What is aufguss?
Aufguss is a guided sauna ritual from the German-speaking world. A sauna master pours scented water on the hot stones and waves a towel to push waves of heat around the room, often to music. It has become one of the signature events at new US bathhouses.
The short answer
Aufguss is German for "infusion" or "pouring over". In a sauna it means pouring water on the stones, and by extension the whole ceremony built around it. A trained sauna master, called an Aufgussmeister or Saunameister, leads a session of about 10 to 20 minutes: water with essential oils goes on the stones, then the master fans the steam around the room with a towel, round by round, until a final wave of heat. (Finnmark Sauna)
Where it comes from
Aufguss grew out of everyday sauna practice in Germany and Austria. After a sauna was aired out, water was poured on the stones to bring back heat and humidity, and someone waved a towel to spread it. Over time this became a ritual with scents, music and choreography. In German spa towns, sauna masters run several sessions a day on a posted schedule. (Finnmark Sauna)
Today there are aufguss competitions in many countries, with sauna masters performing set routines to music and judges scoring the heat, the towel work and the show.
What happens in a session
- Arrive early. Guests gather in the sauna before the start, and the door is closed.
- The pour. The sauna master pours water, often mixed with essential oils such as eucalyptus, mint or citrus, onto the stones in several rounds.
- The towel work. With big, practiced movements, the master pushes the hot steam toward the benches. Some sessions add a personal wave of heat toward each guest.
- The finish. The heat builds to a last wave, and guests leave together to cool off in a cold plunge or shower.
The heat in an aufguss is intense. The room can go above 190°F on the top benches, and the steam makes it feel hotter.
Etiquette
- Arrive before it starts. Walking in mid-session lets the heat out and is considered poor manners.
- Leave if you need to. Feeling unwell is a good reason to go, at any time. Leave quietly, and sit on a lower bench if you think you might want to leave early.
- No talking during the session, unless the sauna master invites it.
- Clapping at the end is common.
- Cool off and rest afterward. See sauna then cold plunge.
Tips for your first aufguss
- Sit on a lower bench. It is noticeably cooler there.
- Bring a towel to sit on and, if allowed, one to cover your head.
- Drink water before and after.
- Do not go in straight after a long sauna round. Start fresh.
Where to try aufguss in the US
Aufguss is still rare in the US, but the new social bathhouses have made it a regular feature. Bathhouse runs aufguss sessions daily in New York and at its new location in Philadelphia, and you can also find it at Löyly in Portland and Archimedes Banya in San Francisco.
See every place we list on where to find aufguss in the US. Sessions are often included in the entry price but can fill up, so check the schedule when you book.
Frequently asked questions
What does aufguss mean?
Aufguss is German for "infusion" or "pouring over". In the sauna it means pouring water on the hot stones, and it is also the name of the guided ritual built around it.
How long is an aufguss session?
Most sessions last about 10 to 20 minutes, in several rounds of pouring and towel waving.
Can you leave during an aufguss?
Yes. If you feel unwell, leave at any time, quietly. Sitting on a lower bench near the door makes it easier.
Why does the sauna master wave a towel?
The towel moves the hot, scented steam around the room and toward the bathers, so everyone feels the heat.
Where can I try aufguss in the US?
Bathhouse in New York and Philadelphia runs daily sessions, and Löyly in Portland and Archimedes Banya in San Francisco offer it too. See our list of saunas with aufguss.