Bad Sauna

Sauna—the Finnish practice of steam bathing—has been around for thousands of years, providing a reliable source of both individual and collective wellbeing. In fact, you can find people getting together to sweat in most times and places, from the Turkish hammam to the Lakota sweat lodge, making steam bathing a truly universal human heritage. Bad Sauna (Swedish for “Bath Sauna”) aims to honor this tradition by reinvigorating sweat culture in modern city life. By so doing, we hope to lower our collective stress, create a relaxed space for civic life, and have fun. Come find out why old ways die hard.

Mariankadun sauna, Helsinki 1913
Photo: Signe Brander (1869-1942)

Sauna Etiquette & Guidance 

Outside the sauna:

  1. Hydrate before, during and after a sauna session. You might feel “hungover” if you don’t. 

  2. Always wear shoes outside the sauna, both for your safety and so you don’t track dirt into the sauna.

  3. No saved seats anywhere. Please do not claim spaces with your belongings. 

  4. Always rinse off before entering the cold plunge. You can use the pool skimmer to clean the water. 

  5. Always cool down between rounds in the sauna. In warmer weather, that means a cold shower or cold plunge. In colder weather, just standing in the cold air does the trick.

  6. No phones anywhere. Taking photos is especially frowned upon and may result in your being asked to leave. Taking photos of another guest will result in a ban.

  7. Wear appropriate clothing (towel, wrap, robe, bathing suit bottom) outside of the sauna, anywhere where neighbors have a line of sight to the property. 


Inside the sauna:

  1. Remove all body odors, perfumes, colognes, hair sprays, scented oils and lotions, etc. before visiting the sauna. Sauna magnifies scent, and your smells can disrupt the experience of others. 

  2. There is no dress code inside the sauna. 

  3. Always sit on a towel, so you don’t leave a puddle for the next guest. Always take your towel with you when you leave. 

  4. No footwear, water bottles, or other objects inside the sauna. (just the towel)

  5. Be courteous toward you neighbors: 

    • Share space on the benches

    • Gentle voices inside the sauna

    • No loud noises, athletic breathing or movements. Stretching is OK so long as there is space and it doesn’t become a distraction for other guests. The sauna is for relaxation, not for training or productivity. 

  6. Respect the peaceful nature of the sauna. It’s nice to hear the roar of the fire.

  7. Always ask the room before creating steam (even during silent sessions), and especially when adding essential oils—some patrons may have allergies to certain essential oils. This gives everyone a chance to negotiate the shared experience.

  8. When adding essential oils, less is more. More than a few drops will create an unpleasant experience inside the sauna. 

  9. Always close the door completely to prevent the loss of steam. 

  10. Don’t be a hero. There’s no “correct” amount of time to stay in a sauna: listen to your body’s needs. If it doesn’t feel good, it’s time to step outside. 

  11. A person exiting the sauna has the right of way.


Sexual conduct:

  1. Just another reminder that Bad Sauna is a desexualized space. Any violation of that spirit will result in your being asked to leave or banned. This includes staring, commenting on someone’s body, asking someone out, physical contact of a sexual nature (even with consent), etc. Please help us to maintain a special space. Don’t be a jag.