Aufguss Magic: The Sauna Ritual Everyone’s Talking About

The swirl of a towel, a burst of scented steam, and a wave of heat washing over you – this is Aufguss, a sauna ritual that transforms an ordinary sweat session into something extraordinary.

As a sauna enthusiast with over a decade of experience testing various models and practices, I’ve found few wellness traditions as captivating as Aufguss.

This article combines my insights with expertise from Sigrid van Rijswijk, a professional Aufguss performer with six years of experience who now runs her own training company in Europe. Together, we’ll guide you through this rising wellness trend that’s finally making its mark in American spas.

What Is Aufguss and How Does It Work?

Aufguss (pronounced “owf-gooss”) comes from the German word for “infusion.”

It’s a structured sauna ritual where specially prepared essential oil applications (typically in ice balls or using proper infusion concentrates) are used with hot stones, creating aromatic steam that’s then circulated throughout the sauna using special towel movements.

A typical Aufguss session includes:

• Duration of 11-15 minutes
• Essential oils safely applied using ice balls or proper infusion concentrates
• Rhythmical towel movements to distribute heat and scent
• Guidance from an Aufgussmeister or Ritual Artisan
• Often accompanied by music and specialized lighting

The ritual comes in three main varieties:

1. Classic Aufguss – Focuses on health benefits and relaxation
2. Standard Aufguss – Blends therapeutic elements with entertainment
3. Show Aufguss – Emphasizes performance with theatrical elements

What makes Aufguss special is how it supercharges the sauna process. When water hits the hot stones, humidity rises, and while the temperature technically drops slightly, it feels much hotter. The steam carries heat more intensely through the room, helping your body sweat more effectively and detox at a deeper level.

The History and Cultural Significance of Aufguss

The roots of sauna culture stretch back about 2,000 years to Northern Europe, particularly Finland. In Finnish tradition, the steam produced when water hits hot stones is called Löyly – a practice that inspired today’s Aufguss.

The elaborate Aufguss ritual evolved from a practical need to refresh the air in enclosed saunas. To restore the temperature after ventilation, water would be thrown onto hot stones and a towel used to distribute the vapor – the ancestor of today’s ritual.

This simple practice transformed into an art form in Germanic and Nordic countries, with refined towel movements developing into complex choreography enhanced by essential oils and music.

The modern-classic Aufguss was born in South Tyrol (the alpine region between Italy and Austria)—crafted with more intention, performance, and flair.

At Cron4, a spa in Riscone, Brunico (BZ), Italy, that’s now legendary in Aufguss circles, the very first World Championship was held in 2007. Since then, it has grown into a respected tradition with dedicated schools and competitions.

The Aufguss Experience: What to Expect

Walking into an Aufguss session for the first time can be surprising, especially if you’re used to quiet, solitary sauna experiences. Here’s what to expect:

Before the Session

• The sauna is heated to 80-100°C (175-212°F)
• You’ll sit on tiered wooden benches, often facing the sauna master
• The Aufgussmeister will introduce themselves and explain the process

During the Ritual

The heart of the experience unfolds in several rounds:

1. Essential oil selection – Essential oil preparation — The sauna master prepares oils in protective ice balls or uses proper infusion concentrates that safely mix with water
2. Application to stones – Creating the initial burst of scented steam
3. Towel techniques – Using skillful movements to direct heat waves toward participants
4. Heat building – Temperature feelings intensify despite actual temperature drops
5. Cool-down moments – Brief pauses between rounds of increasing intensity

Many venues add unique elements, like the snowballs used at Fontainebleau Las Vegas or the themed music and lighting at Bathhouse in New York City.

The Finale

The session typically ends with a final, intense heat wave followed by a cold plunge or shower. This thermal shock therapy triggers an adrenaline rush as your body responds to the sudden temperature change. Afterward, during the rest period, your body releases endorphins – creating a natural sense of well-being and relaxation.

