The Perfect Aufguss: Step-by-Step Guide

The Aufguss is the heart of German sauna culture — and at the same time the element that leaves most beginners unsure. What do you pour on the stones? How much? How do you fan correctly? And what makes the difference between a good and a great Aufguss?

This article answers all the questions — with a step-by-step guide and three classic Aufguss recipes.

What is Löyly?

Löyly is the Finnish word for the steam created when water is poured over hot sauna stones. It is one of the oldest Finnish words and carries deep cultural meaning — in ancient Finnish mythology, Löyly was the spirit or soul that dwells in every person. This spiritual dimension explains why the Aufguss in Finland is not a technical procedure, but a ritual.

Physically speaking: when water meets stones at 150–300 °C, it instantly vaporises. The steam produced raises the perceived temperature in the room dramatically without significantly changing the air temperature. It is the rise in humidity that stimulates sweating and makes the heat more intensely felt.

Step by step: The Aufguss

Step 1 — Preparation (5 minutes before the Aufguss): The sauna should have been heating for at least 20 minutes. Ideal temperature for a good Aufguss: 80–95 °C. Too hot a heater (above 100 °C) produces aggressive steam; too cool (below 70 °C) gives too little Löyly. Prepare the infusion water: clear water in a sauna bucket (0.5–1 litre for the first round), mixed with infusion oil if desired.

Step 2 — The first ladle: Scoop the first ladle slowly and evenly onto the centre of the pile of stones. Not on a single point, but in a circular motion. A slow, circular pour produces more even steam than a quick splash. Note: the first ladle is always the most intense — the stones are at their hottest.

Step 3 — Fanning: Immediately after the Aufguss, fanning begins. The goal is to distribute the rising steam cloud evenly around the room — from above (where it collects) down to the bathers. A towel, a fan or a birch whisk are all suitable for fanning.

Fanning technique: how to do it right

First-time fanners often make the same mistake: they fan the air horizontally across the room. This is wrong. The goal is vertical movement: directing hot steam from the ceiling down to the bodies of the bathers.

The classic technique: stand with your back to the wall, towel in the outstretched hand. Start with an upward movement — bring the towel up to the ceiling — then a powerful downward movement towards the lowest bench. Then a few steps to the side and repeat. The sauna master works systematically through the room.

A common mistake: fanning too fast and weakly. Slow and powerful beats fast and ineffective every time. Each movement should be felt.

Three classic Aufguss recipes

1. Eucalyptus — The classic

Effect: Clears the airways, antiseptic, invigorating. The standard Aufguss in German wellness centres.

Recipe: 1 litre of water + 5–8 drops of eucalyptus oil (100% pure natural). Optional: place a fresh eucalyptus branch on the stones — the heat will release its oil directly.

Note: Eucalyptus is intense. Less is more — too much oil can irritate the mucous membranes.

2. Peppermint — The refresher

Effect: Cooling, clarifying, ideal after a long working day. The menthol effect slightly lowers the perceived temperature.

Recipe: 1 litre of water + 4–6 drops of peppermint oil + optionally 2 drops of lemon oil. If you have fresh mint leaves: place a small bunch on the stones before pouring the water.

Note: Peppermint is not suitable for people with asthma — the strong menthol stimulus can irritate the airways.

3. Spruce needle — The forest scent

Effect: Grounding, relaxing, deeply aromatic. Evokes memories of winter forest and is especially popular in the cold season.

Recipe: 1 litre of water + 5 drops of spruce needle or pine oil + 2 drops of Swiss stone pine oil. Optional: lay fresh spruce branches on the bench.

Note: Use quality oils — cheap synthetic fragrance on sauna stones often produces an unpleasant chemical smell.

The birch whisk: a tradition from Finland

The Vihta (Finland) or Venik (Russia) is a bundle of young birch branches with which sauna visitors traditionally beat their bodies. This sounds more masochistic than it is: the soft birch leaves gently massage the skin, stimulate circulation and release a fresh, woody scent.

In Germany the birch whisk is less common than in Scandinavia, but available in many well-stocked sauna facilities. Before use: soak the dried whisk in warm water for 15 minutes until the branches are supple again.