trying to be polite if others are there and covering up when necessary. This is not sexual and there is no dogmatism involved," says Hafdís'.

Ohm

magda.moerli
natural spa day - Iceland edition
#hotsprings #iceland #coldweather #steamyviews #toohottohandle #toogoodtobetrue #natureiceland #naturaljacuzzi #icelandtravel #icelandroadtrip #visiticeland #hotandcold #souljourney #bodymindsoul #wellness #ohhmvibes #holisticheaven #recharging #beautifuldestinations #spaday #hiddengemsiceland #hiddengems

We over to the section, list your favourites or not.

Rachandlaurexplore posts (Aug. 8) a reel on instagram with the following info:

'✨ Rapid ranking all the hot springs I went to in Iceland ✨
There are SO many hot springs to choose from in Iceland. We definitely recommend visiting a few on your visit there! Here’s how they stacked up. We mostly drove around the south so these are all from the south!
disclaimer* this is just our opinion, if you felt differently about one of these that’s okay!
Hrunalaug: SO peaceful!! Situated in a cool secluded spot. You do have to pay an entry fee.
Reykjadalur: a hot spring in a stream??! Iconic. It’s an hour hike to get here but that doesn’t stop crowds from coming. Still, it’s worth a visit! There’s a few for parking in the lot below.
Seljavallalaug: favorite hot spring in Iceland! A short hike from the parking lot, it’s secluded and surrounded by beautiful mountains…. And it’s donation based!
Sky lagoon: the “alternative” to blue lagoon. In our opinion, it’s almost the same price and lacks the iconic blue color so we’d opt to just do blue lagoon. It’s a more luxury experience so it’s $$$
Secret lagoon: the oldest hot spring in Iceland! It is a stop on a lot of tours so it can be very crowded. It was around $34 usd for our visit
Blue lagoon: it’s famous for a reason and you should go, but just know it’s going to be touristy and that’s okay! Definitely the most expensive spot on this list'.

UK' s Express (Jun. 22) notes how enjoying a soak or two, need not to cost you much / anything?

'If you're willing to go off the beaten path a bit or to places that are maybe not as glamorous as some of the more luxurious options available, you can have a great experience while still saving your hard-earned. Not only is there the prospect of saving money but you will also go through something that many other tourists miss as they travel with the herd and sacrifice their cash for convenience'.

Icelandia (Aug. 19) on other secret hot springs; other than the Blue Lagoon that is. Of the 12 mentioned, only one or two are non-commercial; so much for secretive. Important:

'Lastly, either within a complex or out in the countryside, it’s important to conserve the surrounding nature. Be careful to stick to marked paths or trails where applicable, and always take any rubbish with you when it’s time to go'.

E(n)dge

lorncache
At the edge of the world, there's a pretty epic geothermal swimming pool. Few people make the crazy drive out here which means we got it all to ourselves. .
.
#iceland #wanderlust #westfjords #strandir #strandircoast #krossneslaug #nordurfjördur #edgeoftheworld

Some visit reports.

The Reykjavik Grapevine (Aug. 4) reports on a visit to the Westfjords and enjoying the Krossnes soak.

'Driving through this beautiful, untouched landscape, it’s hard to imagine what could make the day better. But there’s one thing that can: a visit to a pool. And not just any pool — this one has been on my list since 2022, when I interviewed Jón Karl Helgason, director of Sundlaugasögur (Swimming Pool Stories), a documentary about Iceland’s bathing culture.
For the film, Jón travelled around the country multiple times, visiting every single pool. When I asked him which one stood out, he didn’t hesitate: “Krossnes is beautiful. When you’re in there, you can see the horizon, the ocean — and feel like you’re alone in the world.”
Krossneslaug lies at the very end of the road. If you want to continue north from here, you’ll need to either walk, drive a jeep, which will only take you a couple of fjords more north, or go back and take a boat from Norðurfjörður — the last place nearby where you can stock up on food or grab a bite at the small restaurant, now run by Hotel Djúpavík. Last year, I almost reached the goal of visiting this pool — only to find that the pool was drained when I arrived. (A quick note: there’s a mud football championship in the area every Verslunarmannahelgi (always the first weekend of August), and after the matches, muddy footballers head straight to the pool to relax. This usually means a day or two of closure for cleaning and maintenance.)
This time, luck is on my side. The pool is open, and a friendly Kristín greets me at the cash register. She spent the last few winters in Austria, but Strandir somehow pulled her back. “I heard there are young farmers who recently moved to the area. Do you happen to know them?” I ask. Kristín laughs, “Oh yeah, those are my parents.”
Krossneslaug turned 70 years old last year. For decades, it has been a vital part of the region — a place where local children learned to swim. These days, two hot tubs warmer than the pool have been added. But it’s really the view that steals the show: a dramatic cliff on one side, and an endless stretch of ocean on the other.
There are a few people in the pool, and we exchange some small talk. One of them teases another, saying that only crazy people live here. I’m not sure about that. But if “crazy” means soaking in the pool with this view every day, they’re not mad at all'.

Tophotsprings on Hrunalaug (Jul. 7):

'A hidden gem in the Icelandic countryside – Hrunalaug
A private little hot spring tucked away in a charming rural setting. Quiet, peaceful, and full of character.
The water? A couple of degrees too cool for our taste, but still a magical experience.
Perfect for a short soak surrounded by nature'.

Finally in related affairs, the Reykjavik's Grapevine (Apr. 28) reports:

'Icelanders’ love for hot tubs shows no signs of cooling, with sales seeing a significant jump this year. According to RÚV, sales have risen by 10% year over year, while some manufacturers report even sharper increases.
At Heitirpottar.is, managing director Ari Steinn Kristjánsson says the company experienced a record-breaking Easter Sunday. “We sold nearly 200 hot tubs in one day. There was incredible traffic, the most high-energy day I’ve ever experienced — total rush,” he said.
Trefjar, another major hot tub producer, reports a 35% year-on-year increase. A company sales manager notes that, “We Icelanders are big hot tub lovers, and we feel great in our hot water. But I think the recent increase might also be due to the good weather and our optimism for a great summer.”

hovor.jirka
West Iceland

Upcoming

2025-08-24T16:11:00.003+02:00

quellachesifasoloselfie
••Un weekend alla ricerca di neve fresca e acqua calda••
#quellachesifasoloselfie
#myfavoriteseasoniscoming
#bagnidipetriolo
#toscana
#pontedellimmacolata#termenaturali

You would expect that in the summer with everybody out and about, that there would an enormous amount of soaking related news to share.

But not so the case, so it seems.

Most impressive newsbit, is this from viterbonews24.it which reports (Aug. 2) on the reopening of the Bagnaccio therme, after 3 years of the apparent (?) renovation. Translated:

'After more than three years of closure, the Terme del Bagnaccio , one of the iconic outdoor wellness destinations in Tuscia, is officially back open . This morning, Saturday, August 2nd, the renovated thermal park on the outskirts of Viterbo was inaugurated with the traditional ribbon-cutting ceremony and the return of bathers to the four steaming natural pools, surrounded by lush greenery'.

Not much renovation it seems, more a time-out to get the legal side of the business accordingly.

Whatsupmedia also reported (Aug. 4):

'The spa closed its doors in May 2022 due to issues related to the revocation of the mining concession. The reopening was possible after a long and fraught process, after a new company, Rise Srl, was awarded the sub-concession and the necessary inspections were carried out by the Local Health Authority to verify the sanitary conditions and the functionality of the facilities'.

A week later (Aug. 9), the same source reflects on the commencement of operations:

'To assess the situation, Viterbonews24 visited the site. Since morning, the parking lot was full, and there were about ten people waiting in line at the ticket counter: clear signs of appreciation for the spa, which continues to offer a one-of-a-kind experience, combining the rustic charm of natural hot springs with a welcoming atmosphere'.

