English 
Français If you’re new to sauna culture, don’t worry — everyone starts somewhere. A sauna is simple to enjoy, but following a few beginner sauna tips and best practices can make your experience even better. At Sauna Genève, we’ll guide you step by step with clear sauna etiquette and practical advice, so you feel comfortable whether it’s your very first visit or your hundredth.
🧥1. Arrival & Preparation – Getting Ready for Your Sauna Session
When you arrive at Sauna Genève (Sauna Geneva), allow a few minutes to settle in. Store your belongings in the lockers, take off jewelry, and change into a comfortable bathrobe or cover-up for moving between the sauna, showers, and relaxation areas. Many guests also enjoy starting their visit with a tea or water from the restaurant next door — it’s the perfect way to ease into the sauna experience.
🚿 2. Before You Enter – Beginner Sauna Tips
A quick shower is part of sauna etiquette and helps prepare your body. Washing first keeps the sauna clean, opens your pores, and sets you up to sweat more effectively. After showering, dry off lightly — entering dry allows your skin to respond naturally to the heat.
Bring two towels with you. Use a large cotton or linen towel (never microfiber) to sit or lie on inside the sauna. This keeps the benches hygienic and more comfortable. The second towel is for drying off after each round — microfiber or cotton both work well.
🔥 3. Inside the Sauna – Etiquette & Best Practices
When you enter, start gently. Choose a lower bench for your first round and stay for 5–10 minutes until your body adjusts. Over time, you may move higher or stay longer, but always listen to your body.
The sauna is a place of calm — respect others by speaking quietly, keeping phones away, and enjoying the silence. And don’t miss the highlight: when water is poured over the stones, creating löyly, let the soft wave of steam surround you.
❄️ 4. Cool Down – Key Part of the Sauna Guide
Step outside the sauna and cool off.
You might walk into the crisp winter
air, splash with cold water, or take a
refreshing shower. This contrast
between heat and cold is central to
the Nordic sauna cycle, stimulating
circulation and leaving you feeling
refreshed.
Cooling down isn’t just about temperature — it’s also a chance to pause. Wrap yourself in your bathrobe, step outside for a breath of fresh air, or sit quietly with a drink of water. This moment of rest helps your body reset before the next round, making the sauna cycle more effective and enjoyable.
🔄 5. Repeat the Cycle – How to Sauna Properly
Most people enjoy 2–3 sauna rounds, alternating heat with cooling breaks. Take your time — this is not a competition. Some prefer short sessions, others longer. Each cycle is about balance: warming, cooling, resting, and rehydrating.
💧 6. After the Sauna – Relaxation & Benefits
Once you’ve finished, let your body rest and recover. Drink water or herbal tea to rehydrate, and give yourself a few minutes to enjoy the afterglow. Many describe this moment as one of deep calm, where body and mind feel light and renewed.
Once your session is finished, plan to take it slowly. Give your body 15–20 minutes to come back to a natural state. Many guests enjoy continuing the evening at Restaurant Le Tie-Break, located right next to the sauna. Whether it’s a refreshing drink, a light snack, or a warm meal, combining sauna and food is a true Nordic way of ending the day.
🙋 Guidance & Support
Not sure what to do? Our Saunameister (sauna master) is always there to guide you. Feel free to ask questions before or during your visit — we’ll make sure you feel at ease.
Curious to dive deeper?
If you’d like to learn more about sauna culture, explore our guides:
- What is a Sauna & Benefits → Discover the history, lifestyle, and health benefits behind this Nordic ritual.
- Löyly & Aufguss Rituals → Learn what makes sauna steam so special and how traditions vary across Europe.
- FAQ → Got questions? From what to bring to how long to stay, our FAQ has the answers.