Scotland's first permanent venue for the traditional German Aufguss sauna ritual has opened in Glasgow. Amberwave Sauna, located in the SWG3 Community Garden in the West End, brings centuries-old sauna culture to the city.
A Unique Wellness Space
The venue features a wood-fired sauna and cold plunge pools, set among indigenous trees, community allotments, and beehives. It offers a peaceful escape from the city centre.
Founded by Sauna Enthusiasts
Amberwave was founded by Doro Weber-Passmore, Claire Spence, and Kate Oldham. Weber-Passmore is Scotland's only authentic German-trained Aufguss Master, certified by Germany's national sauna association, the Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V.
The Aufguss Experience
The standout experience is the two-hour Aufguss Experience with Doro, priced at £35 per person. Guests take part in five curated rounds where water and ice infused with essential oils are poured onto hot stones, and aromatic steam is circulated using traditional towel techniques. Between rounds, visitors cool off in temperature-controlled cold plunge pools.
Community sauna sessions lasting one, 1.5, or two hours are also available, incorporating elements of the Aufguss ritual. The venue offers private hire for special events.
A Long-Held Dream
Weber-Passmore has been introducing Glaswegians to Aufguss through pop-up saunas for years. Speaking on the launch, she said: “I have made Scotland my home 20 years ago, and I always felt that proper sauna culture was the one thing missing. Which is funny, really, because we have the perfect climate for year-round sauna here, much like our Nordic neighbours.
“I’m so happy to see that changing, and proud that Amberwave Sauna is part of that shift. Sauna can support both physical and mental wellbeing, from rest and recovery to connection and belonging. We’ve created a space we hope people will return to often – to slow down, reset and reconnect.”