_antonio_angri
#sorgeto #ischia #baiadisorgeto #sorgentetermale #termenaturali #campania #regnodelleduesicilie #suditalia #southitaly

Pearl

Usually French website, Nature et sourcechaude, has compiled his soaking experiences on Pantelleria, in English (Aug. 21):

'In fact, the island of Pantelleria, which has no shortage of elegance, is a spa with a wide range of natural thermal treatments. During my stay of a few days, I invite you to discover the thermal wealth of this island of volcanic origin, nicknamed ‘the Black Pearl of the Mediterranean’.

The Guardian (Aug. 20) on some of the hot springs on Ikaria (Greece), simultaneously letting out the secret:

'There are no signs to the hot spring, but I locate it on the map and we drive to the end of the paved road. Overlooking the sea is a stone bench someone has dedicated to her parents, “with gratitude and love as deep as the Aegean”. My dad died recently and the words strike home. I’m glad my mum has joined me on this little adventure.
We walk down to the deserted cove at Agia Kyriaki thermal springs. There are old fishing shacks with stone-slab roofs, and shuttered cottages. Down an unmarked path, we find a rock pool where hot waters bubble gently from the sand, blending with the sea to a perfect temperature. Immersed in the healing mineral bath, I look up at juniper trees and blue sky, lulled by lapping waves and cicadas'.

borras_family on Ikaria

sources d'eaux chaudes naturelles dans la mer.

In Hungary plans are underway to renovate Hèviz. Hungary Today (Jul. 10):

'Lake Hévíz and the high-quality health facility built on its shores welcome around one million guests from all over the world every year. This is an institution and piece of infrastructure that is extremely important not only for the region but also for the country as a whole, and one of its lake structures had to be closed in the spring for structural reasons'.

Μαρια Κολτσακιδου (Jun. 5):
Εδώ στον καταπράσινο κάμπο των Φιλίππων ανάμεσα σε λεύκες, πλατάνια, καλαμποκιές και ηλιοτρόπια με θέα το Παγγαίο όρος και το αρχαίο θέατρο Φιλίππων, εδώ ακριβώς που έγινε η μάχη των Φιλίππων το 42 πχ μπορείς να βουτήξεις μέσα σε ιαματικό πηλό να γειάνουν οι πόνοι σου και να ομορφαίνεις.

Think Geoenergy (Jul. 3) on new geothermal plans in Croatia, including enjoying a hot spring:

'With a geothermal resource in the city of Bjelovar, Croatia now confirmed, the city is investing on a thermal spa facility that is expected to boost spa and wellness tourism in the region. Through the use of geothermal water and heat, as well as a photovoltaic power plant, the future Terme Bjelovar facility will be the first energy-independent thermal facility in Croatia.
...
The thermal spa complex will have a gross area of 13,000 square meters. It will have seven pools, including an Olympic-sized pool. The spa will draw water from a shallow geothermal spring, and will use heating and cooling from the deeper geothermal source. Terme Bjelovar is expected to be completed by March 2026 and will open by June of the same year'.

World Thermal Springs (22 Aug.), translated:
Bosnia and Herzegovina and thermal baths. To the south of Banja Luka there is Banja Vručica or Srpski toplice, where warm waters flow out along the river's edge. You can swim in natural caves among the rocks or in small artificial pools on the shore. Free.
There is also a modern building with a thermal pool, but the photos are only from the outside.
Locals even arrange thermal pools in their homes. I photographed one such pool. Mineralization 550-580 mg/l, pH 6.4-7.2. Temperature about 30 degrees. #bosniaandherzegovina #thermalspringsoftheworld #wordthermalsprings

Sceptics

Once more, the Guardian (Jun. 19), this on urban swimming:

'When the sun is shining in Norway’s capital (and even when it’s not), swimmers plunge into the salty fjord from packed floating saunas and the city beaches are full of paddling toddlers. It is difficult to believe that the waters around Oslo were not always like this.
Until an enormous cleanup process that began in 2006, decades of industry mistreatment, runoff from the city and waste dumping had left the inner Oslofjord heavily polluted.
But after multiple remediations of the seabed, the removal of contaminated material from the harbour basin and the introduction of a huge water and wastewater project, completed in 2015, today it is an urban swimming paradise.
...
The radical turnaround is perhaps best exemplified by Oslo Sauna Association’s 26 floating saunas across seven sites in the city.
Formed in 2016 by diplomats from the ministry of foreign affairs’ ice swimming club, it now has a membership of 18,000 and is pretty much fully booked from 7am until 11pm from October to April. Last year 260,000 people visited their saunas, which are accessible for both locals and tourists who swim-sauna-swim-sauna on repeat for as long as they can.
The turnaround has transformed the city, said Ragna Marie Fjeld, the association’s secretary general.
In the beginning, she said, entrepreneurs and politicians were sceptical, fearing properties near the saunas might lose value as a result.
“But now they all beg us to come to their new building projects because this is something they want,” she said. “You could say the tables have turned.”
Currently the water temperature is about 14C but in the winter it dips to zero and in the summer it gets up to 20C. “A lot of people I talk to say the saunas have made Oslo much cooler and made it the city they want to live in. Part of what makes Oslo great.”

nik_by_the_sea

Valentines Day Beach Sauna & Sea Dip 💖🥰💘❤️💗

More Anglo Saxon views on European sauna and bathing culture. The Daily Telegraph (Jul. 19):

'As a Briton, I feel I have much in common with my Scandinavian cousins: an endurance of long, cold, grey winters; a love of thrillers; a passion for wild swimming and saunas. In the course of researching two books on sauna culture, I’ve spent years sweating it out around Estonian lakes, and in hotboxes on windswept Norwegian archipelagos. Generally, when enjoying these activities I’ve been wearing a swimsuit – and this is where any similarities to our Nordic neighbours end.
...
Through my work, on research trips around Northern European cultures where nude bathing is the norm, I have had to confront my body issues; I have been in situations where being the only swim-suited one feels out of place. I have had to dig deep not to be the stereotypical British prude. I’ve been told to remove my sarong in a 200-person naked sauna event in the Netherlands, and come a cropper in a smoke sauna in southern Estonia where no-one ever wears clothes.
...
Sauna culture is playing into it too, as quirky horseboxes, pop-up tents and cosy barrel saunas provide places to sweat on beaches, lakes and rivers everywhere from Crieff to Cardiff. In the nine months I spent travelling around the country, researching these new hotspots and sharing the bench with athletes and recovering addicts, builders, barristers, mums and teens and pensioners, I came up close to the complex relationship the British have with our own – and other peoples’ – bodies. I met bathers who wear wetsuits, leggings and sweatshirts in the sauna – anything rather than nothing – and I’ve been to “clothing optional” sessions where everyone is naked. Often these are started by the community and evolve organically'.

juliawyshenka

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.
.
#pyrenees #pyreneesorientales #sourcechaude #sourcechaudenaturelle #naturelovers #mountains
#rivieremontagne #photography #photosouvenir

Activated

2025-06-06T14:43:00.006+02:00

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

Londerzeel

2025-05-13T14:36:00.000+02:00

Centrally located in Belgium, between the cities of Antwerp and Brussels, the Thermen of Londerzeel are located in a quiet and green area.

Owners have also manged to enhance the spaciuos domain with quite a bit of greenery, enhancing the attractive setting.

Having been to quite a few wellness centers in western Europe, this is not always a sinecure. Cement and steel are always more apparent.

One minor point is that the way there follows quite a few smaller and quieter lanes, maybe a good thing, getting into the right frame of mind, etc..

The entrance and parking to Thermen Londerzeel could always be better / more obvious.

Probably at a more busier time, the entrance formalities might have taken more time. Now then we breezed past the entrance deesk.

The locker rooms have seen better times, not the best intro.

However, the facilities themselves are quite overwhelming. Not really helpfulk, there's no overview / map.

Two steam rooms, 8 sauna's, an indoor pool and jacuzzi, an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

Infusion sessions take place every hour, as usual there's quite some demand (ours saw nearly 50 clients), though there might have been space for more.

The entrance fee (May, 2025) was a hefty €44,50, making it one of the most expensive wellness destinations in Belgium. Burt was it worth this?

Well let's first look at what others say.

