We have a secret. We’re utterly obsessed with aufguss, a sauna ritual where a maestro leads participants on a sensory journey through essential oils, music, and hot-air circulation via choreographed towel movements. It may sound a little bizarre at first, but trust us, it’s one of the most relaxing and enjoyable spa experiences you’ll try. After visiting countless properties, we can confirm these are the best spa hotels in Europe for lovers of aufguss and saunas.
We also have a full guide to our favourite boutique hotels in Europe.
The best European spa hotels for aufguss and saunas
1. The Well Hotel & Spa | Sofiermyr (near Oslo), Norway
Hotel: The Well Hotel & Spa
Location: Sofiemyr, approximately 15–20 minutes south of central Oslo, Norway
Style: Contemporary adults-only Nordic wellness resort
Rooms: Contemporary rooms and suites, including Signature rooms
Wellness: 15 saunas, indoor and outdoor pools, Japanese baths, hammam, rhassoul and banja experiences
Aufguss: Extensive programme of guided aromatic infusions, with themed and different-intensity sessions held in various saunas, including a sleep aufguss in the evenings
Best for: Dedicated sauna enthusiasts, couples and immersive spa holidays
Prices starting from: €215 per night, depending on room and season.
There’s a reason that we’ve visited this spot five times in the last three years. If you’re serious about sauna culture, The Well Hotel & Spa near Oslo deserves a place at the very top of your travel wish list. One of the Nordic region’s most extensive wellness destinations, this adults-only retreat features 15 different saunas, numerous indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis and bathing experiences inspired by traditions from around the world.
We’ve visited in both winter and summer and discovered something new each time. In winter, soaking in the Japanese-style outdoor onsen as snowflakes fell around us was unforgettable, while summer was all about the outdoor pool and wandering through the forest sculpture garden. Yet it’s the exceptional aufguss programme that keeps us returning. Led by talented sauna masters, the sessions combine music, rhythmic towel movements and aromatic ice balls infused with fragrances such as fir, yuzu and patchouli. With different intensities available, there’s something for beginners and seasoned enthusiasts alike. We even experienced spectacular Pride-themed aufguss ceremonies with multiple sauna masters and music.
Add in exceptional massages and facials, invigorating hot-and-cold experiences and beautifully designed relaxation spaces, and it’s easy to understand why The Well has become one of our favourite European spa escapes.
Read our full review of The Well Hotel & Spa.
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2. My Arbor | South Tyrol, Italy
Hotel: My Arbor, Plose Wellness Hotel
Address: San Leonardo 26, 39042 Bressanone, South Tyrol, Italy
Style: Contemporary adults-only Alpine treehouse retreat
Rooms: Nest, Hangout and Treetop suites
Wellness: 2,500msq-m spa, five saunas, pools, whirlpool, cold plunge and treatments
Aufguss: Regular guided infusions of varying intensities across the day
Best for: Couples, sauna enthusiasts and mountain wellness escapes
Prices starting from: €265 per night, depending on room and season.
My Arbor
My Abor holds a special place in our hearts as it’s where we experienced our very first aufguss! Perched high above Bressanone in South Tyrol, we jumped into an intense aufguss ritual as soon as we arrived and discovered a session that blended fir fragrance with German rock music and a maestro whose choreographed movements moved the heat through the space in time with the music. Afterwards, we enjoyed oranges on the deck as the snow fell and the maestro shared his journey into delivering aufguss rituals.
The hotel is a treehouse-inspired retreat where wellness takes centre stage at the 2,500 sq-m Spa Arboris. Featuring five saunas of varying temperatures, an indoor-outdoor swimming pool, panoramic whirlpool and cold plunge, all surrounded by magnificent mountain scenery, this is the ultimate place to switch off and unwind.
The sauna area follows traditional textile-free bathing customs, while outdoor relaxation spaces provide the perfect opportunity to cool down with refreshments and admire the forest.
