Thermae Grimbergen – the healthful heat of sauna

Having regular saunas has many health benefits: not only does it create a feeling of deep relaxation, it also promotes better sleep and greater stress resilience. And, it stimulates the production of endorphins, hormones that have a pain-relieving effect and increase your sense of wellbeing. Added to this, the alternate exposure to hot and cold temperatures boosts your immunity.

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In Finland, even more so than in Belgium, going to the sauna is part and parcel of everyday life, whatever the season. Most Finns have a sauna at home. Or they go to their holiday cabin where they have a sauna by the lake so they can dive into the cooling water straight after a hot sauna session. At Thermae Grimbergen, you, too, can enjoy this typical Finnish experience. Right by our swimming lake, you can have a wonderfully relaxing session in the Wood-fired sauna with lake views, then dive into the natural swimming lake and afterwards, take a little breather by the cosy campfire.

Or why not try an Aufguss session in the Kelo sauna for a change? If, by any chance, you’re an Aufguss novice, here’s what you need to know. The Kelo sauna is only open during Aufguss sessions. If this is your first time, make sure to secure a seat on the lower bench because the higher up you are, the warmer it gets. The Aufguss master starts by pouring water infused with essential oil on the hot stones. This not only smells divine, it also makes the water evaporate, which causes a layer of microscopically tiny water droplets to cover your body. This makes you sweat even more.

Sweating is your body’s natural defence mechanism to cope with heat and the thin insulating layer that has formed around your body also offers some protection. When the Aufguss master starts walking around, flapping a towel, bursts of hot air blow away this layer so you feel the heat even more intensely.

An Aufguss session consists of several of these rounds. Obviously, you don’t need to stay right to the end if you are starting to feel uncomfortable. Always listen to your body. It is not a problem if you need to leave the sauna a bit earlier. We only ask you to do so quietly.

At Thermae Grimbergen, an extensive wellness programme is organised daily, consisting of a variety of special Aufguss, scrubbing and relaxation sessions. Our wellness customers can take part in these sessions free of charge.

By taking part in an Aufguss session, but also by having regular saunas, you are in effect training your body to respond more efficiently to temperature changes, boosting your immunity in the process. With the added bonus that the heat also stimulates the production of endorphins. These hormones not only make you feel happier, but they also have a pain-relieving effect and promote a better night’s sleep.