Sauna FAQ – Questions & Answers | Sauna Genève

Reservations are strongly recommended. Walk-ins may be possible at Sauna Geneva if a session is not fully booked, but availability cannot be guaranteed. For the best experience, please book online in advance.

A regular sauna session lasts 2 hours. This gives plenty of time to follow a recommended sauna routine: several rounds of heat, cooling down, hydration, and relaxation. Check out our 6 Steps of How to Sauna for more info.

Yes! Once a month we host a special Beginner Sauna Session, a 1-hour guided introduction with our sauna master. You’ll learn how to use a sauna, proper sauna etiquette, and enjoy two rounds in a supportive, small-group setting.

No. Sauna Genève is a seasonal winter sauna, open from October to March / early April. This seasonal rhythm makes the experience even more special — hot wood-fired steam against crisp winter air, just like in Finland..

We recommend:

• Two towels (one for sitting, one for drying)
• Swimsuit (optional inside, required in public areas)
• Flip-flops
• Water bottle (hydration is essential)
• Optional: a bathrobe for cooling breaks

Towels may also available for rental if needed.

Most sessions are run in English and French. Our sauna master can also provide guidance in German if needed.

Yes. The sauna is designed for winter use, even in rain or snow. The heated cabin and covered walkway to the showers make the experience comfortable in all weather. Many visitors say snowy days create the most authentic Finnish sauna atmosphere.

Your Sauna Experience

What makes a sauna different from a hammam, bains or spa? At Sauna Genève, we follow authentic Finnish traditions: wood-fired heat, löyly steam, Aufguss rituals, and cooling breaks. These FAQs explain sauna routines, etiquette, and benefits so you can enjoy your visit with confidence.

A recommended sauna routine usually follows a simple cycle: shower before entering, spend 5–10 minutes on a lower bench, then cool down and rehydrate. Repeat this 2–3 times, gradually increasing the heat as you feel comfortable, and finish by relaxing and enjoying the afterglow. For a detailed step-by-step guide, see our Comment faire un sauna page.

 At Sauna Genève, comfort and respect for others come first. Inside the sauna, wearing a swimsuit is optional — you may choose what makes you most comfortable.

Please always sit on a towel inside the sauna and follow the session guidelines provided.

In all public areas outside the sauna (walkway to showers, restaurant, etc.), guests must remain covered (swimsuit, robe, or towel). This ensures comfort and respect for everyone, as we are located next to the International Tennis Club and Restaurant Le Tie-Break.

 Löyly is the Finnish word for the steam created when water is thrown on hot sauna stones. It’s considered the “soul of the sauna” and gives a gentle, enveloping heat.

Aufguss is a ritual practiced in German and Austrian saunas. A sauna master pours water infused with essential oils onto the hot stones and circulates the steam with towel movements, creating a multi-sensory experience.

A sauna is a Nordic tradition from Finland: heated to70–90°C with dry air as the base climate. From time to time, water is thrown on the stones to create löyly, a soft steam that lifts the heat without turning the room fully humid.  In some sessions, our sauna master also leads Aufguss rituals, circulating the steam with aromatic oils. This makes the Finnish sauna a unique balance – mainly dry heat, but with refreshing bursts of steam.  It is easier to tolerate for many than constant humidity and is ideal for deep relaxation and muscle recovery. 

A hammam (Turkish bath) is a steam bath at lower temperatures (40–50°C) with very high humidity. It’s softer and more humid, often combined with scrubs and rituals. Both are excellent for relaxation and detox, but if you’re looking for authentic Nordic wellness in Geneva, Sauna Genève in Pregny-Chambésy / Bellevue offers the true Finnish experience with optional Aufguss rituals

In Geneva, people often talk about the Bains — public bathhouses such as Bains des Pâquis. These offer swimming, hammams, and sometimes saunas in a lively setting.

A sauna session, however, is a focused wellness ritual: high dry heat, löyly steam, and cycles of warming and cooling. It’s more intimate, calming, and designed for recovery. At Sauna Genève, we offer a dedicated Finnish sauna experience just minutes from central Geneva.