Read our full review of My Arbor here.
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3. Cape of Senses | Lake Garda, Italy
Hotel: Cape of Senses
Address: Località le Sorte, 37010 Torri del Benaco, Lake Garda, Italy
Rooms: 55 suites
Opened: 2023
Style: Contemporary lakeside wellness retreat for guests aged 14+
Wellness: 2,000sq-m Senses Spa, Finnish and bio saunas, hammam, pools, yoga and treatments
Aufguss: Guided sauna rituals included in the wellness activities programme
Best for: Romantic spa breaks, gentle wellness escapes and scenic sauna experiences
Prices starting from: €470 per night, depending on room and season.
Cape of Senses (Photo: Alex Moling)
High above the eastern shores of Lake Garda, Cape of Senses combines breathtaking Italian scenery with an intimate, beautifully curated wellness experience. The adults-focused hotel is home to the 2,000sq-m Senses Spa, where a Finnish sauna, bio sauna, hammam and heated infinity pool offer plenty of opportunities to unwind.
During our visit, sauna master Jody delivered one of the most memorable aufguss infusions we’ve experienced, bringing together aromatic scents, perfectly timed music, elegant towel choreography and waves of enveloping heat over twelve blissful minutes. Through the sauna’s large windows, birds flitted between the trees, adding a wonderful connection to nature. Afterwards, guests can relax beside the pool, enjoy herbal teas and refreshments or join the hotel’s daily programme of yoga, Pilates and sound baths.
With just 55 suites and panoramic views across the lake, Cape of Senses is an exceptional choice for travellers who prefer their sauna rituals accompanied by understated Italian luxury and an atmosphere of complete tranquillity.
Read our full review of Cape of Senses.
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4. Terme di Saturnia Natural Destination | Tuscany, Italy
Hotel: Terme di Saturnia Natural Destination
Location: Saturnia, Manciano, Tuscany, Italy
Rooms: 124 rooms and suites
Style: Historic Tuscan thermal wellness resort
Wellness: 20,000sq-m thermal complex, natural hot spring, thermal pools, whirlpools, Roman baths, hydromassage and extensive treatment facilities
Aufguss: Aufguss rituals and wellness experiences throughout the day
Best for: Thermal bathing, restorative wellness holidays and Tuscan countryside escapes
Prices starting from: €470 per night, depending on room and season.
Terme di Saturnia
For those who enjoy combining sauna sessions with traditional thermal bathing, Terme di Saturnia offers a wonderfully restorative escape in the heart of the Tuscan countryside. This historic wellness resort, which has welcomed guests since 1919, is built around an ancient natural hot spring and features an impressive 20,000sq-m thermal wellness complex.
The experience here revolves around the naturally warm, mineral-rich waters that flow through the resort’s pools, whirlpools and hydrotherapy facilities. Aufguss sessions are offered sporadically throughout the programme. During our stay, we spent three days exploring the various bathing areas, from the enormous central thermal pool to the Roman-inspired baths and hydromassage facilities. The expansive spa also offers a wealth of specialist treatments, including the signature Soul Massage and nourishing body rituals.
With 124 rooms, an 18-hole golf course and excellent Tuscan dining, Terme di Saturnia is a destination for travellers who want to immerse themselves in centuries-old European bathing traditions.
Read our full review of Terme di Saturnia.
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5. Thermae Boetfort | Near Brussels, Belgium
Hotel: Thermae Boetfort
Address: Sellaerstraat 42, 1820 Melsbroek, Belgium
Style: Historic castle wellness retreat
Accommodation: Hotel rooms available with overnight wellness packages
Wellness: Multiple saunas, steam baths, relaxation pools, treatments and indoor-outdoor facilities
Aufguss: Guided wellness programme with aufguss available in both the textile-free and swimwear spaces
Bathing rules: Separate textile-free and swimwear areas
Best for: Castle spa experiences, sauna day trips and Belgian wellness traditions
Prices starting from: €206 per night, depending on room and season.