Foremost, google 4.5 stars (2000+ reviews), an English excerpt

Jackie Giusti
5/5
Beautiful space, but discreet from the outside-Never would know it's a thermen spa passing by. Friendly staff, no English though or signage. Fully nude, no clothing option anywhere. Very scenic or themed areas. Decent variety in types of rooms which include: TWO hammams, two large jacuzzis, 8 sauna-panorama/4 outdoor/aquarium/gorgeous forest scene/plain indoor, infrared, 4 cold plunges, cold indoor pool and somewhat warm outdoor pool, hot/cold"Roman walks" (don't know proper name). It's a great wealth of offerings. Several of the sessions are very nice. Intensity of sessions not as hot as spas in Germany, but at least still a good variety of hot and cold. The dark outdoor cabin sauna was generally good to just go to, but for the heat session, think there was too much firewood because I definitely got a heat rash from the sitting on the bottom steps. The indoor hammam is WELL steamed with spots both for sitting and laying! Don't have to wait for 15min before a session to get in line, which felt much more relaxed. Incredible spa products to sample as well. Picturesque dining experience for those that want to eat for longer stays!

Tripadvisor notches 4.6 stars (50+ reviews), Facebook ranks it positive (1100 reviews) while booking.com (which includes hotel/overnight stay) 9.0 (800 + reviews).

More specialist. Dutch language site Blootkompas rates it with 9.4, while naturismegids comes to 4,5 stars.

So th gis it's not too bad.

My marks are 8.75, leaving it with scope for improvements.

Worrisome

2025-04-25T22:09:00.000+02:00

anskupo

Ehkä yksi maailman upeimmista paikoista. Näin talvella ei ketään muita missään.🤍
Lilluttiin kuumassa kuopassa, erämaassa keskellä ei mitään, vuorien ympäröimänä.
L O V E L O V E!
Islanti vaan on.🇮🇸🤍

An Icelandic special. To rid oneself of a number of saved links.

Wellandgoodtravel (Apr. 1) has some assistance in searching for the possible elusive hot spring:

'TRYING TO FIGURE OUT WHICH HOT SPRINGS TO GO TO IN ICELAND?
You’re in luck—I love hot springs and saunas, and when I went to Iceland, I sought out the best. I visited 12 of its geothermal bathing locations in 12 days.Now, there are 60+ hot springs in Iceland. Some are organized spas, some are VERY rustic natural springs, and some are hard to get to'.

The Reykjavík Grapevine (Apr. 13) on the history of Iceland's (swimming) pool culture:

'Having opened to the public in 1937, Sundhöll Reykjavíkur is Reykjavík’s oldest swimming pool. Like so many of Iceland’s iconic buildings from the first half of the 20th century, it was designed by state architect Guðjón Samúelsson, but the project was initiated by Progressive Party MP Jónas frá Hriflu. If anything or any place can be pointed to as the origins of Iceland’s swimming pool culture — something that finally got Iceland on the UNESCO heritage list last year — it is this particular pool.
In the early 20th century, Icelanders built swimming pools all over the country — at least, anywhere that ample supplies of hot water could be procured. And then they built swimming pools where supplies of naturally hot water were not to be found. The result of this is that almost every single suburb of Reykjavík and every single small town outside of Reykjavík, has a swimming pool. This begs the question: why?
Well, as may now be obvious, the fact that Iceland has incredible amounts of hot water is not the exclusive reason for the pools, though that is helpful. The real reason is that very few Icelanders knew how to swim in the 1920s. That’s not a good thing for a country that counts fishing among its major industries. This meant that every year, very many people drowned, often in situations where simply knowing the basics of swimming would have been life-saving.
Hence, in 1927 the Icelandic parliament passed a law making swimming lessons mandatory for all schoolchildren. Given the climate in Iceland, it thus became urgent to build warm water pools in which to hold lessons, lest every Icelandic kid would catch pneumonia.
The sudden abundance of soothingly warm swimming pools in an otherwise harsh climate resulted in the only places falling within the scholarly definition of “The Public Sphere” in Iceland being the pools. It is there that people debate politics, where they meet, catch up, whatever you call it. It was also in the pools — or the change areas before entering the pools — that they got clean, which was something we had a far more difficult time doing prior to the 1930s. Out of this emerged our distinct pool culture'.

icelandic.naturist

A wonderful hike led up to this hot spring, which was very refreshing. It's always nice to be naked in nature. It makes you feel connected to mother nature and all stress and worries go away.
#naturism #befree #skinnydipping #secretplace #hotspringsiceland #bodyfreedom #nakedinnature #nudeisnotlewd #naked #freespirit #enjoyinglife #hotsprings #lovetheskinyourin #befree #gonaked #feelthefreedom #daretobare #friendship #enjoythemoment #enjoylife #capturethemoment #freedom #freethebody #friends #soakingspirit #soaking #soak #hotspringsiceland #hotspring #iceland #icelandicnature

Stomping

TheCoolDown (Feb. 3) looks at touristy problems. In Iceland:

'Some popular tourist attractions, like geysers in Iceland, are best enjoyed from afar, especially as they can prove highly dangerous for visitors and wildlife.
One Redditor discovered that the "leave it as you found it" message can often go ignored, as they witnessed a group of tourists stomping around geyser land'.

More tourists = more problems?

The Reykjavík Grapevine (Apr. 16) reports on the link between tourists / tourism and bacteria in (hot spring fed) pools:

'In a conversation with Vísir, CEO of the South Iceland Health Inspection Authority Sigrún Guðmundsdóttir claimed that unchlorinated pools and lagoons could contain unhealthy bacteria brought in by tourists. She described the proliferation of unchlorinated lagoons as worrisome.
The single most polluting factor in pools is unbathed visitors, with no way of knowing what people bring in when entering the pools in dirty underwear or activewear, she went on to say.
“I think businesses should implement harsher rules regarding the swimwear. People enter the pool in dirty clothes and some of these pools are unchlorinated. Therefore, all the bacteria brought in by tourists contaminate the pool,” she said.
According to Sigrún, pathogenic bacteria could contaminate the pools, but infections could also arise in chlorinated pools. There are 11 new unchlorinated lagoons in the process of construction around the country.
Furthermore, Sigrún said that the regulations concerning Iceland’s pools were muddy and ambivalent. However, the Environmental Ministry is in the process of making necessary changes, Sigrún claimed'.

The Facebook message on this article garners 50+ comments.

It's pretty much the main theme concerning soaking on Iceland: shower naked? OMG.

A recent (Apr. 14) post on Reddit just shows what's at stake, though for peace of mind no need to scroll through then nearly 200 comments:

'For the millionth time because we are tired!!!!! Had to yell at a group of British teenagers this morning and it’s happening more and more often I feel like.
Get naked like the rest of us, wash your privates, wear a clean swimsuit (no gymshorts and t-shirts)
Nobody cares about your “modesty” nobody cares that it’s “not your culture”. If you’re scared or shy somebody will look at you then you’re not doing yourself any favour by trying to sneak around without stripping. In fact that’s when we are going to be staring at you because now you are considered disgusting.
As a woman I’ve seen björk naked countless of times, and my male friends seen our ex presidents dick n balls countless of times. Nobody cares. Stop being a f***ing crybaby about it. Nobody wants to swim in your poop particles.
You. Are. Not. Welcome. In. The. Pool'.

A similar discussion, likewise from Reddit, from the same day (Apr. 14), after a extensive posting on the subject. It seems that this is the perpetual motion that keeps Reditt (r/visitingIceland) moving around (in circles?):

'NoLemon5426
I try to re-hash this every few months in the hopes people will find a solution that works for them. Ultimately some people need to choose to just skip it if they are unwilling to comply. Icelanders are tired of disrespectful people so I can't blame the person who made that other post, it doesn't help when in the comment section tourists tell people they can do what they want'.

tanjastony

Adventure cats and adventure dogs
Ich werd ne firma gründen und die heißt "Ja, mann!". Wir produzieren Abenteuer für jede Altersklasse und wir sagen ja zu allem, das das Herz lachen lässt. Und we are hiring!!! Jeder darf mitmachen und aus jedem Tag ein Abenteuer machen.
#adventureisoutthere

Adventure cats and adventure dogs

Ich werd ne firma gründen und die heißt "Ja, mann!". Wir produzieren Abenteuer für jede Altersklasse und wir sagen ja zu allem, das das Herz lachen lässt. Und we are hiring!!! Jeder darf mitmachen und aus jedem Tag ein Abenteuer machen.
#adventureisoutthere

tanjastony

Adventure cats and adventure dogs

Ich werd ne firma gründen und die heißt "Ja, mann!". Wir produzieren Abenteuer für jede Altersklasse und wir sagen ja zu allem, das das Herz lachen lässt. Und we are hiring!!! Jeder darf mitmachen und aus jedem Tag ein Abenteuer machen.
#adventureisoutthere

Baffled

2025-04-17T15:22:00.001+02:00

November has been a month of unforgettable adventures!

