Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
In the FAQ you will find answers to the most important questions about the 2026 Sauna Marathon. Whether it's registration, the programme, equipment or rules - here you will find all the information you need in a compact and clear format. So you are well prepared and can look forward to the experience without any worries.
Questions about advance booking
When will the next sauna marathon take place?
The third Saunamarathon Schaffhausen takes place on Friday, 20 and Saturday, 21 February 2026 instead.
What is included in the ticket price?
The ticket price includes all activities on Friday and Saturday as well as public transport:
- Sauna on Friday
- Sauna marathon on Saturday
- Further programme items (still being planned)
- Entrance to all saunas and pools
- Admission to the closing party with award ceremony
- Travelling by public transport (core zone 810)
- Various free offers at the locations
- Special and experience infusions
Where can I buy tickets?
Is the number of tickets limited?
Yes, in order to avoid long queues and offer all participants a great experience, we are limiting tickets to the capacity of the locations.
Questions about the organisation of the Schaffhausen Sauna Marathon
How exactly does a sauna marathon work?
The aim is to visit as many saunas, hot tubs and other facilities as possible in a given time, which are marked on a map. These are both permanently installed saunas and hot tubs as well as those that have been set up in special locations just for the occasion.
The sauna marathon is NOT about staying in a sauna for as long as possible. Ultimately, it's not primarily about the time, but about having fun!
Can you only take part as a team? And how big are the teams?
We recommend participating as a team. Tickets are available for teams of 4, 3 and 2 as well as individual tickets. Gender does not matter.
I have a single ticket. Is it possible to join a team?
Yes, participants can form teams at registration (until shortly before the start of the marathon on Saturday). If you spontaneously make new friends on Friday, you can also expand your team at registration on Saturday until before the start of the marathon (approx. 10:00 am).
You're naked in a sauna, right?
In our part of the world, saunas are generally clothing-free. As many of the sauna marathon locations have a lot of public traffic (e.g. pedestrian zone), we ask participants to wear a swimming costume wherever there are other people.
In closed facilities (e.g. in the Rhysauna or the wellness area of the KSS) and in places where no one is bothered (e.g. on the Rhine), you can also enjoy a textile-free sauna.
To move from one location to the next, we recommend a warm bathrobe and bathing slippers or shoes.
We ask for mutual consideration. This worked really well during the first sauna marathon.
How do you get from sauna to sauna?
Most of the locations are in Schaffhausen's old town or close to it and are within easy walking distance.
The locations in Neuhausen am Rheinfall and other locations outside the town centre are easily accessible by public transport. The sauna marathon ticket gives you free travel on trains and buses. The transport company chauffeurs look forward to seeing cheerful guests in their bathrobes.
How do I find the locations?
The locations will be announced to the participants at the registration desk. Each team or individual participant will receive a map with all the locations, a bus ticket, vouchers and further information.
Can children take part in the marathon?
No, only adults and young people aged 16 and over can take part in the sauna marathon.
What clothes do I need so that I don't freeze?
The locations are chosen so that you can move from one location to the next in a bathrobe and slippers without freezing. Bathing shoes that protect against the cold and damp are important.
For locations outside the city centre, this applies by bus or train.
We recommend having a change of clothes and warm clothes ready in the cloakroom for the end of the marathon. In the Rhysauna there are warm cloakrooms and lockers to lock up your clothes.
What do I need to take with me?
We recommend swimwear, a bathrobe, slippers, a sauna towel and a terry towel. The distance from one location to the next is short enough that you don't have to freeze even in a bathrobe. If you wish, you can take a change of dry clothes and a bottle of water in a small rucksack or bag.
Where can I change my clothes?
For participants who are unable to change in a hotel or private location, we recommend the Rhysauna. There is a changing room, showers, toilets and lockable lockers.
Where can I find WCs?
Toilets are also available at all fixed locations. There are also public toilets. All participants will be given a map with the locations of the toilet facilities when they register.
What happens when it rains?
We hope for good weather! In case it rains anyway, we have ordered rain ponchos for the participants and will hand them out at the registration desk.
I'm coming from out of town. Where can I stay overnight?
There are several hotels in the city of Schaffhausen in different price ranges. We recommend booking with our hospitality partner, the Hotel Kronenhof. Schaffhauserland Tourismus will be happy to help you book suitable accommodation.
General questions about saunas
I've never been to a sauna before. Can I still take part?
Of course! No special knowledge is required. Please follow the instructions on this page. Our helpers at all locations will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Is it dangerous to spend time in a sauna?
No, it is generally safe to spend time in a sauna. However, participation in the sauna marathon is not recommended for people with cardiovascular problems and pregnant women. Listen to your body. Our saunas and pools are constantly monitored by volunteers.
Anyone who registers for the marathon confirms that he or she is healthy enough to take part in the event.
Is a sauna healthy?
Yes, regular visits to the sauna protect against infections and strengthen the immune system. The alternation of cold and warm also trains our blood vessels.
Lost property office
I have lost something. Is there a lost property office?
For all those who have lost something, the Rhysauna We have set up a lost property office. Valuables (wallets, ID cards, glasses) have been deposited in the Lost property office of the Schaffhausen municipal police brought.
Questions about the organisation of the sauna marathon
Is this the first sauna marathon? Where did the idea come from?
The sauna marathon has been held in Schaffhausen twice so far (2023 and 2025). It is the only one in Switzerland.
Internationally, the sauna marathon is modelled on the one in Estonia. There has been a sauna marathon in Otepää, Estonia, for over ten years. The Sauna marathon in Otepää has achieved cult status. Over 800 people took part in the last edition and tickets sold out in no time at all. A delegation from the current Schaffhausen organising committee also took part, was warmly welcomed at Otepää Town Hall and was inspired by the event.
In contrast to Otepää, the teams in Schaffhausen compete without disguises and the distances in Schaffhausen are so short that they do not need their own vehicle. The organisers of Otepää will probably also be present at the Schaffhausen Sauna Marathon.
I also have a sauna and would like to join in. Is that possible?
Yes, of course! Please contact the organising committee (Become a partner). Whether at home in the garden or with a mobile sauna with us, we are happy for every valuable contribution. The variety makes the event interesting.
Is this an event organised by the Rhysauna Association?
No. The organiser is the Saunamarathon Schaffhausen association. The association works closely with the Rhysauna association and the Rhysauna is of course an important location for the sauna marathon.
Isn't a sauna marathon unecological?
The facilities are heated with renewable energy: all saunas and the hot tubs are heated with wood (wood origin SH) or electricity (100% green electricity).
How does the event benefit Schaffhausen economically? Does the sauna marathon contribute to the revitalisation of the city centre?
Yes, the event creates great economic value and has a broad impact for the city and region of Schaffhausen. It also contributes to the revitalisation of an attractive city centre.
The city of Schaffhausen is associated with a new, original offer beyond the region.
- Unusual locations such as heated fountains and on the Munot are attractive to the media.
- A broad impact through social media can be expected (many locations suitable for selfies).
- The event is a great way to spend a whole weekend in the Schaffhausen region.
- The event takes place in winter at a time when there is otherwise little going on.