What to Expect: Sauna Norms in Swedish Hotels

Get ready for your Swedish hotel sauna experience! Learn the norms, what to bring, and how to relax like a local.

Saunas hold a deep-rooted place in Swedish culture, representing a space for relaxation, social connection, and even purification.

For those accustomed to saunas in other parts of the world, stepping into a Swedish hotel sauna might feel a bit disorienting due to their unique customs. If you’re wondering about what to wear (or not wear), how to interact, or simply what the general practices are, you’re not alone.

This article aims to demystify the etiquette and norms of Swedish hotel saunas, making your experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.

When it comes to saunas in Sweden, here my three interesting norms and etiquette to be aware of. Let’s uncover the Swedish sauna culture:

1. Nudity is Normal: 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 more comfortable. Some purists even consider it unhygienic to bring swimwear into the sauna. On a social level, there’s a certain honesty to being completely naked: in the sauna, everyone is exposed, and (in theory, at least) everyone is equal.
2. Context Matters: Swedes aren’t always completely naked in the bastu (sauna). Often, they’ll wrap a towel around their “dangly bits.” In certain cases, bikinis and swimming shorts are worn too. Attitudes towards nakedness are changing, and younger generations are now more likely to cover up than older ones. So, how do you know what to do? It depends on the context:
   • International-Style Hotels or Spas: If you’re at an international-style hotel or spa, there will usually be clear rules (and even signs) indicating whether you should be nude. Often, there’s just one mixed-sex sauna, so swimwear is expected.
   • Typically Swedish Places: At leisure centers and community swimming pools, nudity is the norm. If the sauna is mixed (men and women in the same room), you should go in naked but with a towel wrapped around you. If it’s a single-sex sauna, you’ll likely find lots of strangers sitting around completely in the buff.
   • Lakeside Saunas and Mountain Resorts: It’s fairly common for folks to be naked in the sauna and then dash out for a swim (or a roll around in the snow) without bothering to put clothes on in between. Likewise, people often keep their bikinis and swimming trunks on in the sauna if they’ve already been swimming in them.
3. Swedish Sauna Types:
   • Traditional Swedish Sauna: A wooden room heated by a stove, usually fueled by wood or electricity. The sauna is typically heated to a temperature of 70-100°C (158-212°F), with low humidity. The cycle involves spending a few minutes in the sauna, followed by a cool shower or a dip in a nearby lake or pool.
   • Wood-Fired Sauna: The most traditional type of sauna in Sweden.

Read the more info about The calming magic of the Swedish sauna.

Mixed Saunas vs. Single-Sex Saunas

Swedish hotels understand that their sauna experiences cater to a range of comfort levels. You might find both mixed-gender and single-sex saunas available. Here’s the key difference:

• Mixed Saunas: In mixed-gender saunas, the standard is to remain covered with a towel. Wrap the towel around your body for modesty and comfort.
• Single-Sex Saunas: Within single-sex saunas, nudity is more commonplace. However, don’t feel pressured! If you prefer to remain covered with a towel, that’s perfectly acceptable.

The Importance of Towels

Your towel is your sauna best friend! In Swedish saunas, towels aren’t just optional – they’re essential for several reasons:

• Hygiene: Towels absorb sweat, helping to maintain a clean environment within the sauna.
• Comfort: Sitting on a towel rather than directly on the wooden benches provides a softer and more comfortable experience.
• Modesty: Even in single-sex saunas, many people use a towel to maintain a level of privacy if desired.

Tip: Bring a large enough towel to comfortably wrap around your body and sit on.

To Wear Swimwear or Not?

• The Standard: In traditional Swedish saunas, swimsuits aren’t typically worn. This might feel unusual for first-timers.
• Hygiene Matters: Swimsuits tend to hold onto moisture and don’t dry as readily in the sauna environment. This can be considered less hygienic, which is why going swimsuit-free is preferred.
• Exceptions Exist: Hotels catering heavily to international visitors might be more flexible about swimwear in their saunas.

Additional Tips for First-Timers

• Observe and Adapt: Pay attention to how other sauna-goers are behaving and follow their example. This is the easiest way to blend in with the local sauna customs.
• When in Doubt, Ask: Hotel staff are happy to clarify sauna etiquette. Don’t hesitate to ask if you have questions about anything specific to their facility.
• Respect the Space: Saunas are meant for relaxation. Be mindful of others by keeping conversations quiet and maintaining a comfortable distance.

My Swedish Hotel Experience

Immersing myself in the sauna culture of Swedish hotels was a revelation. After a 30-minute sauna session, plunging into 0-degree water was an intense yet invigorating experience. It heightened my awareness of my body and its incredible adaptability.

The post-sauna daze was like being wrapped in a warm hug, leading to a deeply restful night’s sleep. Sharing this experience with friends, making new acquaintances entirely in the nude, added a unique and liberating dimension.

The sauna session itself was a beautiful display of camaraderie. Women from diverse backgrounds came together, sharing stories and tips about their favorite saunas. We even supported a lone woman as she made her way to the sea, using our shoulders for balance.

For me, the sauna is a place of total calm, where I feel connected to my body and in control of my thoughts. It’s a sanctuary from the chaos of daily life, where I can embrace my imperfections.

Now, sauna sessions are a weekly ritual for me, offering a time for introspection and a chance to appreciate the stillness of body and mind. So, when you visit a Swedish hotel with sauna facilities, expect more than just a hot room. Expect a transformative experience that rejuvenates both body and soul.

Conclusion

Whether you opt for a mixed-gender or single-sex sauna, remember these key points for a smooth Swedish hotel sauna experience: a towel is your must-have companion for sitting and covering up as needed, and swimsuits are typically left behind.

Above all, the sauna is a place to unwind and destress. Embrace the warmth and let yourself fully relax like a true Swede. As the experts at Hot Tub Patio, we believe everyone deserves to experience the wellness benefits of saunas!

A Body Positive Note

Saunas can be incredibly enjoyable regardless of body shape or size. If you have initial hesitations about nudity, remember that Swedish saunas prioritize comfort and relaxation. Choose the setting that makes you feel best and allow yourself to enjoy this unique cultural experience.