We toured the Muga Mountains on an eBike, enjoying a dreamy natural bath. We also enjoyed a tantric massage workshop at our location and participated in an exciting Rogaine. We ate oysters and took a dip in Leucate, explored Sant Martí del Canigó, and relaxed in some hot springs in the Pyrenees. An eBike tour through La Garrotxa rounded out a month full of unique experiences!

Cultureofbathing has a piece (Mar. 15) on wellness and the question:

'Whatever happened to the leisurely bath?

The article looks into the bathing art in/of many (Euro) countries, past and present.

Could it be just doing nothing, that's just a major part of the attraction of soaking?

Be it in hot springs, sauna's, hammam's and assorted. Wherever you are?

So with this we start another overview of Europe's soaking and soaking culture.

France. 23b~log (Jan. 12) heads over to centre of the country's Chaudes Aigues:

'We were visiting in mid January 2025 at the time we had something like -10ºC outside during the night and little more during the day. I just wanted a hot bath at this point and was willing to pay entrance to enter a pool. I know it’s not uncommon for spas to be closed for the cold season: But I will remain baffled, furious and sad. Sacré bleu'.

Marks: just 1

Bert, the blogger on 23b~log, then continues further south to explore and report (Jan. 14) on Rennes-les-Bains.

Considering that outside temperatures were freezing, it's not at all surprising that he misses the best bath, simply because the ambient temperature ensures the hot water cools down too much to enjoy. It (Rennes) is still awarded a 6.5:

'The coldest days of the year are not ideal time to bathe here, since the only hot option is quite crowded and not exactly hygienic. I can imagine having a better time in summer when he other sources become warm enough to enjoy'.

In the north of Portugal, not too far from Galicia.

Canalaltotamega (Mar. 20) reports on the new thermal hot spring fed complex opening in Chaves. Unfortunately the artcle is unquoteable.

I looked up the Termas de Chaves website:

'Part of the main Wellbeing area, the Aquae Salutem Complex [Termal Aquae Salutem] features a diverse Hydrothermal Circuit, designed to revitalise both body and mind. Highlights include naturally heated Hydrodynamic Pools, between 30ºC and 36ºC, a Sauna and a Turkish Bath — ideal for purification and detoxification. The Sensory Showers, complete with sound effects and thermal contrasts, including an Ice Fountain, stimulate the senses and promote deep relaxation.
The space has capacity for up to 104 people. Access permitted for children aged 14 and over when accompanied by an adult.
Visit the Aquae Salutem Complex — the only one of its kind in Portugal — and discover a place where history, innovation and wellbeing come together in perfect harmony'.

Portugal News (Mar. 26) though does the news and in English:

'The center's new features include the Hydrodynamic Pools, which operate outdoors and are fed by naturally hot waters, at 76 degrees, which enhance the therapeutic benefits of this natural resource.
...
The complex has capacity for 104 people. It is the result of a total investment of 2.4 million euros, financed by the Northern Regional Operational Programme, and is integrated into the existing Termas de Chaves. The new space was built through the refurbishment of part of the old building, which also received new relaxation areas, service desks and changing rooms'.

Pounded

From 2 years back (8 Jan. 2023), adventurediary headed over to Tuscany for a wintery soak / adventure:

'After breakfast was a short drive to the first of two natural hot-springs we would visit in succession. Bagni San Fillipo is a series of hillside pools surrounded by forest. Its mostly visited by locals for its so called healing properties and flies a little under the radar. At this time of year it was very quiet and we were able to enjoy one pool just to ourselves. It was quite wet and dirty getting to the pools but once in, the water was nearly 40°C and very difficult to get out of again! After a couple of lovely hours there we reluctantly dragged ourselves away and made the drive through the countryside to our next overnight stop at Saturnia.
Saturnia
Saturnia is a spa town which has been inhabited, as most towns in this region have, since ancient times. Its most famous for its sulphurous hot-spring pools which cascade at the side of an abandoned mill. These pools hold water at around 37°C and are formed by the deposition of calcareous rock from the evaporation of the water under the gushing waterfall. Its really a spectacular sight and a joy to just lie in for much longer than is probably recommended!
The van park was quite dilapidated with very uneven access, a sanitary area that really needs an upgrade and a camper service that needed to be condemned. But it served a purpose even at a high price and as it was the only park-up within reasonable walking distance.
Arriving late in the afternoon we went immediately to the pools and were a little surprised to find it completely full. It’s an incredible natural phenomenon and still free to access so it has continuous traffic through the day. And although we enjoyed it, there were far too many people for us so we went back to the van and enjoyed a sunset meal and an early night.
The next morning we were already back at the pools before sunrise which seemed to be the perfect time for us as there were only 2 other people there for the next 60 minutes. We enjoyed a wonderful time jumping between the pools and being pounded by the waterfalls. We were already making our way back for breakfast and smelling of sulphur before the masses had even opened their eyes.

The Guardian (Mar. 21) with an interesting article on Napoli's possible next point of increasing volcanic activity:

'Photojournalist Alessandro Gandolfi has been documenting the Phlegraean Fields in southern Italy, where a record 6,740 earthquakes were recorded in 2024, and the seismic swarm has continued in 2025. The volcanic field has been active for more than 80,000 years. It is dotted with craters, lakes and fumaroles as well as roads, factories and the homes of more than 600,000 people.
...
Bradyseism, literally “slow movement”, continues to raise the ground across the Phlegraean Fields. It raised Pozzuoli by two metres in the 1980s, leading to the evacuation of 40,000 people from the Rione Terra neighbourhood.
Bradyseism has always existed in these parts. On the Roman columns of the Temple of Serapis you can still see the holes made by stone-eroding organisms, created when the ground subsided about 10 metres in the following centuries. For a long time they were submerged in sea water.
Two women enter the swimming pool at the Terme Vesuviana spa in Naples. The mineral springs connected to Vesuvius have been exploited for their health benefits since Roman times. Photograph Alessandro Gandolfi

Baden (Switzerland) Bad zum Raben bath cooperation has announced the hot spring fed baths are now closed, subject to renovation.

Until 2026? 2027 even, according to the Badener Tageblatt (Jan. 21).

More details on the changes, likewise published by the Badener Tageblatt (Feb. 12).

Wrapping up the hot springs, another slightly older share (Jan. 29, 2024):

NUOVE ZONE INESPLORATE 🔥 Sardegna in Camper Van ⛺️
Enrico Spano
Esplorazione in Van nell'entroterra del nord Sardegna, alla scoperta di terme libere, siti archeologici e paesaggi di incredibile bellezza!
00:00Intro00:21Terme libere05:19Domus de Janas11:21On the Road12:20Lago Lerno

Equal

The sauna world. From all over Europe. No better way to start than in Finland.

New York Times (Mar. 4) looks at the sauna and questions

'Can a Finnish Sauna Improve Society?

Despite the implications of a positive answer on this, it's just a teaser for a look into the architectural significance of Finnish sauna design:

'Finland now has a social welfare system that rivals those of its Scandinavian neighbors, and about three million saunas for its population of 5.6 million people. In these spaces — from tiny lakeside cabins to semipublic spas in city centers — “it doesn’t matter how much money you have or what you do,” says Saija Silen, a 48-year-old curator at the Museum of Central Finland in the city of Jyväskylä. “The sauna is the foundation of Finnish equality.”

