Stadtbad Zürich — Hammam & Sauna im Volkshaus

For many years, the Volkshaus on Helvetiaplatz in Zurich housed a public bathing facility where city residents without their own bathroom could shower and bathe; a sauna was added in the 1970s. In early 2012, Stadtbad Zürich AG opened a Turkish-style hammam in the refurbished premises, complemented by a small sauna area.

The Stadtbad sees itself as a quiet hammam: rather than socialising, the focus is on tranquillity and personal hygiene. The ritual begins with warming up on the hot stone and sweating in the steam room, followed by cleansing with a kese glove and olive oil soap in the exfoliation alcove — those who wish can book the Tellak massage on the warm marble table to go with it. Afterwards, you head to the sauna, under the mist shower and for a healing chalk wrap.

To round off the experience, tea and light refreshments are served in the relaxation room. A pestemal, sauna towel, exfoliating glove, healing chalk, body lotion and bathrobe are included in the admission price; swimwear is not required. Massages, Ayurveda treatments and beauty treatments can also be booked without visiting the hammam.