first time at a german thermal spa

Thermal Pools. Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme. — *Thermal Pools.* Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme.

I never thought I’d see the day where I would find myself floating in steaming, mineral-rich waters with over one hundred strangers in Germany while I was completely nude. But as luck would have it, I did just that.

On our most recent trip to Frankfurt, we booked an Air BnB right outside of the city in the smaller town of Bad Homburg. Curious about the name of the town, we found out that bad in German means bath or spa and that the town is historically known for being a center for natural springs and wellness spas.

With nothing else to do on a rainy, cold day in Germany, we decided a relaxing day at the spa was just what two weary travelers needed. So with a quick Google search, we landed on a spa just a short walk from our neighborhood, Taunus Therme.

After reading reviews, and doing some light research on spa etiquette, Kyle and I roughly translated that there would be some level of nudity involved. We weren’t sure how much or when to expect it, but we knew to prepare for the moment we’d both be pushed out of our comfort zones.

Without too much hestitation, we booked an all day pass for around 30 euros per person, packed a couple of towels, and set off for our first experience at a German thermal spa.

I’m not going to lie; I was nervous when we first arrived. The whole idea of walking around completely exposed is a far cry from my Southern Baptist upbringing.

I think it hit me as soon as I walked into the locker room and within five seconds came face-to-face with a guy blow drying his hair in his birthday suit. After we made eye contact in the mirror, he turned to face me and waved. And in an attempt to hide, I quickly ducked around the corner to find Kyle. I think we both realized pretty quickly that we were in over our heads…

No clear instructions were given.

No cell phones were allowed.

Not a single sign was written in English.

And we had no access to a translate app.

So, after staring at a list of rules written in a language we were never going to decipher and doing a lap around the co-ed locker room, we eventually caved and found someone (who happened to be fully-clothed) willing to give us the advice we needed to get started. Within a hour or so, we had it figured out… sort of.

German Spa Culture

Let me start by saying that I love a good spa day. Back home, I frequented my fair share of spas to indulge in a little self-care, but in Germany, spa culture is on a completely different level.

First and foremost, going to the spa is a way of life in Germany. It doesn’t have to be a super luxurious and extravagant affair; it’s a place you go to warm up on a chilly day or to cure your hangover blues after a long night on the town.

Spa days in Germany are ritualistic. Beautiful even. It’s a resting place for the entire community. A come-one-come-all atmosphere free from judgement. A wholistic escape from everyday stressors and societal pressures. A level playing field that melds together each social class in a warm, and inviting steam-filled oasis.

Meditation Room. Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme. — *Meditation Room.* Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme.

What to Expect

Bathhouses in Germany are often massive complexes with several pools, themed rooms, scheduled events, and multiple levels of additional services and add-ons.

It’s common for there to be multiple access points - some of which are clothing-free.

During our visit to Taunus Therme, general admission allowed guests access to the first pool area where there were multiple thermal pools in which everyone was required to wear a swimsuit. The second level of the bathhouse, however, required an additional fee to enter. And once you were inside, it was a clothing-free floor.

I have to admit, it took me a little while to settle in and get used to being naked in public. It’s a stark contrast to the lives we live at home, but a way of life that I can appreciate. The German populous’ acceptance of the human body and attitude towards nudity is open and freeing.

Men and women of all ages, children and their parents, friends, neighbors, colleagues. We saw them all…

mingling at the bar,

sweating down in the saunas,

soaking in the hot tubs,

sleeping in the meditation rooms,

and sporting nothing but a smile.

Crystal Sauna. Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme. — *Crystal Sauna.* Photo borrowed from Taunus Therme.

Tips for Foreigners Like Myself

Lean into it: Throughout our time abroad, my goal is to say “Yes” to new experiences. As long as safety isn’t a concern, it’s a yes from me. If this spa day taught me anything, it was to be comfortable in my own skin and to just go with it.
Try not to stare: This one should go without saying, but keep those eyes in check. Being from a country where we’re a little more prude, it’s against our nature not to stare. Believe me, I get it. But you don’t want to seem disrespectful (or creepy- they’re very strict about this one).
Bring Your Own Towel: You’ll need it. In the saunas, it’s common courtesy (we learned) to sit on your towel so that your bare skin doesn’t touch the wood. It’s also expected that you shower off after every sauna and before entering the pools.

All in all, visiting a German spa for the first time is an experience I will absolutely never forget. I’ve learned that there's quite literally nothing more humbling than climbing up a metal pool ladder butt-naked in front of a large audience.

And if you have never experienced that feeling before… then you, my friend, need to be humbled too.