The article then looks at the build of a sauna (the architects), changes of society (from public to private and back again (?)) and how sauna culture is Finnish culture. And vice-versa.

Arguably, we could also have started this section with Estonia.

Nowness has a vdo on what they describe as the Mooska (Oct. 18, 2024) ritual. If you liked the Smoke Sauna Sisterhood, head here now. Description:

'In Haanja, Estonia, the Võromaa smoke sauna tradition is observed as a unique path to emotional and physical wellness – a profound healing ritual, continued by the region’s rural community. Honored by the UNESCO List of Intangible Cultural Heritage for its importance to Estonian culture, the practice initiates a transformative journey for those who enter into it, rooted in ancient practice and integrating knowledge of local herbology in a spiritual, sonic experience.
From the verdant surroundings of Mooska farm, Eda Veeroja has become renowned for her sauna healing capabilities, documented in short [12 min.] film Mooska. Directed by Samuel Aarnio, the immersive documentary ventures deep into the ritual, as Veeroja constructs a sacred space between women seeking to clear a friend’s relationship trauma'.

An article from UK's Daily Mail (Mar 11), with a report on a visit to a typical Dutch 'spa'. But this being the sensationalist press, of course the emphasis is on the lack of clothing. The author though is out to promote the clothelessness as neutral as possible; him being a British Naturism promoter:

'The spas are not ‘naturist’ places - the nudity is simply a means to an end.
The most effective way (the only way?) to get the right results from bothering to have a sauna in the first place is to allow it to affect the whole of your body.
You wouldn’t have a bath with your underwear on.
In practice - especially in February, when I visited - most guests wander around in their dressing gowns, only disrobing (literally) when they enter a sauna or pool.
What really sets these places apart from the UK experience is the sheer number of facilities.
The buildings themselves are not necessarily huge, nor need to be surrounded by manicured lawns, topiary hedges or classical statuary to attract clients.
They’re everywhere too and, it seems to me, treated by locals as we would a leisure centre or gym.
They’re packed - not to uncomfortable levels—but I mean popular. And to all age groups. Though it has to be said, in my late fifties, I’m often one of the older people spa-ing'.

Germany then, from Reddit (Mar. 27), the enquiry to what's second best:

'They all have the same logo as they are or were associated with Josef Wund, I loved Therme Erding, so was wondering what one is the second best to try? I know the Vabali ones, but I really liked the format of Therme Erding so want to try similar places.
Therme Bad Wörishofen
Badeparadies Schwarzwald Titisee
Thermen & Badewelt Sinsheim
Thermen & Badewelt Euskirchen
I also noticed another place called Obermain Therme has a similar logo, but I don't think it is related'.

The answer:

'Here's a ranked list of the top 100 Thermes in Germany for 2024 https://www.travelcircus.de/thermenurlaub
Therme Erding is #1 Therme Euskirchen is #2 Therme Sinshiem is #3 Therme Bad Wörishofen is #6 Obermain Therme is #8 and Badeparadies Schwarzwald is way down at #29 The three Vabali Thermes show up at #4, 7 & 15
As for ownership, Therme Erding is operated by the Global Therme Group. Euskirchen, Sinsheim and Schwarzwald are operated by a Therme Group subsidiary, Thermengruppe Josef Wund.
Therme Bad Wörishofen is not connected to the Therme group, but Jörg Wund is their managing director. There's probably an interesting family story about why he's using the Therme Group logo.
Obermain Therme appears to have no relation to the others'.

The ranking checked 300 thermen throughout Austria, Germany and Switzerland.

saunasherpa

Marvel

Saunachannel advises (Mar. 12) all followers to head over to their site and visit their latest offering: Caucasian Healing Waters: Bathing in Georgia.

A really beautiful shot and authentic overview of what's available in the country, concerning hot springs (most), wellness and sauna's. If you have 20 minutes to spare, it's really worthwhile.

Their description:

'Experience a transformative journey through the heart of Georgia, where ancient traditions and natural wonders converge in the healing embrace of its waters. Healing Caucasian Waters: Bathing in Georgia unveils the hidden sanctuaries and therapeutic rituals that have shaped the culture of this captivating land for centuries. From the mineral-rich mud of Akhtala to the steamy sulfur baths of Tbilisi and the serene natural springs nestled in remote landscapes, this film invites you to immerse yourself in the restorative power of Georgia's diverse thermal experiences. Discover the stories, the sensations, and the profound sense of well-being that these sacred waters offer, and witness how they continue to nurture both body and soul.
1. Horizons Kakheti, Republic of Georgia
...
2. Akhtala - Mud Treatment Resort
Akhtala is a sanctuary of therapeutic mud, a geological marvel where mineral-rich mud has been used for centuries to alleviate ailments. This resort harnesses the earth's ancient power, offering treatments that soothe and revitalize. The experience is deeply grounding, a return to primal healing, where the very earth itself becomes a source of restoration. The mineral properties of the mud are known to help with many physical ailments.
...
3. Tbilisi Sulfur Baths - Banya №5
...
4. Tbilisi Balneological Resort
The Tbilisi Balneological Resort is a modern haven dedicated to the science of healing waters. Here, advanced techniques blend with natural springs to offer a comprehensive approach to wellness. From mineral baths to specialized shower and underwater therapies, the resort provides a structured path to recovery and revitalization. It's a place where the therapeutic power of Georgia's waters is harnessed with precision and care to include massage with a bath attendant similar to a Turkish Hammam treatment complete with a kisa scrub and cleansing, followed by relaxation and finishing off with tea.
5. Vani Sulfur Pool (4H3P+RQ5, Дихашхо, Vani)
Hidden away in the countryside near Vani, this natural sulfur pool offers an unadulterated experience of Georgia's thermal bounty. The rustic setting, far from the city's bustle, allows for a truly immersive encounter with the healing waters. Here, nature dictates the pace, and the simple act of bathing becomes a profound connection to the earth's restorative energy. The open air setting allows for a very natural bathing experience.
6. Tskaltubo (8JG2+HRR, Tskaltubo)
Tskaltubo is synonymous with radon-carbonate mineral waters, a legacy that has drawn visitors seeking healing for decades. The unique properties of these waters, naturally warm and rich in minerals, offer a gentle yet powerful therapeutic experience. The grand, somewhat faded elegance of Tskaltubo's sanatoriums speaks to a time when this town was a premier destination for health and wellness. The waters are known to help with circulatory and nervous system conditions.
7. Tekhuri Thermal Springs (958W+33J, Jikha)
Deep in the lush landscapes surrounding Jikha, the Tekhuri Thermal Springs offer a raw and untamed experience of Georgia's geothermal wonders. These natural springs, located in the riverbed of Abasha River provide a pure and unadulterated connection to the earth's warmth. The mineral water contains sulfur, calcium, magnesium, and silicon which is a testament to the healing power of these natural springs.
As the steam clears and the waters settle, Healing Caucasian Waters: Bathing in Georgia leaves you with a lasting sense of tranquility and a deep appreciation for the enduring connection between humanity and nature. Our film is an invitation to experience the transformative power of Georgia's healing waters for yourself. Whether you seek physical rejuvenation, cultural immersion, or simply a moment of serene escape, these ancient traditions offer a profound path to wellness. We hope this journey inspires you to explore the hidden spas and natural springs of Georgia, and to discover your own path to healing in the heart of the Caucasus.

Arguably Belgium's no. 1 thermal resort, Thermen Katara, has announced (Mar. 21) for the Easter period two additional suits-only days. The announcement on Facebook, seems to ellict astonishment.

Read this comment from Apr. 9 (translated):

'Today we went to swimsuit day..Honestly, a completely different audience, no real sauna goers, lots of noise, children, no peace, I would like to know when there are NOT many people, Sunday morning at 8 o'clock? And where did the scrub salt go? Or does that not work with those swimsuits??

