Berlin: The wellness world is abuzz with a new trend taking saunas by storm – Aufguss, a captivating blend of theatre, music, and towel artistry that is transforming traditional sauna experiences globally. As saunas grow in popularity worldwide, this steamy, semi-nude ritual is drawing wellness-seekers eager to partake in its multisensory magic.
According to BBC, Aufguss, which means "infusion" in German, is a unique sauna practice where a sauna master, or Aufgussmeister, orchestrates waves of steam by spinning a towel in a hypnotic dance, set to a backdrop of scents and sounds. This ritual, originating in the 20th Century from Germany, Austria, Switzerland, and the Italian Dolomites, involves three rounds of fragrance-infused ice balls being crushed over hot rocks. Each round intensifies the heat, as the towel movements direct the steam, enveloping participants in a new realm of warmth and relaxation.
The trend is spreading rapidly beyond its European roots, with spas worldwide embracing the Aufguss experience. Locations such as Sauna Tokyo in Japan, Peninsula Hot Springs in Australia, Thermea Spa Village in Canada, and Awana Spa in Las Vegas are just some of the international destinations offering this sauna offshoot. In the UK, venues like Rudding Park and St Andrews Lakes have also adopted Aufguss.
A variation known as "Theatre Aufguss" has further expanded the practice, incorporating narratives into the sauna sessions. This version has sparked its own annual world championships, Aufguss WM, which has grown from a small competition in 2009 to an international event drawing competitors from around the globe. The 2025 championships in Verona, Italy, featured 160 competitors from 18 countries, showcasing the widespread appeal of this sauna art form.
Sigrid Van Rijswijk, a theatre worker turned sauna master from the Netherlands, exemplifies the creative potential of Aufguss. Her award-winning performance at the 2025 championships combined storytelling, scents, and music, captivating audiences with its theatrical flair. Van Rijswijk is now dedicated to training new Aufgussmeisters worldwide, adapting the practice to local cultures and traditions.
In the United States, the Aufguss movement is gaining momentum, with venues like Bathhouse in New York leading the charge. Co-founder Travis Talmadge highlights the American twist on the ritual, incorporating modern music genres to enhance the experience. Bathhouse recently hosted the US's first national Aufguss competition, further solidifying the practice's growing popularity.
Deborah Carr, director of the British Sauna Society, emphasizes the benefits of Aufguss for participants, noting its ability to provide a digital detox and a journey of self-reflection. The shared experience fosters a sense of community among sauna-goers, who emerge from the sessions refreshed and connected.
As Aufguss continues to spread its warmth across the globe, it offers a unique blend of sport, art, theatre, and wellness, providing participants a powerful retreat from the modern world's hustle and bustle.