Why textile-free?
In German-speaking countries sauna-going is classically done without swimwear — for two sober reasons: wet synthetics do not belong in the heat from a hygienic point of view (they store sweat and give off substances at high temperatures), and the skin should be able to sweat freely. What causes astonishment internationally is simply bathing culture here: the freedom from textiles is matter-of-factness, not permissiveness — nobody looks, everybody rests.
The etiquette in brief
The basic rules: shower beforehand; in the sauna the whole body sits or lies on the towel — no sweat on the wood; calm is standard, conversations stay quiet; during the infusion its own rules apply; in the rest room silence applies, and reserved loungers without their occupant are the classic faux pas. Between stations you wear a bathrobe or a sauna towel — swimwear stays in the pool area.
What if that is uncomfortable for me?
Nobody has to overcome themselves: the sauna towel may stay wrapped around you, many houses run textile sauna times or separate textile areas, and the pool landscape is open in a swimsuit in any case. Adults-only spas and women's sauna hours are further ways to more privacy — and the most private solution is your own: private spa suites and in-room saunas, as quite a few houses offer.
Travelling internationally
The rules turn around at the border: in southern Europe, the USA or Asia swimwear in the sauna is often obligatory, in German-speaking countries unwanted — whoever travels simply asks for the house rule. In doubt the same formula applies everywhere: the large towel is always right, and the notice on the sauna door has the last word.
