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– Paid collaboration with Ikaalinen Spa & Resort –

In this article What Is an Aufguss Sauna Ritual? Experience It at Ikaalinen Spa, Finland, we explore a unique sauna experience at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort in Finland.

What is Aufguss?
What happens during a sauna ritual?
Where can you experience this in Finland?

You’ll find all the answers below.

What Is an Aufguss Sauna Ritual?

Aufguss is a guided sauna ritual that goes far beyond a traditional sauna session.

During the ritual, water is poured onto the hot sauna stones to create steam (löyly, as Finns call it). What makes Aufguss special is the addition of essential oils, natural scents, and carefully choreographed movements using towels or fans to circulate the heat and aromas around the room.

Often, there is also music, which adds an immersive element to the experience.

An Aufguss session stimulates multiple senses:

Sight (the performance)
Sound (music)
Smell (essential oils)
Sometimes even touch (through heat waves or treatments like scrubs or honey masks)

Where Does Aufguss Come From?

Although Finland is famous for its sauna culture, Aufguss actually originates from Germany.

It was originally developed for practical reasons: large sauna rooms and relatively small heaters meant that heat didn’t circulate evenly. Sauna masters began using towels to “push” the hot air down to bathers.

Today in Germany, only trained sauna masters are allowed to perform Aufguss rituals. These sessions are typically scheduled once per hour, and guests are expected to follow specific rules—like not throwing water on the stones themselves.

Read more: What does a German sauna master do

My Personal Experience with Aufguss

I’ve experienced many Aufguss rituals in Germany over the years—some amazing, some… not so much.

There are themed sessions inspired by artists like Michael Jackson or AC/DC, and even Oktoberfest-style performances. While these can be entertaining, I personally feel that overly theatrical shows don’t always fit the calm, mindful atmosphere of a sauna.

That said, the best Aufguss sessions I’ve attended have been absolutely unforgettable—leaving you with a true wow feeling.

My very first experience was over 14 years ago. I remember sitting on the lower bench, trying not to burst out laughing, wondering what on earth the sauna master was doing with a towel. It felt surreal—like, “Is this really happening?”

UTU Sauna World at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort

In summer 2025, a new sauna area called UTU Sauna World opened at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort.

I was invited to visit and finally made it there in March 2026 with a friend—who had never experienced Aufguss before. So this was a perfect mix of perspectives: a first-timer and someone more experienced.

What Happens During the Ritual?

The sauna doors opened about five minutes before the session to allow the sauna masters to prepare. This also ensures safety and comfort for all guests.

Our sauna master, Jura, welcomed everyone and explained the guidelines:

Silence during the ritual
Focus on the experience
You are free to leave the sauna at any time if the heat feels too intense
You can also move to a lower bench for a more comfortable temperature

He also mentioned that the ritual would last approximately 11–14 minutes.

Almost everyone present was experiencing Aufguss for the first time.

The ritual included:

Buckets of water
Essential oil-infused ice balls
Towels, fans, and even flags

As the music started, Jura performed a perfectly timed sequence of pouring water, releasing scents, and creating waves of heat. It was mesmerizing.

And something truly special happened:
Even though Finns usually chat in the sauna, everyone sat in complete silence—watching, listening, and simply enjoying the moment.

A New Way to Experience Sauna

One thing I deeply appreciate about German sauna culture is the idea of mindful silence.

Taking a moment to just sit, breathe, and listen to your body is something we could embrace more in Finland too.

Even those who initially seemed skeptical—like a group of middle-aged men quietly joking before the session—became completely silent during the ritual.

Later, I spoke with other guests, and everyone was excited about the experience. Many had already attended multiple sessions—and planned to come again.

My friend, a complete beginner, described it as “mind-opening” and incredibly relaxing. It made us both wonder: would a regular sauna have created the same level of relaxation?

Meet the Sauna Masters

I also had the chance to speak with the sauna masters, Jura and Enni.

Both have deep knowledge of natural ingredients and plant-based elements, which they incorporate into their rituals.

One highlight was a whisking ceremony (similar to the traditional Finnish vihta ritual), performed using eucalyptus instead of birch—thoughtfully adapted due to a guest’s allergy.

Their passion and authenticity truly stood out. Even with less than a year of experience, their rituals felt professional and heartfelt.

Aufguss in Finland – A Growing Trend

Aufguss is clearly making its way into Finnish sauna culture—and it’s here to stay.

The key is not to copy Central European styles directly, but to adapt them into something uniquely Finnish.

In today’s fast-paced world, people are craving moments of calm, presence, and connection. Guided sauna rituals offer exactly that.

