How to make a perfect aufguss: practical guide
The aufguss is the central moment of the sauna ritual. Three ladles of water, a few drops of essential oil, a towel moving the air – sounds simple, but small details make all the difference. In this guide we explain step by step how to do it right, safely, and beautifully scented.
This is a practical guide. If you want to first understand which essential oils to choose for the sauna and why they work, read our guide to essential oils in the sauna. If you're looking for ready-made blend recipes, go directly to our 6 Viworo blends for the sauna.
What is the aufguss
"Aufguss" is a German word that literally means "infusion" or "pouring on". In the Finnish sauna tradition it's called löyly and it's almost a sacred act: water is poured on the hot stones of the ofen (stove), steam rises, the air fills with humid warmth. When natural essential oils are added to the water, the aufguss also becomes an aromatic experience – the true heart of the modern sauna ritual.
In Germany, Austria, and South Tyrol, the aufguss is often accompanied by wedeln: the towel movement that distributes the scented steam throughout the cabin. That's what turns a simple water pour into a ritual.
What you need
Equipment
- A sauna ladle (wooden or metal)
- A bucket of clean water at room temperature
- A large towel for wedeln
- A watch or hourglass (sessions of 8–15 minutes)
Essential oils
- Only 100 % pure, natural essential oils, preferably organic
- Never synthetic fragrances or perfumed oils
- Dosage: 5–10 drops per liter of water
- Keep the bottles outside the cabin (heat damages them)
Step by step procedure
Here's the exact sequence we use ourselves and recommend to our customers. Six simple steps:
Step 1 – Heat the sauna well
The sauna must have reached 80–90 °C (Finnish sauna) or 60–70 °C (bio sauna / sanarium) before you start the aufguss. On lukewarm stones, steam doesn't form properly and oils stay on the water instead of evaporating.
Step 2 – Prepare the aromatic water
In a ladle (about 200 ml of water) add 1–2 drops of essential oil. For the first aufguss of the session, use plain water without oil – it only serves to create the first steam and slightly lower the stones' temperature.
Step 3 – Pour plain water first
Pour 2–3 ladles of plain water on the stones. This:
- lowers the surface temperature of the stones (so the oil doesn't ignite)
- creates the first steam
- cleans the stones of residues from previous aufguss sessions
Step 4 – Pour the aromatic water
Now pour the ladle with the essential oil. Distribute it across the entire stone surface, not just in the center – so evaporation is even and the aroma releases harmoniously.
Step 5 – Wedeln: move the air
Take a large towel and move it through the air with wide, circular motions. This distributes the scented steam throughout the cabin and creates the heat wave that is the heart of the aufguss experience. Continue for 30–60 seconds.
Step 6 – Enjoy the moment
Sit down, breathe deeply, let the scented steam fill every breath. Stay in the cabin for a maximum of 8–15 minutes, then exit, cool the body (cool shower or cold air), rest at least 15 minutes before returning to the sauna.
The 5 most common mistakes to avoid
- Pure oil directly on the stones. Mistake number one. Concentrated essential oils can ignite on stones at 200 °C+. Always dilute in water first.
- Too many drops. "More is better" doesn't apply to essential oils. A too-intense aroma becomes pungent and unpleasant, especially in closed spaces. Always start with little.
- Using perfumed or synthetic oils. They look similar, cost less – but in the sauna's heat every impurity is amplified and ends up in your lungs. Only 100 % pure organic essential oils.
- Storing bottles inside the cabin. Constant heat rapidly deteriorates essential oils, altering aroma and properties. Keep the bottles in a cool cabinet outside the sauna.
- Aufguss in a too-cold cabin. Below 70 °C, steam doesn't form well and oil stays on the stones without evaporating properly. Wait until the sauna is well heated before starting.
Adapting the aufguss to your sauna type
FAQ about the aufguss
How many aufguss can you do in one session?
Usually 2–3 aufguss per sauna session (8–15 minutes), with cooling breaks of at least 15 minutes in between. More than 3 in one session risks tiring the body instead of regenerating it.
Can you do an aufguss alone?
Yes, but carefully. In public saunas the aufguss is guided by an expert (the aufgussmeister); in a private sauna you can do it yourself following the steps in this guide. Important: don't overdo the wedeln if you're alone, to avoid heat stroke.
Can I use stone pine oil for the aufguss?
Yes, it's one of the most traditional choices in the Alpine arc. The stone pine essential oil has a warm, woody, balsamic aroma – ideal for saunas in the heart of the Dolomites. Dosage: 2–3 drops per ladle.
Is the aufguss suitable for everyone?
In general yes, but those suffering from cardiovascular issues, uncontrolled hypertension, pregnancy, severe asthma should consult their doctor before doing intense aufguss sessions. Children under 6 should preferably avoid the scented sauna.
Can I mix two oils for the aufguss?
Yes, they're called blends and they create very interesting experiences. See our 6 Viworo blend recipes for the sauna.
Viworo essential oils for your aufguss
All our essential oils are organic certified and 100 % pure, suitable for use in the sauna. We select them, test them, and use them ourselves in the family – including in the sauna.
Discover Viworo essential oilsSouth Tyrolean family business since 1989. We use them ourselves, every day.