I run Hunter Pools here in Southern Utah, and while we focus on pool and spa maintenance rather than saunas specifically, I work with hot tubs and spa environments daily--so I understand the wellness water experience from a technical and customer satisfaction angle. From what I've seen with spa clients, the aufguss experience (the ritual of pouring water infused with essential oils over hot sauna stones while creating air circulation) transforms a passive heat session into an engaging wellness event. It's similar to how we've noticed customers prefer pools that offer more than just "a place to swim"--they want an experience. One of our commercial clients runs a resort spa, and their feedback consistently shows guests remember and talk about interactive wellness experiences far more than standard amenities. The trend question is interesting because I'd compare it to salt water pools versus traditional chlorine--it seemed like a fad five years ago, but now it's proven staying power because the experience genuinely differs. Aufguss adds theater and aromatherapy to heat therapy, which hits multiple wellness angles at once. Whether someone prefers that or quiet relaxation depends entirely on what they need that day--just like some clients want a peaceful morning swim while others are hosting pool parties.
In a traditional sauna, the heat tends to sit there--steady, predictable. An aufguss session is a different creature. A trained sauna master pours water infused with essential oils onto the stones, then whips the steam around the room with a towel. It's part craft, part performance. I first stumbled into one in Germany, and it completely reshaped my idea of what a sauna could be: more intense, more focused, and somehow both grounding and invigorating. People should try it because it turns the sauna from something you simply endure into something you actively experience. I've had guests describe it as "a workout and a meditation rolled into one." The scents, the controlled bursts of heat, the way the air moves--it pulls you in and keeps your mind from drifting. Even though it's getting buzzier these days, aufguss isn't new. It has a long history across Europe. What's new is how quickly it's spreading. And yes, it's absolutely worth trying. Once you've felt that wave of heat sweep through the room, a regular quiet sauna can start to feel a little flat. You still get all the familiar benefits--improved circulation, muscle recovery, that post-sauna clarity--but the guided flow helps people breathe more deeply and stay with the heat longer. And the shared atmosphere adds a social layer that most wellness rituals don't offer. As for whether saunas should be fun or quiet, I think there's room for both. Some days you want silence; other days you want the collective energy an aufguss brings. A good spa should let guests choose the mood they need. LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/damienzouaoui
Hi Emilija, I'm Riccardo Soff, founder of wellness & Aromatherapy brand Incensesticks.com. I work closely with aromatherapy products such as pure essential oils that are an important part of the traditional aufguss sauna ritual. Why should people try the Aufguss sauna ritual? Aufguss combines heat therapy with aromatherapy, enhancing both physical and emotional relaxation. The essential oils used, such as eucalyptus, pine, citrus, lavender, or herbal blends, can support breathing, ease tension, and create a grounding sensory ritual that many people find deeply rejuvenating. Should sauna be fun or quiet? Quiet saunas are ideal for deep relaxation and introspection, while Aufguss introduces a guided, almost ceremonial experience that can feel energizing, social, and uplifting. The best choice depends on what an individual seeks, stillness or sensory engagement. The quality and purity of essential oils used during Aufguss are important, as natural fragrances create a smoother, more balanced aromatic experience compared to synthetic scents. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/riccardosoff/ website: https://incensesticks.com/ Happy to provide any additional details if helpful. Best regards, Riccardo Soff Founder, Incensesticks.com