The Traveller’s Sauna Guide: Hygienic Rituals, Local Etiquette & a Unique Sauna in Folgaria

There’s something quietly magical about stepping into a warm, wood-scented sauna after a long day of travelling. Maybe it's the contrast — cool mountain air outside, that gentle, calm inside — or maybe it's how the whole world slows down for a moment. Over the years I’ve learned that a good sauna session isn’t just about sweating. It’s a ritual of hygiene, respect, and a little self-care — especially when you’re sharing the heat with strangers.

Why Saunas Matter When You Slow Down

Saunas fit beautifully into slow travel: you stop rushing, you let your body reset, and for a moment you’re simply there — breathing, warming up, letting thoughts melt away like frost on a window. It’s not only wellness; it’s a cultural experience, a tiny ritual locals tend to do right, and travellers often… well, don’t.

The Golden Basics of Hygienic Sauna Use

1. Always, always shower first

Think of the sauna as a shared living room — one that gets really warm. A quick shower is more than politeness; it's basic hygiene, especially before sitting on shared wood.

2. Sit on a towel (no exceptions)

A towel protects the bench from sweat and protects you from bacteria. In many cultures (Finland, Austria, Germany), towel-sitting is just as expected as wearing slippers in a spa corridor. And please... put your feet on the towel too.

3. No swimsuits in dry saunas — if the culture allows

This is where countries vary. In Hungary people often sauna in swimsuits. (But why?). In Austria and many parts of Italy/Germany, the sauna is textile-free (thank God!) — but always check the signs, so you don’t walk into a mortifying moment.

4. Keep the silence

Saunas are little pockets of peace. Whispering is fine. Loud chats? Not so much. Slow travellers especially notice how precious this quiet is.

5. Respect temperature & time

10–15 minutes is usually enough. This isn't a challenge; it's a recharge.

My Own Routine: A Slow Traveller’s Sauna Ritual

Step 1: Warm-in, don’t rush

I take a short warm shower and warm my feet before entering — makes the heat feel softer.

Step 2: One deep breath before stepping in

This is my tiny ritual. A grounding breath, the kind that reminds you you’re lucky to be here.

Step 3: Heat, cool, repeat

Heat for 10–12 minutes → cool down outdoors → back in. If there’s snow? I let my inner Scandinavian run free, otherwise I just use the cold water to immerse. One tip from me: don't just jump in the cold water from the hot sauna with your sport watch on... it can go crazy or even die from the experience.

Step 4: Hydrate like you mean it

Water, herbal tea, anything. Your body will thank you.

Sauna Etiquette When Travelling Abroad

Every country has its own sauna culture

A quick cheat sheet:

• Austria/Germany/Switzerland: textile-free, serious etiquette, silence.

• Italy: mixed rules, depends on region and spa type.

• Hungary: swimsuits common, relaxed but polite.

• Nordics: sauna = religion; follow the locals and you’ll be fine.

  
  

Ask before adding steam (löyly / Aufguss)

Pouring water on stones without asking is the sauna version of cutting in line.

I've had some favorite sauna sessions in Europe I really loved

Folgaria, a special kind of sauna

In Folgaria, at John Luxury Suites, I stepped into a sauna that didn’t behave like a sauna at all — in the best possible way. No harsh heat, no dry-air shock, just this gentle mix of soft steam and radiant warmth that wrapped around me like a warm mountain cloud. It felt made for travellers: calming, breathable, and easy to stay in without constantly checking the minutes. It's called Hydrosoft Private Spa. A really special way of sauna experience.

What made it truly unique were the simple wellness tools built into the cabin: a soft facial steam that felt like a warm skincare moment, a deep back-heat panel you can lean against, a foot-warming zone that revived my tired legs, and a tiny space for natural essences to fill the air. Nothing flashy — just clever details that turn a warm room into a mini ritual.

A small cabin, but honestly one of the most memorable wellness surprises of my slow travels.

Folgaria may have surprised me the most, but it’s far from my only memorable sauna moment on the road. Some places just stay with you — not because they’re luxurious, but because something about the view, the heat, or the atmosphere clicks into place.

Other sauna moments that stayed with me

One of my all-time favourites is the Hotel Leitlhof in the Dolomites. Sitting in the sauna while looking straight onto those dramatic peaks felt like the mountains were exhaling with me. Pure calm, pure beauty.

Then there’s Siklósi Fürdő, with its wood-fired Russian sauna — the kind of honest, rustic heat that warms you right to your bones.

And another Hungarian gem worth a mention: MenDan Hotel in Zalakaros, where the new large panorama sauna is genuinely fantastic with its two stoves. The only weak point is the infusion… it’s unforgettable, but not always in the best way — especially when the not-so-funny couple does it. Let’s just say their style is an acquired taste. Not for me.

Infusion sessions I’ll never forget

Some sauna masters are simply unforgettable. At Falkensteiner Spa Carinzia in Nassfeld, there’s an Italian man sometimes who has perfected the rhythm of sauna sessions. Every winter we go, and every winter he delivers the same carefully curated playlist and structure — one time he even played Grace Jones’ “I’ve Seen That Face Before”, and it really fit the heat, the mood, the moment perfectly.

At Falkensteiner Schladming, the experience is completely different but equally wonderful. A Hungarian sauna master leads sessions that are a little funny, a little long, always gently dancing on that fine line… and somehow never crossing it. My favorite was a Saturday session where he made the entire room sing — everything from the Kelly Family to Louis Armstrong. I still smile when I think about it.

When Travel Meets Wellness: Why Saunas Make Journeys Better

For me, saunas have become a grounding ritual in travel — especially on winter trips or after long drives.

Travel Softly, Sauna Softly

Sauna time is me-time, but also shared time — a little lesson in respect and calm. Whether you’re in a spa in Budapest or a garden sauna in the Italian Alps, the goal is the same:slow down, breathe, let the warmth settle.

And as always —Travel softer, live brighter.