If you are traveling through Central Europe, there is a good chance someone will recommend visiting a therme, a traditional thermal bath that is equal parts relaxation, wellness, and community ritual. Whether you find yourself in Budapest’s ornate Széchenyi Baths, at Piešťany’s healing hot springs in Slovakia, or in a sleek German wellness resort near Munich, these places are more than just swimming pools with warm water. They are cultural institutions, shaped by history, etiquette, and a deep respect for the restorative power of bathing. Yet for the uninitiated traveler, one misstep can mark you as “that” person, the oblivious tourist breaking every unspoken rule.
Marcy Gendel introduces the etiquette of the thermal spa, helping you blend in, relax fully, and respect the traditions of the local spa culture.
Understanding What a Therme Is
In Germany, Slovakia, and Hungary, a therme is not simply a place to swim, but a space for health, reflection, and connection. These complexes often include a range of facilities such as mineral pools, steam baths, saunas, salt grottos, ice rooms, and relaxation lounges. Many have roots in Roman or Ottoman history, and the water itself is often naturally heated and rich in minerals believed to have therapeutic benefits. Locals visit not only to unwind, but to treat joint pain, skin conditions, and stress.
To approach a therme properly, it helps to see it as both a medical and cultural ritual. The people around you are not just soaking, they are participating in a centuries-old wellness practice.
The Golden Rule: Observe and Respect
When entering a spa or thermal bath, your first step should always be to observe how others behave. Every facility has its own rules, and signage may vary between languages. Take your time to watch how people move through the space, how quietly they speak, and how they interact with attendants. If in doubt, ask a staff member or look for posted etiquette boards, which are common in larger facilities.
In all three countries, respect for shared space is central. Loud conversation, excessive phone use, and disregard for cleanliness are frowned upon. The tone inside a therme is typically calm and unhurried, more like a library than a water park.
The Nudity Question
Perhaps the most confusing topic for first-time visitors is the question of nudity. Many German thermes, particularly those with saunas or wellness areas, are textilfrei, meaning no bathing suits are allowed. These are mixed-gender spaces, and while this may feel uncomfortable at first, it is completely normal in Central Europe. The idea is that clothing hinders both hygiene and the therapeutic effects of heat and water.
In Slovakia and Hungary, rules can vary. Some baths have separate nude zones, while others allow swimwear throughout. To avoid an awkward moment, read the signs carefully or ask the attendant which areas are textile-free. If you are unsure, carry a towel with you; wrapping it around yourself until you know where you are is perfectly acceptable.
Remember that no one is judging your body. Spa culture in these countries is about wellness and respect, not appearance. Trying to sneak a photo or staring at others, however, will make you stand out immediately for the wrong reasons.
Cleanliness Is Sacred
Cleanliness is not optional in a European therme, it is a moral duty. Always shower thoroughly before entering any pool, sauna, or steam room. Most facilities provide showers near entrances for this exact reason. Use soap, rinse well, and remove makeup, lotions, or sunscreen that could affect the mineral water’s purity.
Inside the sauna or steam areas, sitting or lying on your towel is a strict rule, not a suggestion. It prevents sweat from reaching the benches and maintains hygiene for everyone. You will often see locals folding their towels neatly and placing them under every part of their body.
After leaving a sauna, rinse off again in a shower or cool plunge pool before entering another area. Following the sequence of hot, cold, and rest is part of the traditional spa rhythm and enhances circulation and relaxation.
Mind Your Volume and Behavior
Thermes are meant for relaxation, not social spectacle. Whispering is fine, chatting loudly is not. Avoid using your phone except for checking the time, and never take photos. Most visitors come to escape the noise of the outside world, not to hear someone’s playlist echoing off the marble tiles.
Also avoid splashing, swimming laps, or treating the pools like a hot tub party. Even when visiting with friends, keep movements slow and mindful. The atmosphere should always feel calm, steady, and communal.
Follow the Flow
Every spa has a rhythm. You will notice regulars moving through a circuit of warm pools, saunas, cold plunges, and rest areas. Following this flow will help you fit in and experience the intended benefits. Many German thermes even post suggested sequences, such as “Warm up in the thermal pool, proceed to sauna, cool down in cold shower, rest for ten minutes.”
Hydrate regularly and pace yourself. Spending too long in one area, especially hot saunas, can cause dizziness or fatigue. Locals often end their sessions with a cold rinse and a quiet nap in a lounge chair, wrapped in a towel or robe.
Dress Code Beyond the Pool
In textile areas, modest but proper swimwear is expected. Avoid overly revealing suits or anything flashy. In non-swim areas such as restaurants or lounges, a robe and slippers are the norm. Walking barefoot outside the pool areas is discouraged, so bring spa sandals.
If you rent a towel or robe, return it neatly folded. Many facilities charge a deposit or rental fee, so keep your receipt handy. Small courtesies like these reflect an understanding of how things are done and show that you are a considerate guest.
Food, Drink, and Relaxation
Most thermes have cafes or restaurants inside, often serving light meals, juices, and herbal teas. Bringing outside food is rarely allowed. Alcohol is generally discouraged because it interferes with hydration and circulation, though a single beer or glass of wine may be served in certain sections.
After bathing, many visitors spend time reclining in quiet rooms, reading, or simply resting. This is not wasted time; it is part of the healing process. Allow yourself to slow down and embrace the stillness that defines Central European wellness culture.
Visiting a therme in Germany, Slovakia, or Hungary is one of the most peaceful and memorable travel experiences you can have. These spaces embody a philosophy that blends physical care, mental stillness, and social harmony. To enjoy them fully, remember that etiquette is not about restriction, but about mutual respect.
Observe quietly, clean yourself carefully, move gently, and honor the rhythm of the place. If you do, you will not only avoid being “that” person, but you will experience why generations have found balance and renewal in these mineral waters.
A therme is not just a bath, it is a way of being present, calm, and connected. Once you learn its rhythm, you will never want to leave.