A first-time visitor to the Sauna Aufguss, a choreographed wellness ritual gaining popularity across Europe, found the experience helped ease body inhibitions during a stay at Hotel Lürzerhof, an alpine resort spa near Salzburg, Austria.
Sitting shyly in a grey towel among mostly naked sauna-goers, Lynn Rusk experienced her first Aufguss session, which takes its name from the German word for "infusion" or "pouring." Austrian rock anthems played as sauna masters in theatrical costumes swirled towels to send waves of scorching steam toward attendees. The aromas of orange and rosemary filled the air as ice enriched with essential oils crackled on hot sauna stones.
A Three-Stage Ceremony
An Aufguss session typically lasts 10 to 15 minutes and unfolds in three stages. Sauna masters place balls of scented ice on hot stones, then use intricate towel techniques to circulate fragrant, moist heat around the room.
The sauna masters, Janine Kavallar and Andi Gyurcsik, lead sessions three times a day at Hotel Lürzerhof, a 68-bedroom wellness retreat run by generations of the Habersatter family. The hotel recently completed a €10 million (£8.5 million) redevelopment, including a new adults-only spa floor topped by a 20-metre cantilevered rooftop infinity pool overlooking surrounding peaks.
Embracing Local Customs
After 12 sweaty minutes in the sauna, Rusk embraced local custom, removing her towel and plunging naked into the hotel's icy outdoor pool. Surrounded by conifers and mountain views, the cold water felt invigorating after the sauna's intense heat, though her awkwardness returned upon emerging.
Beyond the spa, the Alpine landscape offered walking trails, waterfalls, and a day trip to Obertauern, one of Austria's snowiest ski destinations in winter. A cable car ride up Glöcknerin Peak provided views and access to Wildsee mountain lake, where Rusk took a dip.
A Relaxing Retreat
Rusk also tried the hotel's signature Alpine Calm Ritual, where warm Alpine herbal compresses were placed on her upper body and face, easing tension from her shoulders and back. Guests can wander in robes, even wearing them to the lunch buffet.
Despite trying various pools and saunas, Rusk kept returning to the evening Sauna Aufguss, which she tried four times. With each session, her reservations eased, though she was not quite ready to give up her towel. During one session, a guest celebrating a birthday was invited to dance naked in front of others; with her own birthday the following day, Rusk managed to avoid a similar celebration.
By the time she left, Rusk was hugging the sauna masters and saying goodbye to her new unclothed companions. She could not say she had shed all inhibitions, but the experience helped her relax and rethink her relationship with body confidence. She left with a more open mind and a little less body shame.
