A Deep Sweat in Poland: My First Experience with Polish Saunas

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A Brief History of Saunas in Poland

While Finland often gets the spotlight, sauna culture has deep roots in Central and Eastern Europe too. In Poland, communal bathing traditions stretch back centuries, blending Slavic steam baths with later Nordic influences. Public bathhouses played a central role in medieval towns, where people gathered to clean, relax, and connect. Over time, modern spas embraced these traditions. As a result, Poland now has a thriving sauna culture that combines old rituals with contemporary wellness practices.

A Different Approach to Nudity

One of the biggest cultural differences I noticed right away was the approach to nudity. In every sauna I visited, swimsuits were strictly prohibited. Guests had to sit on a towel for hygiene, and if they wrapped themselves in one, their feet still could not touch the wood. Many people wore nothing but a towel or a traditional sauna hat, which helps regulate body temperature during longer sessions.

In the steam room, towels were not allowed at all. Guests entered fully nude and performed a salt or sugar peeling scrub on their skin. This is a cleansing ritual meant to exfoliate and prepare the body for the heat. Coming from the United States, this surprised me at first. At home, most saunas are gender-separated, and even at clothing-optional spas there is a stronger sense of modesty.

In Poland, men and women share the same spaces. When I spoke with my Polish female friends, they explained that everyone respects the environment. They have never experienced men being creepy, staring, or making them feel uncomfortable. The cultural expectation is clear. The sauna is a place for wellness, not for social games or flirtation.

Aufguss Rituals

Most Polish saunas offer scheduled Aufguss rituals that last about 15 to 20 minutes. Aufguss is a guided sauna experience led by a sauna master who uses towels to circulate hot air infused with essential oils. Music, heat, and scent come together to create a multisensory experience. For many visitors, it feels less like a quick sauna break and more like a ceremony. Because of this structure, the entire group experiences the heat and atmosphere as one.

My Sauna Stops: Warsaw, Krakow, Zakopane

Warsaw – Studio Santi

In Warsaw, I visited Studio Santi, a modern wellness center with multiple saunas, cold plunges, swimming pools, float therapy, a halo therapy room, and massage services. It also has a café and bar with beer and non-alcoholic mocktails. The atmosphere felt stylish and calm, and it gave me a clear sense of how popular sauna culture is in the city. In addition, the variety of treatments shows how Polish wellness centers often blend traditional heat therapy with modern spa offerings.

Krakow – SaunaPark Platinum

The highlight of my trip was attending a Sauna Night at SaunaPark Platinum in Krakow. This special event runs from 8 pm to 1 am and feels like a true celebration of sauna culture. Guests enjoy a variety of options, including fruit, snacks, a panini, and even beer. The energy, variety, and sense of community made it a truly memorable experience.

The spa features two pools, including one with cold water that is perfect for winter swimming year-round. There is also a double jacuzzi, eight different saunas, and plenty of relaxation areas. After trying several rituals, I noticed how the combination of heat, cold, food, and social connection created a complete wellness experience.

Zakopane – Aqua Park

In the mountain town of Zakopane, I explored Aqua Park. It combines a water park for kids with a separate, serene wellness area that includes saunas, steam rooms, cold plunges, and relaxation spaces. After hiking in the Tatra Mountains, it felt amazing to unwind in the sauna and cold plunge cycle. The contrast between the outdoor mountain air and the hot sauna added another layer to the experience.

Digital Detox by Default

Phones are not allowed inside Polish saunas and spas. Everyone leaves their device in a locker. This rule exists mainly for privacy, but it also helps people disconnect and enjoy the moment. Without screens, you can focus fully on the heat, the rituals, and the atmosphere. In addition, it creates a peaceful environment where conversations are minimal and presence is encouraged.

🧖‍♀️ Sauna Etiquette for First-Timers in Poland

If it is your first time visiting a Polish sauna, a few simple guidelines will help you fit right in:

• Ditch the swimsuit. Swimsuits are not allowed inside the sauna. Bring a towel to sit on and, if you prefer, wrap yourself in it when moving between areas.

• Sit on a towel, feet off the wood. Hygiene is taken seriously. Your towel should be large enough to keep all skin off the benches.

• Steam room means no towels. In steam rooms, everyone is nude. Bring your peeling scrub if you want to join the ritual.

• Respect personal space. People come to relax. Keep quiet conversation to a minimum, do not stare, and never make anyone feel uncomfortable.

• Follow Aufguss etiquette. Arrive a few minutes early, stay for the full ritual if possible, and listen to the sauna master’s instructions.

• No phones. Leave devices in the locker. This protects privacy and allows everyone to disconnect.

• Hydrate and cool down. Alternate between sauna sessions and cold plunges, and drink water throughout your visit.

Polish sauna culture is warm and welcoming. If you follow the local etiquette, you will have no trouble fitting in.

Final Thoughts

Polish saunas challenged some of my cultural expectations, yet they gave me a new perspective on community wellness. Whether you are in Warsaw, Krakow, or Zakopane, the mix of tradition, ritual, and hospitality makes Poland a standout destination for sauna lovers. It is an experience that goes beyond heat and cold. It is about respect, presence, and shared space. Once you relax into the rhythm, it becomes something special.

Find Additional Sauna and Cold Plunge Locations 

Elliott Reed – Sauna n Plunge