A guided sauna ceremony where a master pours essential-oil-infused water on the stones and circulates the heat with theatrical towel work.

Aufguss — German for "infusion" — is the most theatrical ritual in the sauna world and the fastest-rising in the English-speaking one. A trained Aufguss master (or "Saunameister") ladles water infused with essential oils and, increasingly, balls of scented ice onto the hot stones, then uses a towel to whip the aromatic steam through the room in choreographed waves, often set to music. The effect is part wellness treatment, part performance. There is now an Aufguss World Championship, and the practice has spread from German and Italian thermal resorts into a new wave of urban bathhouses.

The ritual, step by step

1
Enter a hot, dry sauna and find a seat — lower benches are cooler if it is your first round.
2
The Aufguss master pours infused water (or places scented ice) onto the heated stones, releasing aromatic steam.
3
Watch as they circulate the steam with a towel, building waves of heat in rounds, each hotter and more intense.
4
Breathe steadily and stay only as long as feels comfortable — it is fine to leave between waves.
5
Exit and cool down with cold air, a cold shower, or a plunge, then rest before any second round.

Etiquette

Arrive before it starts — doors usually close once the ritual begins, out of respect for the heat.
Sit still and stay quiet; the room is led by the master.
Applause at the end is customary in many saunas.
Hydrate well before and after, never during.