At UTU Sauna World, the sessions are included in the entrance fee—no extra cost.

Each ritual lasts about 11–14 minutes, which is the perfect amount of time to disconnect from everything else and just focus on yourself.

Final Thoughts

The Aufguss sauna ritual offers a completely new way to experience sauna—combining tradition, performance, and mindfulness.

If you’re visiting Finland and want to try something truly special, this is absolutely worth experiencing.

Have you ever tried an Aufguss sauna ritual? Would you like to? I’d love to hear your thoughts and experiences!

I was invited to experience the resort, including accommodation and access to the sauna world, in exchange for this What Is an Aufguss Sauna Ritual? Experience It at Ikaalinen Spa, Finland -article.

With love,

Sauna-Kati

In this article, How to Use Sauna Honey, we explore Finnish sauna honey, a skincare product used in the sauna. Sauna honey is both exfoliating and nourishing – it pampers the skin naturally and effectively.

You’ll find answers to questions such as:

Is honey good for the skin?
Why choose Finnish sauna honey?
Can sauna honey be eaten?
Can honey go bad?

What is sauna honey?

Sauna honey moisturizes the skin and also softens the hair. Yes, you read that right – sauna honey can also be used on the scalp and hair to add moisture and shine.

Traditionally, honey has been used to soothe, soften, cleanse, and gently exfoliate the skin.

Honey naturally contains small crystals, which also provide mild exfoliation. However, if you prefer a deeper exfoliation, it’s recommended to do that before applying sauna honey.

I have added Finnish sauna honey to my online shop and also use it in the sauna events I organize. Customers love how easy it is to use and the smoothing effect it has on the skin.

HEHKU Sauna Honey Collection

The HEHKU product line includes five wonderful sauna honeys. Each has its own active ingredients and benefits the skin in its own way:

Aloe Vera – moisturizes and soothes the skin
Wild Rose – indulgent and luxurious
Herbal – fresh and revitalizing
Oat – calming and suitable for sensitive skin
Lavender – relaxing and balancing

Sauna honey differs from regular edible honey in its more fluid, easy-to-apply texture. It also contains added skincare ingredients and pleasant aromas.

A question I often hear from customers is:
“Why doesn’t the honey I have at home spread like this?”

The reason is simple – sauna honey has been specifically developed for skincare and sauna use.

How to Use Sauna Honey

Shower before entering the sauna.
Allow your skin to warm up in the sauna for 5–10 minutes.
Apply sauna honey to damp skin using soft, gentle movements.
Start from the feet and move upward.
It can also be applied to the face, but avoid the eye area.
Leave on for 10–15 minutes.
Rinse off with warm water.

Do not wash the skin with soap after the honey treatment, so the nourishing ingredients can remain on the skin.

Is Honey Good for the Skin?

Honey is a 100% natural product. It contains beneficial enzymes, trace elements, acids, and vitamins.

It is suitable for dry, oily, and acne-prone skin and can be used on the entire body.

Honey naturally has antibacterial properties and has been shown to inhibit the growth of certain bacteria.

Why Choose Finnish Sauna Honey?

Finnish honey is considered exceptionally pure. Studies have found that imported honeys often contain more residues of synthetic substances than Finnish honey.

This is why Finnish honey is often slightly more expensive – but also of very high quality. It is a pure natural product without synthetic additives.

Can Sauna Honey Be Eaten?

Sauna honey is not recommended for consumption. While it contains about 90% honey, it also includes added aromas, fragrances, and ingredients such as apricot kernel powder, making it a skincare product rather than a food item.

Can Honey Go Bad?

Honey practically does not spoil when stored properly.

When stored correctly, honey lasts at least two years – often much longer. It has even been reported that honey jars found in Egyptian tombs (around 3300 BC) were still usable.

How Should Sauna Honey Be Stored?

Sauna honey should be stored at room temperature. Do not store it in the sauna, in a damp basement, or in the refrigerator, to preserve its texture and quality.

Would You Like to Try Sauna Honey Yourself?

If you haven’t yet tried sauna honey, now is the perfect time to make your sauna experience even more indulgent. HEHKU sauna honeys leave the skin soft, hydrated, and glowing after just one use.

Choose your favorite scent and let the warmth of the sauna and the natural benefits of honey do the work. It’s a small but meaningful investment in your well-being – your skin will thank you.

Explore the selection in my online shop and find your sauna favorite ✨

In this article How to Use Sauna Honey, we explored the nourishing and pampering benefits of sauna honey and how to get the most out of it in the sauna.

Hopefully, you’ve been inspired to make sauna honey part of your own sauna routine ✨

Warm regards,
Sauna-Kati