When I moved to Berlin in the cold, gray winter some years back, one of the first things my German boyfriend suggested we do was go to a sauna. And although it was awkward and uncomfortable at first, I now think that going into a public sauna naked is a relaxing, culturally interesting experience that everyone in Berlin should try at least once. First off, being naked in public in Germany is no big deal.
And when it comes to saunas, the German logic is that being naked is healthier. Clothes or towels can block toxins and bacteria from leaving the body, not to mention make you overheat.
Seriously, the ratio is like Before getting in, you should always take a shower. Your dripping sweat will not be appreciated anywhere but on said towel; otherwise, brace yourself for angry looks.
Last but not least, the sauna is traditionally a quiet zone -- talking is allowed, but usually nobody does it and in such a space, it can also get pretty annoying anyway. So be a dear and save the tale of your last Tinder date for later, OK? Otherwise, you could find yourself closely surrounded by more German sausage than you may feel comfortable with.
Throughout the day, saunas also get especially packed during Aufguss, which is when the Saunameister brings out scented oils that are released into the hot air.