A: apparently it stains swimwear, so yes it doesn't work with swimsuits.

kollektiv_hotel_regina

4wMercii bubikon!!
@kantonzürich @mo.prax @domenico_decoco @quirin_streuli @keramikzentrale @cilio_planet @linmidara @tommasuki @albalmaseda @brunnengehn @ritterhausbubikon
#brunnengehn #hallowasser #hotpot #brunnen #wasser #pumpen #velo #anhängerkupplung #publicspace

Finally, the Swiss initiative Brunnen Gehn has spent most of March touring smaller places in the Kanton Zürich (see photo above). Translated:

'The project dream comes true: "Going to the Fountains" tours villages, hamlets, towns, and the metropolitan area. With the "Going to the Fountains" tour through the canton of Zurich , we will travel through the canton from March 14 to April 1, inviting ourselves to ten towns and villages to heat the fountains and, in turn, invite the locals to join the bathing ritual in the evening. The "Going to the Fountains" project has existed in Basel since 2016. Every year from November to March, around 15 fountain heaters heat ten Basel fountains to a pleasant 39°C using a mobile wood-burning stove. In doing so, they revitalize the neighborhoods and transform public spaces into attractive meeting places, even in winter. A reception desk, mobile cloakroom, cold shower, footbath, and lifeguard complete the " Going to the Fountains" ritual'.

i_dipfele_4_4

Bei der Kälte sind heiße Quellen einfach herrlich.
Wir sind wieder mit Michl und Yvonne zusammen und werden auch gemeinsam Richtung Türkei fahren.
#thermophylae #heißequellen #gemeinsamreisen

Yearning

2025-03-01T12:16:00.003+01:00

the_swallow_escapes

💚

Updates. And more updates.

Premiering with the soaking culture. From France there are mostly threats being identified.

As if social media reports themselves aren't already leading to hot springs being overrun, there's a rash of recent entries on Facebook concerning Central France's Source Croizat. Concerning what?

It starts off on Feb. 8 with a comment on a reportage on TF1 from the day before, which idolized the local hot spring for a national audience (prime time as well). But it though ommits local regulations, which actually forbid soaking.

The dilemma: is the reportage for the good (i.e. how can the authorities now fine bathers?)? Or for the bad (will the source now be utterly overrun and destroyed?)?

Time will tell, but seeing where the European soaking scene (and tourism in general) has headed in the last decades, we're not holding our breath on this one.

More to the south, situation seems same-same.

La Dépêche de l'Aude shares two vdo's (both Feb. 22, here and here) on Facebook from Rennes-les-Bains. One with nearly 250.000 views and nearly 150 comments, many of which deplore the decision to broadcast this: it's attracting too many / too many undesirable activities.

Viajandonuestravida (Jan. 28) takes a look at Ariège (likewise France), with special attention to Ax. Translated from Spanish:

'One of its best kept secrets is its free natural pools located in the middle of the town squares, which we will tell you about below. So, on your way through this area of the Pyrenees, Ax-les-Thermes would be one of the essential towns to see in Ariège .
...
One of the best things to do in Ax-les-Thermes is to try out its hot springs, and you can do so for free . The thermal water runs through the entire town, and just by walking around you will find fountains, foot baths and thermal pools where you can sit and relax your feet while enjoying the sunset or eating an ice cream.
The waters are over 70ºC in some cases and are beneficial for your health. A perfect time to try them is after coming down from the ski slopes of Ax 3 Domaines. Just outside the cable car you will find one of the pools and it is perfect for taking off your boots and putting your feet in a dip. A pleasure that you have to try. Here are the rest of the locations:
Bassin Les Ladres
Bassin Pl. Saint-Jérôme
Bassin rue du Cimetière
Sitting down to try these hot springs surrounded by mountains is one of the essential things to do in Ariège'.

Hungary Today reports (13 Feb.) of what they note as a small spa town which has now been rated with 4 stars:

'A four-star rating has been given to the Bihar Termálliget Spa and Beach Resort. This could make Berettyóújfalu rise in popularity, therefore becoming a tourist stronghold along the Hungarian-Romanian border, reported Világgazdaság.
...
Péter Zámbori, the CEO of Herpály Vagyonkezelő Kft., discussed the criteria for obtaining the four stars. He said that 73 conditions had to be met. The qualification was awarded for three years, and maintaining it will be a motivation for future improvement. The company manager reported that this January started quite strongly for the four star hotel and spa, as the number of guest nights in the city increased from 5,900 to 8,300, an increase of 70%'.

23b~log seeks answers (Feb. 21) to Europe's hottest hot spring:

'Superlatives are supposed to be a unique thing. But that has never stopped a heroic proclamation of being the best, first or fastest by some that yearn to stand out among the ordinary: thermal springs in this case'.

Current answer:

'The Ministry of Tourism [Bulgaria] claims Separeva Banya to be Europe’s hottest spring at 103ºC, bringing us right into geyser territory. Is is possible that the water has an higher than 100ºC boiling point due to mineral composition?

nudeblogru

2wИстория грузинской бани.
8 лет пыталась сделать цельный заход и собрать инфо о феномене купаний в райском районе Абанотубани.
Смоглась экскурсия с @begunov.tbilisi и поход в новый номер у Гуло.
1. При прокладке метро повредили скважину и за 30 лет она иссякла, поэтому Гогило заброшена, хотя вода там была полезнее по содержанию солей.
2. В 1953 река в инжирном ущелье разошлась и потопила в банях около 500 человек. После ее закатали в асфальт, сделав дорогу, Саакашвили разрыл ее в 2015.
3. Никаких документов и архивов за 19 век не сохранилось, мы на самом деле не фига не знаем.
4. Баня Мирзоева носила именитую фамилию только для рекламы, управляли ей всегда другие люди.
5. Чтобы работать в бане моя Саида сказала, что мне нужно открыть ИП Терщицы.
Новый номер красивый, но бестолковый.
Связная история еще будет.
Слово Самарканд на плитке Орбелиановской бани ищем.

Taste

The Dutch issue of Cosmopolitan has a small list (Feb. 14) of the countries most beautiful sauna's. Interesting.

More Dutch, but in English.

CN Traveller focuses (Nov. 11) on the spa's of Amsterdam, which surprises with just 2 sauna experiences. Less interesting.

Nacktleben heads (Feb. 9) to the Emser Therme in Bad Ems. And reports the use as good:

'Insgesamt fand ich den Saunapark bei meinem Besuch sehr ansprechend und auch nicht überlaufen. Für meinen Geschmack dürfte es noch mehr Pools im Saunabereich geben und Zeiten, in denen die Therme textilfrei genutzt werden kann, wären natürlich top'.

Saunachannel has a new offering: a vdo on sailing and saunaing through the Finnish isles. The showing coincides with Finlands National Sauna Week:

'⛵ Join Sauna Channel for "Sailing and Saunas: A Journey through the Finnish Archipelago," a 7-part series airing daily during National Sauna Week, February 16th-22nd.
🔗 https://www.saunachannel.com/sailing-the-finnish-archipelago
Explore the hidden gems of Finland's southwest coast, uncovering the rich tapestry of local life, traditions, and the integral role of sauna in Finnish culture. Meet the people, experience the beauty, and discover the magic of the archipelago, sailing to six unique islands'.

art.of.wild.swimming

Is it coincidence that many cold water dippers seem to be sauna fans as well? Embracing the cold water is akin to embracing the heat of the #sauna. It’s still on my wishlist to go to Finland and take a icy plunge in the lake afterwards.
.
#saunatime #coldwaterswimming #winterzwemmen #vinterbad #kallbad #isbading #wildswimming #coldwaterdip #bastubad #saunaculture

France24 reports (Feb. 17) on the news from Turkey:

'Turkish authorities have sealed off a luxury spa run by a five-star Istanbul hotel that was set up by illegally modifying a 1,500-year-old cistern, officials told AFP on Monday'.

Less fine news items. Men trying to get away with everything (sigh).

Schwaebische has a report (Feb. 15) on police intervention when a sauna user refused to put away his phone. Police told the user to clear off which finally helped.

'Dass Handys selbst in die Sauna mitgenommen werden, kommt immer häufiger vor, auch wenn die meisten Bäder und Thermen ähnliche Verbote, wie das Bad Blau, in ihren Hausregeln verankert haben'.

