Photo (c) Resident on Earth

Germans take their relaxation seriously, and the sauna is an important part of their culture. The sauna is more than sitting in the heat for 15 minutes and calling it a day; it’s an event that can take hours.

I confess I’m a total convert to the German sauna experience. I wish travelers would put this at the top of their list when visiting Germany, because I think it’s a way to gain insight into Germany’s culture as well as one’s own. If you open yourself to the experience, you may just find you learn about your own relationship to your body and what your culture says about your body. Plus, it’s a refreshing way to kick the jet lag after a long flight.