Editing Sauna (section)

====German-speaking countries====
[[File:Fotothek df n-11 0000458.jpg|thumb|Sauna in [[Freiberg]], Germany]]

In [[Germany]], [[Austria]], [[Luxembourg]], [[South Tyrol]] and [[Liechtenstein]], most public swimming pool complexes have sauna areas; in these locales, nudity is the generally accepted rule, and benches are expected to be covered by people's towels. These rules are strictly enforced in some public saunas. Separate single-sex saunas for both genders are rare,<ref name=scheuch/> most places offer women-only and mixed-gender saunas or organize women-only days for the sauna once a week. Loud conversation is not usual as the sauna is seen as a place of healing rather than socializing. Contrary to Russia and Nordic countries, pouring water on hot stones to increase humidity (''Aufguss'', lit: "Onpouring") is not normally done by the sauna visitors themselves; larger sauna areas have a person in charge (the ''Saunameister'') for that, either an employee of the sauna complex or a volunteer. Aufguss sessions can take up to 10 minutes, and take place according to a schedule. During an Aufguss session, the Saunameister uses a large towel to circulate the hot air through the sauna, intensifying sweating and the perception of heat. Once the Aufguss session has started it is not considered good manners to enter the sauna, as opening the door would cause loss of heat (Sauna guests are expected to enter the sauna just in time before the Aufguss. Leaving the session is allowed, and is advised when feeling too hot or otherwise uncomfortable<ref>{{Cite web |date=2019-02-03 |title=Bei zu heißem Aufguss Sauna lieber verlassen |url=https://www.fr.de/sport/sport-mix/heissem-aufguss-sauna-lieber-verlassen-11684472.html |access-date=2024-05-29 |website=www.fr.de |language=de}}</ref>). Aufguss sessions are usually announced by a schedule on the sauna door. An Aufguss session in progress might be indicated by a light or sign hung above the sauna entrance. Cold showers or baths shortly after a sauna, as well as exposure to fresh air in a special balcony, garden, or open-air room (''Frischluftraum'') are considered a must.

In [[German-speaking Switzerland]], customs are generally the same as in Germany and Austria, although you tend to see more families (parents with their children) and young people. Also concerning socializing in the sauna, the Swiss tend more to be like the Finns, Scandinavians, or Russians. Also in German-speaking countries, there are many facilities for washing after using the sauna, with 'dunking pools' (pools of very cold water in which a person dips themselves after using the sauna) or showers. In some saunas and steam rooms, scented salts are given out which can be rubbed into the skin for extra aroma and cleaning effects.