Health and Wellness Benefits of Aufguss

Aufguss amplifies traditional sauna benefits while adding unique advantages:

Physical Benefits

• Sauna detoxification through increased sweating
• Enhanced blood circulation from heat waves
• Pore dilation leading to deeper skin cleansing
• Respiratory improvement as lungs expand and absorb more oxygen
• Immune system strengthening through controlled hyperthermia

When in a light feverish state during Aufguss, your body reacts by strengthening its immune response. The controlled heat creates a condition similar to fever, which naturally activates your immune system.

Mental and Emotional Benefits

• Deeper relaxation as your nervous system gets a well-deserved break
• Enhanced mindfulness from the multisensory experience
• Stress reduction and mental clarity
• Sauna meditation opportunities leading to introspection and calm
• Community connection through shared experience

Aromatherapy Advantages

Different essential oils offer specific benefits:

• Eucalyptus in sauna – Opens airways and clears sinuses
• Lavender aromatherapy – Promotes relaxation and emotional balance
• Peppermint revitalization – Energizes and stimulates
• Pine, sandalwood, cypress, vetiver – Grounding and relaxing
• Citrus oils (lemon, orange, bergamot) – Invigorating and uplifting

IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTE: Never apply pure essential oils directly to water for use on sauna stones. This can cause harmful burning, unpleasant odors, and even fire hazards. Always use protective methods like ice balls or commercial infusion concentrates specifically designed for sauna use.

Related: Best Essential Oils for Sauna

The Art of Towel Techniques

What sets Aufguss apart from regular sauna sessions is the skillful use of towels to direct and control heat. These aren’t random movements but carefully honed towel-waving techniques that transform the experience.

Basic Movements

• Windmill towel motion – Large circular movements that create steady waves
• Fanning – Quick back-and-forth movements for sharp heat bursts
• Folding – Controlled smaller movements for targeted heat delivery

Advanced Techniques

More skilled practitioners develop choreographed routines that might include:

• Overhead spins
• Behind-the-back movements
• Coordinated two-towel patterns
• Synchronized movements with music

The mastery of these techniques requires practice, physical conditioning, and an understanding of how air movement affects heat distribution throughout the sauna space. Advanced practitioners focus not just on the visual appeal but also on maximizing the therapeutic benefits for participants.

Expert Insight: Sigrid on the Art of Aufguss

Where to Experience Aufguss in the United States

While still emerging in America, several notable venues now offer authentic Aufguss experiences:

Luxury Resort Spas

• Lapis Spa & Wellness at Fontainebleau Las Vegas – Features snowball infusions and themed Aufguss shows
• Awana Spa at Resorts World Las Vegas – Offers weekend shows with varying themes

Urban Wellness Centers

• Bathhouse in New York City and Brooklyn – Multiple 15-minute sessions daily
• Hewing Hotel in Minneapolis – Bimonthly thermaculture events on their rooftop

When choosing a venue, look for:

• Properly trained Aufgussmeisters
• Varied essential oil selections
• Appropriate sauna temperature management
• Dedicated cooling facilities for after the session

For first-timers, start with a classic session before trying the more theatrical variations, and don’t hesitate to speak with the sauna master about any concerns.

Conclusion

From its practical origins in Northern Europe to its current status as a wellness art form, Aufguss represents the beautiful evolution of sauna traditions. It transforms a simple sweat session into a journey for the senses—a perfect blend of ancient wisdom and modern wellness innovation.

Whether you’re seeking deeper relaxation, enhanced physical benefits, or simply a unique wellness experience, this ritual offers something special. As American venues continue to embrace this European tradition, more people will discover the extraordinary effects of this multisensory sauna practice.

Next time you visit a spa offering an Aufguss ritual, step into that heated room with an open mind. You might just find that these few minutes of guided heat, scent, and sensation become the highlight of your wellness routine—and a powerful reminder of how rich and varied the world of sauna experiences can be.

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