In Holland a recent court case reported by news channel AD (Feb. 23) on a sauna user caught using a camera in a drinking bottle. I mean what? Sixty hours community work.

Gentle

The ipaper looks (Jan. 18) at Latvia's culture. Or better said they report on a visit to a traditional Latvian sauna:

'In the past, most Latvians would have a pirts in the family, in which they would gather weekly to cleanse. The warm, clean and private pirts were also used as birthing chambers. Gentle welcome ceremonies (pirtīžas) were performed for newborns, and it is easy to understand how a ritual, using healing herbs, would be appreciated by new mothers. Fathers were subject to a hotter ritual with more thwacking to help them appreciate their responsibilities towards the family.
These old rituals, with links to a pagan past, are gaining in popularity, and many Latvian families are reintroducing pirts. Formally, it was strictly a family ritual but today, friends might gather for one, and there are public pirts in towns and cities for those who don’t have space for their own'.

huumsauna

The naked sauna experience 🌿
In Estonia, going into the sauna 𝘢𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭 is quite common—especially when you’re among family, friends, or when men and women go separately. Of course, sometimes we’ll wear swimsuits (particularly in mixed-company or public saunas), but more often, it’s nothing at all or just a towel. It’s all about letting the body breathe and really immersing yourself in the authentic sauna ritual 🔥
Elsewhere around the world, we’ve seen just about every kind of sauna attire—from bathing suits (quite common) to full workout gear and even shoes! Yikes. However, we definitely recommend letting your body sweat freely, so skip the extra layers whenever you can.
How do you prefer to sauna? Do people in your country usually wear swimsuits, towels, or nothing at all? #saunaheater #saunatime #saunalife #saunaexperience #saunatraditions #saunanaked #saunalife #saunatime #saunasuit

The Irish Journal looks (Jan. 4) at the nation's sauna upswing:

'Sauna attendance is on an upward trend, especially when combined with the popularity of sea swimming.
Mentally, it feels great. It totally blows away the cobwebs.
Connolly said sauna usage has a range of health benefits associated with heat-shock protein development.
Speaking to the PA news agency, he added: “It’s good physically and mentally, it feels great. It totally blows away the cobwebs.
“If you’re in any way stressed or or hungover, hop in the sauna for half an hour, 45 minutes and you just kind of feel like you can take on whatever your day has in front of you a bit more.
“Or if it’s in the evening, you can decompress.”

It basically reports on 1 sauna which has been running for about a year now. Perspective.

A recent (?) blog by Mostly Amélie on a visit (Dec. 21) to one of Germany's premier wellness resorts, Vibali in Berlin and highlights the differing sauna culture:

'In my quest to experience a culture to its fullest, I obviously decided I wanted to get naked in Berlin too and visit a naked German spa for the first time. My very first naked spa Germany experience, yay! Might seem trivial, but for the prude North American that I am, it’s a bit of a leap.
...
Friends go to vabali spa nude. Dates go to vabali spa naked. Colleagues go to the German sauna nude. In the soaking tubs, in the mineral pools, getting exfoliation scrubs, in the spa areas, it is all nude bliss. Who doesn’t go to vabali wellness center naked, you may ask?
...
Whereas I came here to experience what nude resorts were all about, at the end of the day, these were all very trivial points in the grander scheme of things. I had the most relaxing day ever with good food and sunshine and, if anything, being naked simply contributed to making me feel really awesome about myself and super relaxed. Not what I expected!

Odd then that the comments are from years before...

From Germany's Nordkurier (Jan. 6) an article on the differing sauna culture of Poland and Germany in which one reader describes how she came to words with another guest to the use of bathing attire where none is the de-rigeur. Management were also reluctant to step in.

'Es darf nicht sein, dass jeder macht, was er will'.

Reddit (Feb. 24) asks what's it like experiencing the German sauna as a foreigner. Answers: no worries, nobody cares, etc.

'Don’t overthink it. It’s natural and all good.
...
My little sister (from Iran) was nervous at first, too - it helped that I was with her and acted as a buffer and could explain the rules to her. Do you have a friend who could go with you the first couple of times? The place we went to back then was my favorite spa, where everyone was really respectful and nudity just wasn't an issue - there was no staring, eyes stayed on your face, and everyone could just relax and have a good time'.

Finally, CN Traveller highlights (Feb. 7) what they describe as a "whacky" ritual:

'This one’s tricky to explain, so hear me out. You and several others are in a super-sized sauna. You’re naked. A sauna master, clad in theatrical garms, throws spheres of ice, infused with essential oils, on the rocks. It’s 82.5°C. The steam rises. Said master then wafts the evaporating aromas into your face using a host of acrobatic towel twirls that call on the skills of a nunchucking ninja. There’s music and a light show; there are props and a storyline. But, most importantly, there’s a moral teaching to take home.
This, friends, is aufguss. And, permitting you’re happy in your birthday suit, it’s a hoot. Because beyond the sensorial blast, it transforms you from a silent, sedentary sweatosaurus into an active participant, clapping and whistling as part of the performance. Wafting salubrious smells has been a mainstay of sauna culture in central and northern Europe for a hundred years. But am-dram aufguss – with its narrative arcs and emotive scores – is a millennial invention, created by the saunarati of Italy’s Sud Tyrol region'.

The above from Italy, though the article also lists the best places to experience Aufguss in Europe.

marianabbt85

#tuscany #toscana #hotsprings #terme #termelibere

huumsauna

The naked sauna experience 🌿

In Estonia, going into the sauna 𝘢𝘶 𝘯𝘢𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦𝘭 is quite common—especially when you’re among family, friends, or when men and women go separately. Of course, sometimes we’ll wear swimsuits (particularly in mixed-company or public saunas), but more often, it’s nothing at all or just a towel. It’s all about letting the body breathe and really immersing yourself in the authentic sauna ritual 🔥

Noutros lugares ao redor do mundo, vimos praticamente todo o tipo de vestuário de sauna - desde fatos de banho (bastante comuns) até equipamento de treino completo e até sapatos! Eita. No entanto, definitivamente recomendamos que deixes o teu corpo suar livremente, por isso salta as camadas extras sempre que puderes.

How do you prefer to sauna? Do people in your country usually wear swimsuits, towels, or nothing at all?

Strict

2025-03-01T12:16:00.002+01:00

A shortish review of some sauna fcailties of Hotel Kastenholz, a 4 star rural hotel in the village of Wershofen, Eifel, Germany.

Available were one indoor sauna and one outdoor sauna.

For reasons unknown both were the same temperature whereas the bio sauna (indoors), which could have been less hotter (than 85ºC), was not turned on. Hmmm.

Both sauna's rather small but otherwise nice.

There is also a steamroom. And the usual showering facilities.

Furthermore on the same floor are relax facilities, outdoors as well. Though the view (which could have been magnificent) is hidden by a small hill. Also meaning no one also can look in.

Upstairs is a small swimming pool and more relax facilities

Everything is very much an add-on to the hotel facilities: it's there, but if all guests decide to enjoy, it will swiftly become overcrowded.

Management also seem to have a laissez-faire attitude. Can the swimming pool be used naked? Can the sauna be used clothed? Or is both possible?

Possibly.

The swim results in some light irritation to my skin (I'm chloride allergic) due to high chloride levels. So either they are using chloride just in case or are those swimming simply not so clean? In the latter case, it's not so nice to know that those swimmers also use the sauna .....

My score, a 7,5 based on the light winter traffic. Possibly not worth of a repeat.

Do note that the surroundings of the hotel are very picturesque, and very walkable.

There are other reviews, though these mostly concern the hotel, chucking in the odd mention of a sauna.

4.4 stars from google (480+ reviews)
4 stars tripadvisor (80+ reviews)

'dem Wellnessbereich fehlte der Charm'

8,6 booking.com (80+ reviews)

'Sauna rule (nacktbereich)should be more strict. (now swim wear and no swim wear people mixed)'.

Serenity

2025-02-03T21:04:00.001+01:00

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

Previously

2025-01-28T13:16:00.000+01:00

Central in the sunny Dutch province of Zeeland, the wellness center once known as Sauna & Wellnessresort Goes has recently not only seen additional improvements but also adopted a new name: Vitae Wellness Goes.

