Travellers are drawn to Germany for its rich culture, delicious cuisine, regional traditions, stunning architecture, and deep historical roots. However, among its lesser-known treasures is a profound spa and wellness tradition and unique sauna culture. Germany boasts one of Europe’s most comprehensive spa cultures, where saunas are celebrated as body-positive, safe spaces integral to a healthy lifestyle and wellness routine. Many hotels offer luxurious sauna facilities. Among these, the Sonnenalp Resort in Bavaria stands out as a premier destination, renowned for its exceptional wellness centre that attracts a loyal clientele of return visitors.
Sauna Culture and More at the Sonnenalp Resort
Sonnenalp Resort is a breathtaking, luxurious alpine sanctuary in the beautiful Allagäu region of Bavaria, a mere two hour drive from Munich. A refuge where modern luxury harmonises beautifully with alpine charm, allowing you to immerse yourself, and recharge your batteries and energy with traditional Bavarian hospitality focusing on health that has been family-owned and loved since 1919.
Sonnenalp cultivates a warm and welcoming atmosphere that, for many, has become a cherished annual tradition and a time to relax and reconnect in its stunning surroundings. The resort features a comprehensive sauna culture that captures the essence of relaxation and rejuvenation.
The Wellness Philosophy at Sonnenalp
Sonnenalps wellness philosophy is grounded in the harmonious interplay between body and mind, successfully integrating traditional Bavarian customs with modern wellness techniques and creating a holistic environment to connect with nature while promoting relaxation and well-being in the 20,000-square-meter Sonnenalp Wellness World and beautiful natural surroundings.
The Importance of Saunas in German Culture
The German wellness and spa culture incorporates sauna experiences as part of comprehensive health and relaxation services. A German sauna is an excellent way to unwind. It emphasises rejuvenation and connection while fostering self-acceptance in a welcoming environment. Many saunas promote nudity to eliminate barriers to social interaction and encourage a body-positive ethos. (Although plenty of towels are available for those who, like me, may initially hesitate to help ease into the experience comfortably.)
Germany’s sauna culture isn’t just about sweating it out; it’s a rich tradition that invites you to relax, rejuvenate, and connect with yourself and others. So, step inside and experience the warmth and vitality that awaits—you might just find your new favourite escape!
Unlocking the Secrets of Relaxation: How German Saunas Revitalize Body and Mind
The warm air encourages you to sweat and detoxify. The tradition of throwing water over heated stones fills the space with soothing steam. Sessions last about 10 to 15 minutes. After enjoying the heat, you take a refreshing plunge into a cool or frozen pool or a quick cold shower, invigorating your senses and boosting circulation. You are encouraged to relax in serene areas on comfortable loungers, perfect for reading or chatting with friends. The contrast in temperature is believed to stimulate circulation and boost the immune system.
“Aufguss” Rituals
The Aufguss ritual was something new for us and a highlight of our sauna experience at Sonnenalp. The Aufguss is a ritual where a Sauna Meister or “Sauna Master” incorporates music and lighting, pouring essential oils and water over hot rocks and evaporating into the air. At the same time, the sauna meister uses towels and large fans to move the steam around the room through dance-like movements while incorporating guided breathing techniques, enveloping us in invigorating scents which not only enhance the relaxation experience but also promote respiratory wellness and invigorate the mind.
The passionate sauna meisters create a shared, joyful experience that makes you feel good and happy to be alive! The Aufguss ritual typically lasts 15 minutes and is scheduled for 4.30 and 5.30 pm each day, and everyone loves it. The peaceful saunas are suddenly filled with people sporting big grins and happy faces. We emerged feeling lighter physically and emotionally—it’s great fun and highly addictive!
Immerse Yourself
You can also enjoy Sonnenalp’s ten thermal pools, which range from refreshing chills to soothing warmth, and experience the ultimate relaxation. Luxuriate in five indoor pools, five outdoor pools and six spa tubs. Bliss is out in the gorgeous spa for pampering and rejuvenating spa treatments.
Fitness classes that include yoga, Pilates, stretching, and water aerobics are held throughout the day to complement the sauna experience and promote overall well-being. And guided mountain hikes allow you to immerse yourself in the beautiful Bavarian landscape. Our fabulous guide made us laugh out loud with his fabulous stories; an added treat is a tipple of his delicious homemade fruit snaps!
Adventure Activities
The surrounding Allgäu, a mountainous region in Bavaria, southern Germany, offers hiking, skiing, cycling, riding and golfing in summer. The Sonnenalp Ski School is opposite the hotel entrance. A short walk or shuttle ride brings you to the nearby Ofterschwang Ski Resort, with its well-groomed slopes tailored for beginners and seasoned skiers and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing trails designed for all skill levels. There is hiking, skiing, cycling, riding and golfing in summer.
Apres Ski
After an exhilarating day carving through the snow, retreat to the warmth of the resort and savour a soothing cup of hot cocoa by the crackling fire, the rich aroma filling the air as you recount the day’s adventures.
Culinary Delights Await
The resort’s restaurants emphasise healthy, regional cuisine, utilising locally sourced ingredients, which are not only a visual feast dish that celebrates Bavarian cuisine but are also crafted with care and bursting with flavour and often celebrated in festive gatherings. Savour the finest culinary classics and modern fusion cuisine at the Michelin-starred Silberdistel gourmet restaurant. For a cosy and rustic experience, visit the Fässlers Grillstube, which features eight charming parlours for you to enjoy.
Relax and rejuvenate at Anna’s, where you can dine by the pool, surrounded by stunning alpine views. Experience gourmet magic and Italian delicacies at Restaurant Waldhaus, an Alpine-style log cabin with lush greenery and breathtaking panoramic views. Indulge in exquisite Italian dishes at Seehaus on the scenic golf course. Set at an altitude of 1,300 meters, the Sonnenalp Resort features the World Cup hut on the Ofterschwanger Horn, conveniently located at the starting point of the Ski World Cup course.
Bonding in Breathtaking Nature
The Sonnenalp offers an unrivalled retreat focusing on holistic health, luxurious amenities, and traditional Bavarian hospitality, inviting you to unwind and reconnect in a serene natural setting. The natural beauty surrounding the Sonnenalp was nothing short of breathtaking. We will return! Sonnenalp is addictive — you will immediately see and feel why guests return time and time again.
An internationally recognised interior architect and landscape designer, she has worked on numerous projects around the world. An eye for detail and love of all things art, architecture, travel and design have led to a nomadic lifestyle resulting in a greater focus on travel and lifestyle feature writing. She is a contributor for a range of international print publications. Living between Hong Kong, Cape Town, and London, traveling anywhere.
