For those that haven’t experienced a Therme (translation: Thermal bath) and sauna in Austria, it can be like a whole other world for first-timers. And this world has its own specific way of going about things. Don’t worry – we’ve got you covered (or not).
With the help of the know-how we gained from our awkward first experience, and a few really bad stock images, we’ll tell you all you need to know about a visit to an Austrian Therme:
What’s the deal with the Therme & sauna culture in Austria?
Thermal baths are full of possibilities to indulge your body in some serious relaxation. Have a swim in thermal water that is full of good stuff for your body, soak in the various jacuzzis, try out the kids’ slides – you do you.
Then it’ll be time to wander over to the sauna area, where you can sit in a sauna, sweating out all those toxins and bad vibes, to then shock your body with a dip in some icy cold water – sounds horrible to somebody that’s never done it, but the effect it has on your body is glorious and invigorating.
About the naked thing
One thing we wish somebody had told us before we made our first visit to a sauna – nudity is compulsory in the majority of saunas in Austria. If this freaks you out, just keep in mind that once you’re there, all the awkwardness evaporates (hehe) much sooner than you think. The truth is, nobody’s looking…or maybe everybody is looking at each other. Who knows, and who cares! Everybody is too busy steaming. And once the sauna hits 90°C, your brain will be too slow to ponder the novelty of the situation, anyway.
How to interact with other naked strangers in a sauna
Just like everywhere else in society, politeness and respect are de mise. Thermal baths are a place where humans of all ages, shapes and sizes come together to relax. This is part of the beauty of it! So, obviously, don’t stare, no matter what interesting colour, or shape, the nipples on the person across from you are.
In a sauna, there’s an interesting social dynamic happening. Especially when an Aufgüss is in progress. The regulars will probably share jokes and most people when they enter will walk in with a greeting, like a ‘Grüß Gott, or a ‘Servus.’ We find all of this familiar social interaction amongst a group of naked strangers to be super strange, but also charming in its own way. Join in if you feel the urge, or just close your eyes and enjoy the experience.
No naked sweaty bums on the sauna seats!
One quality tip we got before heading to a sauna for the first time is to bring a bunch of towels as you’ll need them. Three is probably enough – one to dry yourself off throughout your time in the Therme, another is the fresh towel you use when you have a shower at the end, and the other is to be used in the sauna. That’s right, to avoid a bunch of strangers sharing sweat in the saunas, everybody slips a towel under their butt (and their feet and other sweaty bits).
The special steamy experience of the Sauna-Aufgüsse
The Sauna-Aufguss is like the holy ceremony of the sauna experience in Austria. Well, atleast it seems that way. An Aufguss is when a saunameister waddles in wearing a towel, the door is shut tightly closed and for 10 minutes or so, the ceremony plays out. It begins with the saunameister choosing an oil, putting a few drops into water, which he then pours over the sauna’s hot stones with some kind of big wooden spoon. Then shit gets crazy. The sauna meister will start doing some crazy dance, and tricks with a towel which pushes the boiling hot air towards the crowd. It’s intense. Once the dance is over, the crowd will give the sauna meister a round of applause. It’s quite the show.
Warning: it gets really damn hot during a Sauna-Aufguss, especially for a first-timer, so be sure to escape before it begins if you feel you’re not up for it. Once it begins, leaving midway through will cause a scandal.
The Sauna Fauxpas
OK, so we’ve already covered one of the sauna’s faux pas – it may seem obvious, but don’t stare at other people. The second faux pas is to open the door of the sauna in the middle of a session. That will get you a whole bunch of polite abuse as you’re heading out the door. You’ll know a session is underway when the light above the door is red.
The Thermal bath essentials
Your best swimsuit, x3 towels, shower gel and shampoo, flip flops, a bath robe, a book or magazine, and an open mind that leaves all your inhibitions at the entrance.
Whom to go with
This depends on who you’re comfortable being naked around. Somehow, it’s much easier to be naked in a asexual way with complete strangers, than with friends. Your romantic partner is always a good choice, but maybe this isn’t the place for a first Tinder date.
Where to go
Thermal baths are scattered all over Austria. Some are really unique – in Styria, there’s the Rogner Bad Blumau, designed by the Austrian architect & artist, Hundertwasser, the patron saint for squiggly shapes and bright colours.
Only 1 hour away by train from Vienna, there’s Linsberg Asia, which is an adults-only Therme and sauna.
For between €8.80 and €24, you can bathe in the pure Thermal springs of the Thermalbad Vöslau, which is a short train ride away from Vienna.
In terms of thermal baths in the city, at the end station of the U1 line, the Therme Oberlaa is a convenient option. A 3-hour ticket that gives you access to both the pools and sauna area costs €29. There’s a thermal bath for every mood. But keep in mind, it gets very busy on the weekends.
When to go
Thermal baths are always crowded on weekends, especially in the afternoon. A really great time to go is Friday, or Saturday evening. While everybody else is dining out, or drinking in some bar, you’ll be gazing at the stars from a deliciously steamy outdoor thermal pool.
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