So, why should we be discussing outdoor sauna etiquette? We know plenty about the beneficial effects of saunas on the body and mind, but saunas have long been much more than just a place for maintaining bodily hygiene. It is a space imbued with tradition, shared experiences, and rituals. People enjoy the warmth of the sauna with their friends and family; the sauna is not just a solo experience. While it can be a gathering place for close relatives and friends, occasionally one might have to visit public saunas, where space is shared with complete strangers.
When sharing the same sauna space with other folks, it’s important to know how to act respectfully and responsibly. Our behavior affects the experience of both ourselves and those around us. That is why it is important to be familiar with proper sauna etiquette – it helps to create a cozy, comfortable, and harmonious atmosphere for everyone.
A noisy phone call, a door left open for too long, or a strong scent can disrupt the peace of those around you. Take a few minutes to remember (or perhaps find out for the very first time) how simple yet valuable the principles of outdoor sauna etiquette are.
Personal hygiene is beneficial for your body and respectful to others.
Before stepping into the sauna, the first stop is the shower. This is not only a basic hygiene rule, but also a sign of respect for everyone else sharing the space. A fresh body helps prevent unwanted odours and sweat residue, allowing for a more relaxing experience. After rinsing off, we symbolically leave the hubbub of the external world behind us – we wash away the weariness and worries of the day and consciously step into a space filled with warmth.
In most outdoor saunas, the dress code is clearly established. Visitors are usually advised to wrap themselves in a towel or wear light sauna clothing suitable for high temperatures. It is important to check the rules and traditions of the particular sauna, as they may vary from place to place.
Towels play an important role in the backyard sauna, both for hygiene and comfort. Before sitting or lying down, make sure to place your towel on the bench. This helps to avoid direct contact with shared surfaces and shows consideration for other visitors.
Meanwhile, in your personal sauna, you set the rules yourself. Enjoying this experience only with family or close friends, you can choose what feels most natural and comfortable. Above all, make sure to select appropriate attire for the sauna environment, made of natural, breathable fabrics such as cotton or linen. Avoid synthetic materials, as they trap heat and moisture, preventing the skin from breathing freely. Lightweight, natural materials will allow your body to feel all the benefits of warmth and relaxation while maintaining a feeling of comfort and ease.
Why is silence an integral part of outdoor sauna etiquette?
Entering and exiting the sauna may seem like a trivial action, but these brief moments set the tone for the entire sauna experience. Open the door quickly and quietly, enter or exit without hesitation, and ensure that it closes completely. Each second that the door remains open allows not only heat to escape, but also the peace and quiet that others are enjoying. A gentle, considerate movement is a sign of your attentiveness to everyone sharing the outdoor sauna space.
Behave quietly while inside the outdoor sauna. It is impolite to laugh loudly or engage in long, noisy conversations. This space is intended for relaxation, meditation, and enjoying the moment. If you need to speak, do so quietly and briefly. For most people, the sauna is one of the few places where they can indulge in silence, reflection, or simply enjoy a state of tranquility. Respect that need. Of course, in a private sauna, assess the need for conversation individually, taking into account the mood of those present and whether they are inclined to keep talking.
A gentle, considerate movement is a sign of your attentiveness to everyone sharing the outdoor sauna space.
Music can help you unwind, but not everyone will like your playlist. In a public sauna, it’s best to leave your phone behind. If headphones are allowed, use them quietly to maintain the overall tranquility. In a private sauna, where you can create your own atmosphere, soft ambient sounds or nature melodies are appropriate, but for many, silence remains the main motif.
Excessive heat: part of outdoor sauna etiquette that is well worth remembering.
If the garden sauna has a temperature or steam control, use it carefully and only after consulting with other people in the sauna. Different people have different levels of tolerance for heat and steam. It’s important to find a balance that works for everyone. The personal level of heat tolerance you have should not cause others to feel uneasy or experience physical discomfort. The sauna is not a place to compete to see who can stay in there longest or tolerate the highest temperature – it is a place for relaxing social interaction and conscious physical rest.