A spa usually combines several facilities such as pools, hammam/steam bath, jacuzzi, and massage. Sauna Genève focuses on one thing only: the authentic Finnish sauna experience. Wood-fired heat, löyly steam, cooling breaks, and optional Aufguss rituals — pure sauna culture, not a hotel spa

Sauna is safe for most people when used responsibly. However, if you have heart conditions, high blood pressure, or other medical concerns, please consult your doctor before using the sauna. Always listen to your body, take breaks, and step out if you feel unwell.

We are in Pregny-Chambésy, at the International Tennis Club Geneva close to Bellevue. The sauna is placed directly behind Restaurant Le Tie-Break.

Yes. Free parking is available right next to Sauna Genève, making your visit easy and stress-free.

Yes. Showers and toilets are available across a short walkway from the sauna. Please bring a towel to dry off before re-entering.

Food is not permitted inside the sauna. Water is encouraged between rounds, and after your session, you can enjoy food and drinks at our partner restaurant Le Tie-Break, located right next door.

A limited number towels are available on-site for rental. Rentals can be paid by TWINT or cash (CHF only). Later on, we are planning on adding the ability to add towel rental to your online reservation.

Yes, if accompanied by a responsible adult. We recommend shorter, cooler sessions for young children. Regular rules have to be adhered to by children & their parents (no loud noises, no running, etc.). We know that many children (especially those with Nordic heritage are accustomed to sauna bathing. Please contact us in advance if you plan to bring children who are not accustomed to the tradition.

Our sauna was built in Finland by Lapelland Finland Oy, the leading mobile sauna company, and brought to Switzerland by Sorglos Design AG in Roggwil. Their partnership made it possible to bring an authentic Finnish sauna experience to Geneva.

At the moment, we do not offer reduced pricing, as sauna space is limited and each booking uses the same resources. Occasionally, we may run seasonal promotions or offer shorter sessions at reduced rates — check our booking system for availability.

From time to time, certain time slots may be offered at a lower price (e.g. early morning or midday sessions). We may also occasionally offer shorter 1-hour or 1.5-hour sessions at reduced rates. Availability is shown in the booking system.

Yes — sauna is an excellent recovery method after sport, tennis, or gym training. The mainly dry heat relaxes muscles, reduces tension, and boosts circulation, while short bursts of löyly steam help release deeper warmth into the body.

👉 Remember to hydrate well:

• Drink water after your sport,
• Sip water between sauna sessions,
• And rehydrate fully after your sauna.

Because we are located at the International Tennis Club in Geneva (behind Restaurant Le Tie-Break), it’s easy to finish your match, rehydrate, and then enjoy the sauna.

Yes — sauna is one of the best ways to recover after a day on the slopes. Heat relaxes muscles, boosts circulation, and helps prevent soreness.

If you are coming straight from skiing, please:

• Leave skis and equipment in your car (no storage available).
• Bring two towels and a water bottle.
• Take a shower before entering.

Many of our guests stop by after skiing in the Chamonix, Verbier, Portes du Soleil, Villars, or smaller resorts in the Jura mountains or the Alps.  It is a quick and easy way to turn your ski day into a complete winter wellness experience back in Geneva.

👉 Remember to hydrate well

Yes — you can reserve the sauna for private use. It’s a unique idea for birthdays, family gatherings, or a cozy winter evening with friends. Private sessions give you exclusive access to the sauna at the International Tennis Club Geneva, with the option to combine it with food and drinks at Restaurant Le Tie-Break next door.

• 2-hour exclusive use of the sauna cabin
• Jusqu’à 12 personnes (15 max si convivial)
• Saunameister présent pour vous guider
• Possibilité de restauration au restaurant Le Tie-Break juste à côté

👉 For full details and options, see our [Private Sauna Events page →].

Yes — our sauna is a unique and memorable option for bachelor (stag) and bachelorette (hen) parties in Geneva. We welcome groups who want to celebrate in a fun, relaxing, and respectful way.

Veuillez noter:

• The sauna is not a nightclub — we ask all groups to enjoy themselves in a fun but respectful way, keeping noise levels comfortable for other visitors at the International Tennis Club.  
• Moderate alcohol (e.g. champagne toast) can be enjoyed after your sauna at our partner restaurant Le Tie-Break.
• Saunameister présent pour vous guider
• Maximum group size: 12 people (15 if cozy).

👉 Perfect for those who want a wellness-focused celebration with laughter, relaxation, and a little sparkle — without chaos.

👉 For full details and options, see our [Private Sauna Events page →].