Close to Brussels, we love visiting this spa set within a beautiful castle. This atmospheric Belgian wellness destination offers a combination of traditional sauna culture, historic architecture and modern relaxation facilities. The extensive spa is divided into two distinct areas: Moenia, where textile-free bathing is practised, and Curia, where swimwear is worn.
Across the estate, guests can move between saunas, steam baths, relaxation pools and indoor and outdoor wellness spaces, creating their own circuit of heat, water and rest. The wellness programme adds another dimension to the experience, with guided activities and rituals, including aufguss, designed to complement the thermal facilities.
Unlike many traditional hotel spas, Thermae Boetfort is also a destination for dedicated day visitors, although accommodation is available for those wishing to extend their wellness escape. Don’t forget to grab some of the hotel’s signature beer as a memento.
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6. Lürzerhof | Untertauern, Austria
Hotel: Lürzerhof
Address: Dorfstraße 23, 5561 Untertauern, Austria
Style: Luxury Alpine wellness resort
Rooms: Contemporary Alpine rooms and suites
Family-friendly: Yes, with separate family and adults-only wellness facilities
Wellness: 4,500sq-m spa, six pools, natural swimming lake, event sauna and treatments
Aufguss: Daily aufguss rituals
Best for: Mountain wellness and active spa holidays
Prices starting from: €342 per person for a 34-hour break package, subject to dates and availability.
Lürzerhof
In the Austrian Alps near Obertauern, Lürzerhof offers the sort of expansive wellness experience that could easily keep sauna enthusiasts occupied for an entire holiday. The resort’s 4,500sq-m spa combines an adults-only wellness area with six indoor and outdoor pools, a natural swimming lake and spectacular mountain scenery.
Particularly exciting for aufguss lovers is the Lake Event Sauna, where theatrical show infusions bring music, heat and performance together in an immersive sauna experience. After a session, guests can enjoy the contrast of the surrounding Alpine air and water facilities before retreating to the relaxation areas.
The hotel also offers a dedicated family wellness experience, making it possible to enjoy a multigenerational holiday without sacrificing quieter adults-only spa time.
Learn more about Lürzerhof or Book through Booking.com
7. DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort | Grossarl, Austria
Hotel: DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort
Address: Unterbergstraße 65, 5611 Grossarl, Austria
Style: Five-star contemporary Alpine luxury resort
Rooms: Rooms and suites with Alpine-inspired interiors
Family-friendly: Yes, with dedicated family spa and childcare
Wellness: 7,000sq-m Mountain Spa, panoramic sauna, adults-only areas, family pools and treatments
Aufguss: Guided sauna ritual programme
Best for: Luxury Alpine wellness, couples, families and ski-and-spa holidays
Prices starting from: €620 per night, depending on room and season.
DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort
Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of Austria’s Grossarl Valley, DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort is a five-star Alpine retreat where sauna culture and mountain scenery come together beautifully. Its expansive 7,000sq-m Mountain Spa is a destination in itself, with dedicated adults-only wellness areas, a separate family spa, panoramic saunas, swimming pools and peaceful relaxation lounges.
For sauna enthusiasts, the adults-only area is particularly enticing, offering the chance to experience traditional Austrian heat rituals before cooling down and relaxing with views across the surrounding mountains. The hotel’s approach to wellness balances active Alpine adventures with restorative experiences, making it an appealing base for travellers who want to combine skiing or hiking with long afternoons in the spa.
Learn more about DAS EDELWEISS Salzburg Mountain Resort or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
8. Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort | South Tyrol, Italy
Hotel: Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort
Location: Naturno, South Tyrol, Italy
Style: Five-star adults-only luxury wellness resort
Rooms: Luxury rooms and suites
Wellness: Sauna Tower with 16 saunas, steam and relaxation experiences, salt rooms and meditation spaces
Aufguss: Three to four guided rituals daily
Best for: Serious aufguss enthusiasts, adults-only wellness and luxury spa holidays
Prices starting from: €516 per night, depending on room and season.
