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Warmth, wellness, well-being.
Our sauna world.

Experience the wonderful world of sauna in the three large sauna areas of the Claudius Therme. Whether a mild herbal steam bath, the panorama sauna with a view of Cologne Cathedral, the Finnish saunas, the Seraglio Bath with beauty treatments, the Russian banya or the particularly hot earth wall sauna with fireplace, every visitor to our sauna area will find the right form of relief that will do them the power of good.

The range of services on offer is rounded off by various rituals and infusions being poured on hot stones (Aufguss = literally "onpouring") e.g. the salt and honey Aufguss, the banya ritual, the fruit Aufguss and a whole lot more. For the well-being of women, we also offer an exclusive programme, such as the ladies only sauna or the wellness Aufguss for women, which takes place in the indoor area of the sauna facility every Monday (apart from on public holidays and during the Christmas holidays).

Explore our sauna world

The classics of bathing culture.

For centuries now, people have been aware of the healthy effects that “Aufgüsse” have on the body’s metabolic processes and natural defences. In the indoor and outdoor area of the Claudius Therme, we offer numerous wellness “Aufgüsse”, which means that a well-trained member of staff pours hot water onto the rocks in the sauna. Special ways of moving the air about in the sauna and various extra ingredients such as oils, fruit, salt or honey transform every “Aufguss” into a very special feel-good experience.

Attractions of the sauna area

The healthy effects of regularly going to the sauna are widely known these days. The heat gets the circulation going, improves the circulation of the blood in the skin and stimulates the body’s immune system. But above all, the changing stimuli have a relaxing effect and foster mental well-being. To ensure that every visitor feels completely at ease here, we have drawn up a small guide on sauna etiquette for when you visit the Claudius Therme.

Banya sauna

This is the traditional bathing house of the Russians. Originally a place where people would wash themselves, the banya in Russian villages evolved into a popular place of rest and relaxation. Our banya was originally built in Siberia and rebuilt here in the Sauna Village, complete with pine logs and taiga moss. In the Siberian bathing house, birch water is used to create steam, which, thanks to its healing properties, has an extremely beneficial effect on one’s body and skin. A lower temperature and high level of humidity support the regenerative effect.

Temperature: 70°C | Humidity: 30% | Recommended duration of stay: 15–20 min.

Sound Journey

Immerse yourself in a sensual, meditative sound journey with the enchanting fragrance of frankincense, myrrh and special cleansing herbs. The pleasant sounds of the Tibetan and Indian bowls are created by the mindful beating or rubbing of the singing bowls, which has a harmonising effect on your body, mind and soul. The soothing vibrations that radiate in concentric waves gently massage our organs, muscles, tissues, bones and skin at the cellular level. Combined with fragrance and warmth, the process of detoxification through the means of sound becomes more intense and induces greater perspiration, even though it is not a hot ‘Aufguss’. Let yourself be influenced by the vibrations and experience a sense of freedom and confidence, while gathering new strength.

Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. No need to register in advance – just turn up!

Earth wall sauna

The earth wall sauna is the warmest and cosiest place in the Claudius Therme: lit by the fireplace, it envelops visitors in a pleasant atmosphere. The relatively high temperatures are very easy to tolerate due to the low level of humidity.

Temperature: 90–100°C | Humidity: 10% | Recommended duration of stay: 10–15 Min.

Banya sauna

This is the traditional bathing house of the Russians. Originally a place where people would wash themselves, the banya in Russian villages evolved into a popular place of rest and relaxation. Our banya was originally built in Siberia and rebuilt here in the Sauna Village, complete with pine logs and taiga moss. In the Siberian bathing house, birch water is used to create steam, which, thanks to its healing properties, has an extremely beneficial effect on one’s body and skin. A lower temperature and high level of humidity support the regenerative effect.

Temperature: 70°C | Humidity: 30% | Recommended duration of stay: 15–20 min.

Sound Journey

Immerse yourself in a sensual, meditative sound journey with the enchanting fragrance of frankincense, myrrh and special cleansing herbs. The pleasant sounds of the Tibetan and Indian bowls are created by the mindful beating or rubbing of the singing bowls, which has a harmonising effect on your body, mind and soul. The soothing vibrations that radiate in concentric waves gently massage our organs, muscles, tissues, bones and skin at the cellular level. Combined with fragrance and warmth, the process of detoxification through the means of sound becomes more intense and induces greater perspiration, even though it is not a hot ‘Aufguss’. Let yourself be influenced by the vibrations and experience a sense of freedom and confidence, while gathering new strength.

Mondays and Fridays at 8 p.m. No need to register in advance – just turn up!

Earth wall sauna

The earth wall sauna is the warmest and cosiest place in the Claudius Therme: lit by the fireplace, it envelops visitors in a pleasant atmosphere. The relatively high temperatures are very easy to tolerate due to the low level of humidity.

Temperature: 90–100°C | Humidity: 10% | Recommended duration of stay: 10–15 Min.

Fireplace room

In our cosy fireplace room, you can put your feet up and listen to the crackle of a real fire. Situated between the sauna’s catering facilities and the indoor sauna, you can sit back and enjoy drinks and snacks here.

