Switzerland
Geneva's sauna culture has a distinctly French-Swiss character — more restrained than Zürich, more international than Bern, and anchored by the city's exceptional lakeside setting. Bains des Pâquis, a beloved public jetty extending into Lake Geneva, operates year-round saunas and hammam in a simple wooden pavilion with direct lake access for cold plunges — one of the most democratic wellness institutions in any European capital. Hotel spas at Four Seasons des Bergues, Mandarin Oriental, and Beau-Rivage cater to Geneva's international diplomatic and business crowd. Smaller boutique venues like Nescens Spa and Aquatico fill the mid-market. Etiquette is hybrid: French-Swiss mixed-swimwear norms in some venues, German-Swiss textile-free at others — always check the house rules.
Bains des Pâquis — a 1930s lido on Lake Geneva — runs a hammam and simple sauna in winter; it is the most democratic and culturally significant wellness space in the city. Hotel spas at Beau-Rivage, Four Seasons, and Mandarin Oriental lead the luxury tier.
A 1930s outdoor bathing facility extending into Lake Geneva from the Rive Droite. In winter it operates a hammam and sauna for CHF 20–25 — cheap by Geneva standards. In summer it is a beloved outdoor lido used by Genevans of all ages.
Yes — Lake Geneva is clean and warm in summer (22–24°C in protected bays by August). Several public beaches allow direct swimming. Winter lake temperatures fall to 5–7°C for year-round cold plunging.
Geneva is one of Europe's most expensive cities. Hotel spa day passes cost CHF 80–150+. Bains des Pâquis is the affordable exception at CHF 20–25.