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort
If your idea of the perfect holiday involves moving between beautifully designed saunas and expertly choreographed aufguss ceremonies, Preidlhof in South Tyrol is a serious contender. This adults-only wellness resort is renowned for its extraordinary Sauna Tower, which brings together 16 sauna, steam and relaxation experiences across a striking architectural complex overlooking the Vinschgau Valley.
From the intense 90°C Hot & Fun Panorama Sauna to gentler olive and wine saunas, there’s a wonderfully varied selection of temperatures, aromas and atmospheres to discover. Aufguss is a major part of the experience, with three to four guided sessions daily, including performances by highly accomplished sauna masters. The ceremonies range from traditional aromatic infusions to theatrical shows combining music and choreographed towel movements.
Between sessions, guests can retreat to salt rooms, meditation cabins and the innovative DEEP SEA Relaxation Room. With panoramic views across vineyards, orchards and mountain peaks,…
Find out more about Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort or Book through Expedia
9. Fort Resort Beemster | Near Amsterdam, The Netherlands
Hotel: Fort Resort Beemster
Address: Nekkerweg 24, 1461 LC Zuidoostbeemster, The Netherlands
Rooms: 16 luxury rooms and suites
Style: Eco-conscious wellness retreat within a historic fortress
Wellness: Indoor and outdoor saunas, pools, saltwater bathing, hammam and spa treatments
Aufguss: Daily guided sauna infusions, herbal rituals and special ceremonies
Best for: Dutch sauna culture, heritage spa stays and weekend wellness breaks
Prices starting from: Spa day entry from €45 on weekdays; €231 per night, depending on room and season.
Fort Resort Beemster
Housed within a beautifully restored historic fortress near Amsterdam, Fort Resort Beemster combines Dutch sauna culture with striking heritage architecture and eco-conscious luxury. The former military fort has been transformed into a sophisticated wellness retreat featuring indoor and outdoor saunas, thermal pools, a saltwater pool and relaxation spaces overlooking the surrounding countryside.
Among its most memorable facilities are the panoramic sauna, the Kelo sauna where guided infusions take place, and the Vogelnest sauna overlooking the fortress moat. Aufguss enthusiasts will particularly appreciate the daily programme of rituals led by experienced sauna masters, with aromatic infusions, singing bowl sessions and exfoliating treatments all part of the experience.
The resort also offers special small-group wellness experiences featuring herbal sauna and steam rituals. Guests can spend an entire day moving between the heat and water facilities before enjoying dinner at the Poterne restaurant and retiring to one of the fort’s luxurious rooms or suites.
Find out more at Fort Resort Beemster or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
10. Sensoria Dolomites | South Tyrol, Italy
Hotel: Sensoria Dolomites
Address: Schlernstraße 37, 39040 Siusi allo Sciliar, South Tyrol, Italy
Rooms: 47 rooms and suites
Style: Contemporary adults-only Alpine retreat with Scandinavian and Japanese-inspired design
Opened: 2022
Family-friendly: Adults-only, welcoming guests aged 14 and over
Wellness: Bath house with heated indoor and outdoor swimming pools, Finnish sauna, Finnish event sauna, organic sauna with infrared light, steam sauna, three relaxation rooms and treatments
Aufguss: Themed aromatic infusions in the panoramic Finnish event sauna
Best for: Couples, design-conscious travellers and peaceful Alpine wellness escapes
Prices starting from: €221 per person, depending on room and season.
Sensoria
At the foot of the magnificent Sciliar massif in South Tyrol, Sensoria Dolomites takes a slower, more mindful approach to Alpine wellness. This intimate, adults-focused retreat welcomes guests aged 14 and over and offers just 47 rooms and suites, creating a peaceful atmosphere in which the surrounding mountain scenery takes centre stage.