Kelo sauna

This traditional sauna building was built using pine logs that are up to 800 years old. The sauna room itself generally extends over three levels around a large ceramic sauna stove and is pleasantly warm. This Finnish sauna also has a small grotto where you can sit as well as a room with a fireplace.

Temperature: 70–80°C | Humidity: 20% | Recommended duration of stay: 10–15 min.

Women-only sauna

Finnish Sauna I is a sauna that is exclusively for the use of women. It is located inside our sauna facility. We would like to give women the chance to enjoy their visit to the sauna in a completely undisturbed atmosphere.

Fireplace room

In our cosy fireplace room, you can put your feet up and listen to the crackle of a real fire. Situated between the sauna’s catering facilities and the indoor sauna, you can sit back and enjoy drinks and snacks here.

Kelo sauna

This traditional sauna building was built using pine logs that are up to 800 years old. The sauna room itself generally extends over three levels around a large ceramic sauna stove and is pleasantly warm. This Finnish sauna also has a small grotto where you can sit as well as a room with a fireplace.

Temperature: 70–80°C | Humidity: 20% | Recommended duration of stay: 10–15 min.

Women-only sauna

Finnish Sauna I is a sauna that is exclusively for the use of women. It is located inside our sauna facility. We would like to give women the chance to enjoy their visit to the sauna in a completely undisturbed atmosphere.

Our Aufgüsse

Salt and honey Aufguss

In our kelo sauna, we offer visitors to enjoy a salt and honey “Aufguss”. This means that essential oils are poured onto hot rocks. The honey Aufguss pampers the skin. After a brief pre-warming phase, you rub honey into your skin. The honey has a cleansing, firming and nourishing effect and stimulates the metabolism. If you go for the salt option, the body is rubbed down with coarse Dead Sea salt. This rubbing has a disinfecting, sweat-inducing and detoxifying effect. The coarse grains of salt exfoliate your skin. After the Aufguss, you can refresh yourself by rubbing yourself down with ice.

Place: kelo sauna (Sauna Village) | Duration: 15–20 min.

Fruit Aufguss

Healthy, fruity refreshment is provided after water has been poured onto the hot rocks (the “Aufguss”, which literally means “onpouring”). Vitamins and trace elements give you a new energy boost. Afterwards, if you like, you can rub yourself down with cooling flake ice to invigorate yourself.

Place: Rose Sauna (Rose Terraces) | Duration: 12 min.

Wellness Aufguss

The wellness Aufguss for our female guests is gentle and relaxing. At a moderate 70°C, chiefly sweet, fresh fragrances are poured onto the hot rocks (the “Aufguss”). The gentle flapping of towels accompanied by quiet and soothing music accentuate this mild Aufguss (for organisational reasons, a male member of staff may have to carry out the wellness Aufguss).

Place: Ladies Sauna | Duration: 10–12 min.

Venik Aufguss

With a bundle of birch twigs known as the “venik”, birch water is sprinkled onto the hot stones (this is known as the “Aufguss”). This releases the wonderful aroma of the birch leaves, filling the banya with their typical fragrance. Thanks to the high level of humidity and the relatively mild temperature, this Aufguss is an exceptional experience.

Place: Banya (Sauna Village) | Duration: 15 min.

Banya ritual

In the 1st phase of the banya ritual, warm air is fanned towards you with a bundle of birch twigs known as the “venik”. This is followed by a cooling-off phase with Siberian tea. When you go back into the sauna, your body is gently beaten with the venik. A refreshing rub-down with ice rounds off this phase. The final phase is then meant to relax you: you will be gently rubbed down with the venik. Finally, you walk around outside to cool off, take a cold shower and then rest for a while.

Place: Banya (Sauna Village) | Duration: approx. 60 min. | Daily at 8 p.m.

Price: €16.00 p.p. incl. provision of a sauna towel

Registration is only possible at the bar of the restaurant in the bathing area

Ayurvedic Oil Magic

The Oil Magic is a small group ceremony held in in the Seraglio Bath. At the beginning, you will be given various oils, which are quickly absorbed by the skin when you rub them in. While you enjoy a hot cup of tea, you will be enveloped in aromatic steam. After 10-15 minutes, you will start to slowly sweat the oil out again, thus gently cleansing and nourishing your skin. Several rounds of towel flapping and a refreshing Kneipp shower at the end of the ceremony remove the remaining traces of oil and get your circulation going.

Place: Indoor spa | Duration: approx. 20 min. | Price: €4.00 p.p.

Registration is only possible at the bar of the restaurant in the bathing area

Ottoman Aufguss

Experience this unique Aufguss (or “onpouring”) in the stunning Seraglio Bath. After a few bouts of beneficial steam with essential oils (the Aufguss). our member of staff will give you some coffee cream, which is an intensive exfoliating and moisturising mixture that you rub onto your body. Several rounds of towel flapping and a refreshing Kneipp shower round off this Aufguss. The skin is supplied with minerals and oxygen, while at the same time being exfoliated; the body’s immune system is given a boost.

Place: Seraglio Bath (indoor area) | Duration: 15 min.

Registration is only possible at the bar of the restaurant in the bathing area.