Naked Sauna: History & Etiquette

The naked sauna has always been more than heat and steam. Across cultures it symbolises freedom, equality and community. For newcomers in the UK, it can feel unusual – but once you understand the history and etiquette, the experience quickly makes sense.

This guide explores naked sauna traditions and nude sauna culture, from Russian banya to Finnish saunas, hammams and Japanese onsen. You’ll also discover the essentials of naked sauna etiquette and where to experience it in London today.

What makes naked sauna a ritual

Sauna culture is built on rhythm: warming up in the steam, cooling down, pausing to rest, and beginning again. This cycle helps balance the body and mind. Many guests find that sharing it without clothing creates a sense of equality – everyone looks and feels the same.

Naked sauna traditions across cultures

Russian Banya: Social and Steamy

The Russian banya is one of the most sociable forms of sauna. Families and friends gather in the parnaya (steam room), heated to 70–100 °C with 40–60% humidity. A central part of the ritual is Parenie, where a venik bundle of birch or oak branches is used to fan steam and stimulate circulation. Guests step into a Cold Plunge, then pause with tea before returning.

Nordic Sauna: Quiet and Natural

In Finland and across the Nordic countries, the sauna is part of daily life.

• Heat is dry and intense.
• Cooling happens outdoors, in icy lakes or snow.
• Silence is part of the etiquette, giving space for reflection.

Here, the naked sauna is about calmness and connection to nature.

Turkish Hammam: Cleansing Rituals

The hammam takes another path. While not always fully nude, it follows the same principles of heat, cool water and rest. Guests warm up on heated marble, enjoy cleansing scrubs and rinse with cold water. It’s a ritual of purification and beauty, often in grand tiled surroundings.

Japanese Onsen and Sento: Community in Water

Japan also has a deep bathing tradition. In onsen (hot springs) and sento (public baths):

• Nudity is normal and expected.
• Washing before entering is essential etiquette.
• The experience is quieter and reflective, often in nature.

Modern European Nude Sauna Culture

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, nude sauna culture is part of everyday wellness. Visitors expect strict rules on hygiene, punctuality and silence. Rules are clear – punctuality, hygiene and silence. In the UK the culture is still new, but spaces like Banya No.1 introduce authentic traditions and make them accessible in a London setting.

Across these cultures, the message is the same: the naked sauna is not about exposure but about equality, simplicity and shared ritual.

Naked sauna etiquette: what to expect

For first-timers, etiquette is simple:

• Shower before entering.
• Bring a towel to sit on for cleanliness.
• Keep conversation light and respectful.
• Move at your own pace – there is no “right” time limit.

The essence of naked sauna etiquette is respect – for the space, for others and for yourself. Many first-timers in London find that once they understand naked sauna etiquette, the experience feels natural and comfortable.

From history to today: experience in London

Naked sauna traditions began centuries ago but continue to adapt. What unites them is the rhythm of heat, cool water and rest, and the feeling of being stripped back to something natural.

In London, you can also experience nude sauna culture adapted for modern city life at Banya No.1 – Hoxton. The steam room is heated to 70–100 °C with 40–60% humidity, recreating the authentic Russian banya atmosphere. Alongside the classic steam, you can enjoy Parenie, the refreshing Cold Plunge and the natural Honey & Salt Scrub.

Sessions last between 90-minutes and 3-hours, with time to warm in the steam, cool down in the plunge, and rest with drinks and food before continuing. Nude sauna is available only during dedicated women-only and men-only hours at Banya No.1, so everyone can enjoy the ritual in comfort.

Single-Gender Sessions

*Please note that during women-only hours, some presence of male therapists will be on promises to perform the Parenie ritual.

References

1. Huttunen, P., Kokko, L., & Ylijukuri, V. (2004). Winter swimming improves general well-being. International Journal of Circumpolar Health, 63(2), 140–144.
2. Leppäluoto, J., et al. (1986). Endocrine effects of repeated sauna bathing. Acta Physiologica Scandinavica, 128(3), 467–470.
3. Kullander, S., & Nordahl, G. (2020). Sauna bathing and health: a review. Scandinavian Journal of Public Health, 48(5), 493–502.
4. British Sauna Society. (2023). Sauna etiquette and culture in the UK. saunasociety.org.uk
5. German Sauna Association. (2022). Guidelines for sauna bathing. sauna-verband.de