Visited previously in 2022, the approvements are thought to warrant a seperate additional review.

You can see my previous report here. The review:

'We would give our 2022 visit an eight; not bad, but not exceptionally good either. Pity that some guests tend to stay as long as possible in the hotter baths / jacuzzi's. The aufguss / infusion was good, the system with cards handed out half an hour on forehand works better (aufguss sessions are so in demand that people will line up on forehand, 20 minutes), but now it's a run for cards! Maybe just ensure more Aufguss sessions?

Possibly the expansion in facilities might help to create a new beginning, hence the new name.

Partially still in the construction phase, the add-ons currently come to a specialized Aufguss sauna (capacity 60-70), a rest room and a smaller room currently used for singing bowl ceremonies.

Still up are an unheated free form swimming pool, as well as (probably unnessecary) landscaping.

On the other side of the centre's parking there's a related 89 room hotel (Hotel Waterstaete with 4.5 stars, 250 reviews google), all to increase the experience. and the investor's bottomline.

On the latter.

Entrance fee is 35€ plus an additional 3€ weekend surcharge. F&B is reasonable. There are always better deals to be had, none more so than their last minute deal taking a third off the price, making it quite unbelievable, but all the more better money for value. Probaly won't last.

What's on the sauna menu?

There's a steamroom, 4 sauna's, two jacuzzi's, a heated swimming pool, a floating pool (inside) as well as extensive options for F&B.

All well-maintained, good service overall.

The only experienced Aufguss was good, nothing special. Possibly a different time / different saunamaster might have resulted in a better experience (is it only me that noticing some smaller sauna's are doing exceptional Aufguss sessions?). Vitae are yet to update their system of entry to these ceremonies: 15 minutes prior start tickets are available, meaning there's still this rush for these tickets. This could be done a lot more civilised.

The singing bowl ceremony was spot on, well worth the €4,95 extra.

A certain improvement over 2022, a solid 8.5. With scope for more?

What about the unbiased internet? If we can still call internet unbiased.

Google in 2025 rates Vitae with 4.4 based on 97 reviews starting from 3 years back when the new name was yet to be suggested.

Under the old name Google was less generous, but only just (2022: 4.3 stars from 527 reviews).

Tripadvisor sees the stars drop with a half (from 2022) to 3.5 stars (95 reviews, but these are dating back to 2013 with very few from the last 6 months. The changes to the facilities were from the beginning of December 2024.

A seperate listing on tripadvisor under the new name has 1 very recent review (5 stars).

It's Facebook page notes that it's a 92% recommended facility.

Anthing else to mention?

Tuesday's are swimwear compulsory.

Sunday afternoons kids are welcome, no need to worry, gebnerally the few kids there are well-behaved.

Facebook seems very much similar, 4.5 stars, 200 plus reviewers.

Jouwsaunagids also likes this sauna complex.

Blootgewoon notes 8.6.

Stunned

2025-01-06T13:07:00.000+01:00

anskupo

Ehkä yksi maailman upeimmista paikoista. Näin talvella ei ketään muita missään.🤍
Lilluttiin kuumassa kuopassa, erämaassa keskellä ei mitään, vuorien ympäröimänä.
L O V E L O V E!
Islanti vaan on.🇮🇸🤍

A very brief overview of just a wee bit of soaking info from Iceland. Maybe a shorter read for a change. To start off the year so to say.

Almostthereadventures has a list (May 14) of 22 Icelandic hot springs :

'Hot springs in Iceland are where strangers meet. The people of Iceland have a deep connection with geothermal activity that is centuries old, so it’s no wonder there are so many geothermal pools in Iceland. Hot springs are a part of Icelandic culture and provide a place to connect or meet friends and family all year long. When you have amazing Icelandic scenery paired with a natural hot water source it makes for a perfect match for relaxing'.

Most though of the commercial kind.

The Reykjavik Grapevine reports (Dec. 13) on the first fully publically accesible hot tub:

'The new hot tub will feature a ramp, allowing wheelchair users to roll directly into the water'.

in_sain_i

Don't know what Eva was telling but it was funny, I guess :-D
Pic by @blende_eins_zwei_photography
Funny girl @evalilienthal
Doing a break from the fantastic costumes and photoshootings we take in iceland :-D
Have a nice weekend everyone!

Fault

Totaliceland has updated (Nov. 29) their piece on birthday suit swimming on the island. Change?

'Anyone visiting Iceland ten years ago could have enjoyed many Icelandic steam baths and geothermally heated pools and lakes without difficulty in their birthday suit. Not any more.
...
You can no longer bathe naked anywhere here without difficulty; loud screams from Japanese tourists and constant pointing and whispering among people from the United States. And some fancy places as the very expensive Blue Lagoon or Fontana steam baths in Laugarvatn explicitly forbid any kind of nudity.
This is a shame indeed and entirely the fault of the growing number of foreign tourists making demands about civility.
However, there are loads of places available for nude bathing but these are far away from the popular tourist destinations in or around Reykjavik area. In the highlands you can still do very much as you please and there are places and times where nudity will bother no one but those places are far off the beaten tourist track'.

icelandic.naturist

Hotspring trips are always refreshing for the soul. This is also a good place to enjoy the sun when she comes out to play.
#naturism #befree #skinnydipping #secretplace #hotspringsiceland #bodyfreedom #nakedinnature #nudeisnotlewd #naked #freespirit #enjoyinglife #hotsprings #lovetheskinyourin #befree #gonaked #feelthefreedom #daretobare #friendship #enjoythemoment #enjoylife #capturethemoment #freedom #freethebody #friends #soakingspirit #soaking #soak #hotspringsiceland #hotspring #iceland #icelandicnature

TravelerTina visits (May 21) the Netherlands (most), but this blog entry also deals with Iceland:

'Nude bathing in Iceland, on the other hand [to the Netherlands], is a bit more challenging. While nudism in Iceland is legal, you generally don’t do it when there are other people around. All of the local spas and pools require that you wear a bathing suit (though single-sex nude showers are required beforehand). Much though you might want to, you cannot be naked at places like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or the fabulous Hvammsvik Hot Springs.Nude bathing in Iceland, on the other hand, is a bit more challenging. While nudism in Iceland is legal, you generally don’t do it when there are other people around. All of the local spas and pools require that you wear a bathing suit (though single-sex nude showers are required beforehand). Much though you might want to, you cannot be naked at places like the Blue Lagoon, Sky Lagoon, or the fabulous Hvammsvik Hot Spring'.

kittenimsmitten

i know instagram is forcing us all to make reels or our posts aren’t seen
i’m trying for sure
but i’m not very good at it
anyway here are just a couple regular old photos of me (and one of mathias) in a hot spring we found in iceland
it was a very long drive to get there, we didn’t really know where we were even going or what we would find
but i mean there were sheep
and rainbows (hi sissy)
and rolling hills
it was really pretty
and i just feel like it’s worth sharing 🌈

Heave

2025-01-06T13:06:00.002+01:00

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'.

European Natural Soaking Society

Immersed

West

Testify

Pasta & passion

Inked

Obsession

Disappoint

Venting

Lasting

Grey

Fiery

Vibes

Honours

Mushrooms

Upcoming

Activated

Londerzeel

Worrisome

tanjastony

Adventure cats and adventure dogsIch werd ne firma gründen und die heißt "Ja, mann!". Wir produzieren Abenteuer für jede Altersklasse und wir sagen ja zu allem, das das Herz lachen lässt. Und we are hiring!!! Jeder darf mitmachen und aus jedem Tag ein Abenteuer machen.#adventureisoutthere

Baffled

Yearning

huumsauna

Strict

Serenity

Previously

Stunned

Heave

Adventure cats and adventure dogs

Ich werd ne firma gründen und die heißt "Ja, mann!". Wir produzieren Abenteuer für jede Altersklasse und wir sagen ja zu allem, das das Herz lachen lässt. Und we are hiring!!! Jeder darf mitmachen und aus jedem Tag ein Abenteuer machen.
#adventureisoutthere