Hammam ritual

Middle Eastern cleansing ritual

Already on the threshold of the Bern hammam, everyday life fades away and the journey to the Orient begins. The Hammam & Spa Oktogon Bern is divided into different rooms. The cleansing ritual is based on the gradual warming up and cleansing of the body and follows a fixed sequence.

The visit lasts around two hours and spans several rooms.

The visit begins

The ceremony begins with the «pestemal», a linen towel that you wrap around your body. You wear this throughout your entire visit. Swimwear and underwear are not permitted for hygiene reasons. You are now ready to begin the spa ritual.

1. Soğukluk 1. flower steam room

The first room is a flower steam room, the «soğukluk». Here, your body acclimatises to the higher temperature and humidity. You pour water from the large central spring over your body. After 10 to 15 minutes, your skin is ready for its first cleanse.

2. Kese

In the second room, the «kese», you scrub your whole body with a rough mitt. With strong upward motions, you remove flakes of dead skin. After 5 to 10 minutes, you scoop water from the spring with your silver bowl and pour it over your body.

3. Sicaklik 35 °C

«Sicaklik» is the central room in the middle of the Octagon with the warm relaxing bath. Relax in the 35 degree warm water and enjoy the feeling of space under the 13 metre high dome.

4. Bingül 2. herbal steam room 45 °C

In the second herbal steam room «Bingül», you’ll work up quite a sweat. The hot steam opens your pores and detoxes and purifies your skin further. After 10 to 15 minutes, your visit continues.

5. Lif

In the fifth room «Lif» the second peeling with soap takes place. You rinse off the soap foam with warm water from the wooden bucket.

6. Marble table

The marble table at the end of the spa ritual exudes a wonderful warmth. Here, you can enjoy the feeling of relaxation and renewed freshness.

Rhassoul wrap or chalk from Rügen

With the optional Rhassoul pack or Rügen healing chalk you complete the cleansing ritual.

In the steam bath you apply the Rhassoul or healing chalk to your body and let the nourishing substances take effect.

7. Hammam bistro

In the changing area, you swap your pestemal for a dry hammam towel. You can enjoy fine and fresh cuisine in our delightful bistro.

8. «Camekan» relaxation room

At the end of your visit, you can unwind in the «camekan» relaxation room on comfortable recliners with mats and pillows and enjoy total rest and relaxation.