If you feel too hot, dizzy, or have difficulty breathing, first of all, remain calm. Slowly exit the sauna, take a deep breath of fresh air, and, if possible, sit down. Drink water to restore your fluid balance. The body experiences significant pressure in the sauna, so it is important to listen to it and take a break when necessary. Respect your limits – this is the only way to experience true rejuvenation in the sauna.
If you are the host of the sauna and are inviting guests, pay attention to how they feel. Not everyone has the same experience or habits in the sauna, so it is worth asking if the temperature is acceptable to them and if they feel comfortable. Your consideration and respect for your guests’ boundaries will create a pleasant atmosphere where everyone can relax and enjoy the sauna ritual without tension or discomfort.
Ensure that everyone has easy access to drinking water – this is not only a matter of common courtesy, but also a matter of health. Water helps restore fluids, cool the body, and prevent heat exhaustion. An attentive and caring host creates an atmosphere where everyone can relax and experience the true joys of the sauna.
Practical tip. When pouring water onto hot stones, do so slowly and evenly to ensure a gentle steam. Start with 2–3 splashes and monitor the reaction of the stones. If the steam is too intense, pour less water or use warmer water.
How long should one stay in the sauna?
In outdoor saunas, it is vital to remember that it is a shared space. As delightful as it may be to sit in the warmth, it is advisable not to stay too long, especially if others are awaiting their turn. Usually, one sauna session lasts about 10-15 minutes, after which a break is recommended to cool off, hydrate, and only then, if desired, return for another round. This rhythm helps you to be respectful to others and is healthy for your own body. The body needs time to recover and restore the balance between heat and cold.
Ethical behavior in the sauna means not only practicing good hygiene and maintaining silence, but also being mindful of time. If you see that the space is full and others are waiting, it is worth ending your session early. By allowing others to enjoy the warmth, you contribute to the overall harmony, which is the essence of a real sauna – respect for yourself, others, and the environment.
Saunas and alcohol: why is combining these two not a wise idea?
Although a glass of wine or beer may seem like a natural part of relaxation in some backyard saunas, it is worth remembering that alcohol and high temperatures are not a safe combination. Heat intensifies the effects of alcohol, causing the body to lose fluids more quickly, potentially leading to dizziness, weakness, or even fainting.
Alcohol also dulls the body’s signals, making it harder to notice when safe limits are being exceeded. If you still want to enjoy a drink, do so after the sauna, when your body has cooled down and recovered. The most important thing is to exercise moderation, awareness, and respect for your health. Only then will the sauna remain what it should be – place of peace, renewal, and well-being.
Be a civilised guest in the outdoor sauna
When visiting an outdoor sauna, always respect the rules and order established by the host. Each sauna has its own traditions: in some places, silence is more appreciated, while in others, conversation, music, or specific rituals are acceptable. Ask what behaviour is appropriate, what the rules are regarding clothing, towels, pouring water on the stones or using birch brooms. If in doubt, observe the host, whose behaviour is usually the best example.
If bath whisks are used in the outdoor sauna, treat them with care. A birch broom is not just an accessory – it is part of sauna culture, promoting blood circulation and enhancing the effects of heat. Before use, the whisk should be moistened and then used to gently massage the body, avoiding too much force, especially if the people around you are not used to it. If you are unsure whether others want to participate in the whisking procedure, always ask, as the sauna is a joint ritual based on respect and consideration.
For a long time now, the backyard sauna has been more than just a place for cleansing the body. It has become a place where the rush of everyday life comes to a halt, and the heat and steam assist in the relaxation of the mind and body. This is precisely why adhering to sauna etiquette is even more important. Simple principles of respect, silence, harmony, and cleanliness turn a visit to the sauna into a ritual. By following these rules, you show respect for others and create a space where your own well-being, emotions, and inner balance take on new meaning.
And if you dream of having an exclusive outdoor sauna where only your rules apply – we’re here to make your dreams come true.