The hotel’s wellness philosophy centres on reconnecting with the senses, with a dedicated bath house, spa facilities and relaxation spaces designed to encourage guests to switch off from everyday life. Rather than focusing on the scale of its facilities, Sensoria emphasises thoughtful design, natural materials and an unhurried approach to wellbeing. Its all-day-inclusive concept adds to the sense of ease, allowing guests to move between wellness activities, relaxation and dining without constantly thinking about the next reservation.
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11. Hotel Ravelli Luxury Spa | Trentino, Italy
Hotel: Hotel Ravelli Luxury Spa
Address: Via IV Novembre 20, 38020 Mezzana, Trentino, Italy
Style: Four-star Alpine wellness hotel
Rooms: Contemporary Alpine-style rooms and suites
Wellness: Adults-only spa, event sauna, bio sauna, steam bath, heated panoramic pool, cold plunge and relaxation rooms
Aufguss: Guided rituals daily in the event sauna
Best for: Dedicated sauna enthusiasts, guided rituals and ski-and-spa holidays
Prices starting from: €179 per night, depending on room and season.
Hotel Ravelli Luxury Spa
For dedicated sauna enthusiasts, Hotel Ravelli in Italy’s Val di Sole is an adults-only retreat combining panoramic heated pools and peaceful relaxation rooms with a dedicated event sauna where sauna masters lead three guided aufguss rituals daily. There’s also a bio sauna for gentler heat, a steam bath and a cold plunge pool maintained at around 10°C, allowing guests to alternate between warming up and cooling down.
After a ritual, the herbal tea bar and relaxation lounges provide space to unwind before the next session.
Find out more about Hotel Ravelli Luxury Spa or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
12. Schlosshotel Fiss | Tyrol, Austria
Hotel: Schlosshotel Fiss
Address: Laurschweg 28, 6533 Fiss, Austria
Style: Five-star luxury Alpine resort
Rooms: Luxury rooms and suites
Family-friendly: Yes, with separate adults-only and family wellness areas
Wellness: 5,000sq-m spa, panoramic Finnish sauna, steam rooms, infrared cabin, Kneipp circuit, plunge pool and hammam
Aufguss: Several guided sessions daily
Best for: Luxury sauna breaks, ski holidays and multigenerational wellness escapes
Prices starting from: €665 per night, depending on room and season.
Schlosshotel Fiss
With its spectacular mountain views and extensive wellness facilities, Schlosshotel Fiss is an excellent choice for travellers who want to combine a five-star Alpine holiday with a serious sauna programme. The resort’s 5,000sq-m wellness world includes an adults-only spa with a 50sq-m Finnish panoramic sauna, where a dedicated sauna specialist leads several guided aufguss sessions daily. At temperatures of approximately 80–100°C, these rituals deliver an authentic high-heat experience, while the surrounding facilities provide plenty of opportunities to cool down and recover.
Guests can alternate between aromatic and salt steam rooms, an infrared cabin, a Kneipp circuit and a plunge pool, before retreating to the quiet relaxation lounge. Families are also catered for, with a separate family spa featuring child-friendly sauna rituals.
Discover more about Schlosshotel Fiss or Book through Booking.com Book through Expedia
13. Cerana Relax Hotel | The Dolomites, Italy
Hotel: Cerana Relax Hotel
Location: Madonna di Campiglio, Trentino, Italy
Style: Four-star superior Alpine wellness hotel
Rooms: Alpine-style rooms and suites, including private wellness suite options
Family-friendly: Yes, with a separate family spa; the rooftop Sky Spa is adults-only
Wellness: Rooftop Sky Spa, event sauna, bio sauna, Turkish bath and outdoor infinity whirlpool
Aufguss: Daily guided aromatic rituals included in the stay
Best for: Couples, rooftop sauna experiences and Dolomites ski-and-spa breaks
Prices starting from: €665 per night, depending on room and season.
