Spas are like little oases designed to remove us from reality.
No abrasively loud construction sites. No weird-smelling trash bins. No noisy fights between neighbors. No too-cold AC units or drafty windows.
There might not even be clothes involved, depending on where you’re going.
If you’re already familiar with naturism around the globe, then you might know that spas are one of the most clothing-optional places on earth. From Europe to Asia, the spa is where you can find people relaxing in their birthday suits.
That’s doubly true in places like Scandinavia, Germany, and Switzerland, where people tend to see nudity as natural and spas as a critical component of wellness.
That means that saunas (and oftentimes steam rooms) in these countries don’t require swimsuits—even when they’re co-ed.
So what can you expect from a co-ed spa experience? Let’s zero in on what it’s like to relax at one of these locations in Germany, one of the most popular destinations for American tourists. Here’s what you need to know.
Co-ed spas: au natural is the norm
Let’s quickly review why clothing is optional at spas.
First and foremost, nudity is regarded as normal. The human body isn’t a spectacle, nor is it seen as inappropriate. Viewed in this way, there’s no reason to separate spa-goers based on gender—because the body is the body, no matter its form.
Second, there’s no reason to wear clothes inside saunas and steam rooms. (Keep in mind that it’s normal to wear robes when heading from one spa area to the next.)
The added fabric just gets in the way. That might sound a little obvious, but let me remind you: Germans are a very practical people. And the spa is a very practical place for taking care of the body.
Let me make it even more simple: Germans don’t even call their spas ‘co-ed’ or ‘nude’ because it’s implied that everyone is welcome and, when it comes to saunas and steam rooms, nudity is the norm.
There’s a social element
For the most part, the spa is a place to nourish the body. But if you’re part of a spa and a regular visitor, then you also know that there’s a big social element at play.
Co-ed spas in Germany usually include saunas, steam rooms, relaxation areas, pools, and more. While changing rooms are usually divided by gender, areas throughout the spa are designed for guests to mingle.
So don’t be surprised if you see a large restaurant area, bar, lounge, and other non-spa-related amenities. Feel free to waif around in your robe, snacking and chatting before hitting the sauna again. (Just make sure to shower before getting back in.)
The rules really matter
Want to know the cold hard truth about co-ed spas in Germany? Most people are going to be more focused on whether or not you’re following the rules versus whether or not you’re clothed.
The rules in any spa are important, but it’s considered extremely rude to ignore rules and etiquette in Germany.
To be blunt, this is probably the most important part of your co-ed spa experience in Germany: learning the rules. Usually, spa rules apply to showering before getting into pools, sitting on towels in saunas and steam rooms, and speaking in a low voice. While socializing is the norm, noisy chatter is distracting and welcome.
Top 3 co-ed spas in Germany
I’ve covered naturism a few times—it’s a topic that means a lot to me, and one that I find is frequently (and with great gusto) misunderstood.
To be unrobed and treated normally is a deceptively powerful experience. If you’re interested in treating your mind, body, and spirit to a relaxing spa day, I recommend checking out these co-ed spas in Germany.
Voda Spa
This West Berlin spa is a top-rated social escape that offers thermal baths, saunas, steam rooms, soaking pools, and plenty of spa treatments. Plus, there’s a bar lounge where you can socialize.
Friedrichsbad
This spa is located in the famous Baden-Baden spa town of West Germany. In case you don’t know, Baden-Baden is one of Europe’s oldest mineral spring spa towns—on par with Spa, Belgium and Bath, England. It’s 143 years old, for those who like history and beautiful architecture.
Caracalla Therme
Also located in Baden-Baden, Caracalla is known for its thermal pools. Water is collected from 12 distinct springs, providing an unmatched range of soaking options.