The Germans take their spa culture pretty seriously. Since Roman times, when the spa culture first developed, spas have been recognised for their healing properties and contribution to mental and physical health, so much so that the German healthcare system regularly subsidises treatments as a preventative measure against illness.
Yep, you read that correctly. Throughout German history, thermal springs have been used amongst all classes of the population for medicinal purposes.
Over the years, this spa culture increased in popularity, commonly seen as vital to maintaining health. Many Europeans, and particularly Germans, find it incredibly joyful to experience relaxing activities nude. Think nude Swiss alpine hikers or sunbathing beach-going Scandinavians. A whole lot of it. To be perfectly honest, the prospect of being naked amongst a whole group of strangers let alone my co-workers!
So I packed my bathing suit. I was determined to enjoy the spa in my own conservative way. I do have to admire the Germans for their relaxed, business as usual ways, even when completely exposed. But having personally never been anywhere remotely like this before, I have to admit that it was overall quite a confronting experience, even when I did not fully participate in their strange, customary behaviour. There were no separate male and female change rooms. Everyone was lumped in the one area together, undressing side by side.
Everyone except my group of friends and I was stark naked. Swimsuit-clad, we become the oddity. If you think that Germans stare a lot anyway, just wait until you step inside a traditional German spa covered up. We were different and difference gets noticed.