Cerana Relax Hotel
For a more intimate sauna escape, Cerana Relax Hotel in Madonna di Campiglio has created an adults-only rooftop wellness space with spectacular views of the Dolomites. Its Sky Spa occupies the hotel’s fifth floor, where an event sauna hosts daily aufguss rituals led by a sauna master. The rooftop also features a bio sauna, Turkish bath, relaxation areas and an outdoor infinity whirlpool overlooking the mountains and village.
Access to the Sky Spa and its daily aufguss sessions is included in the stay, making it easy to incorporate a ritual into each day after skiing or hiking. With a separate family spa available elsewhere in the hotel, Cerana offers an appealing option for couples seeking an elevated Alpine wellness experience without the scale of a larger resort.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is aufguss?
Aufguss is a traditional European sauna ritual that originated in German-speaking sauna culture and is particularly popular in Germany, Austria, the Netherlands and northern Italy. The word translates from German as 'infusion' or 'pouring on'. During a session, a trained sauna master pours water, often infused with essential oils, over the hot stones of a sauna heater. They then use a large towel or fan to circulate the fragrant, heated air around the room, creating waves of intense heat. Some sessions are meditative and relaxing, while others incorporate music, choreography and theatrical performances.
What happens during an aufguss session?
A typical session begins with guests taking their seats in the sauna before the sauna master introduces the ritual and its chosen aromas. Water or scented ice balls are placed on the hot stones, releasing steam and fragrance into the room. The sauna master then uses rhythmic towel movements to circulate the hot air, directing waves of heat towards guests. Some rituals feature several rounds of increasing intensity, often accompanied by music. Afterwards, guests leave the sauna to cool down, shower or take a cold plunge before resting.
How long does an aufguss session last?
Most traditional aufguss sessions last approximately 10–15 minutes, although some specialist performances can be longer. Some spas offer multi-stage experiences with cooling breaks between rounds. Hotels often publish a daily timetable, so check session times when planning your visit.
What is the difference between aufguss and a regular sauna?
A conventional sauna session is generally self-directed, with guests sitting quietly in the heat. Aufguss is a guided experience led by a trained sauna master, who controls the addition of water, essential oils and the movement of hot air around the room. The result is a more immersive experience that combines heat, scent, sound and movement. It can be relaxing and meditative or more theatrical, depending on the style of the session.
What is a show aufguss?
Show aufguss takes the traditional sauna ritual a step further, introducing elements of performance and entertainment. Sauna masters use choreographed towel movements, music, lighting and sometimes costumes to create a themed experience. Some sessions tell a story or follow a particular musical theme, while others focus on dramatic heat techniques and sensory effects. International competitions have helped popularise this more theatrical style of sauna culture.
Is aufguss suitable for beginners?
Yes. Although the heat can be intense, beginners are welcome at most sessions. If you're new to aufguss, choose a gentler ritual, sit on a lower bench where temperatures are generally less intense and let the sauna master know you're unfamiliar with the experience. You can leave at any point if you feel uncomfortable. It's important to listen to your body rather than trying to remain in the sauna for the entire session.
What should you wear during an aufguss session?
This depends on the country and individual spa. In Germany, Austria and South Tyrol, many traditional sauna areas are textile-free, meaning swimwear is not permitted. Guests generally sit on a large towel that covers the entire bench beneath them. Other resorts have designated swimwear areas or require bathing suits. Always check the hotel's sauna etiquette before visiting.
What are the benefits of aufguss?
Aufguss combines the traditional benefits and relaxation associated with sauna bathing with an additional sensory experience. The warmth can encourage relaxation and temporary muscle comfort, while essential oils, music and rhythmic movements contribute to a calming or invigorating atmosphere. Alternating heat with cooling and rest can also be an enjoyable part of a wider wellness routine. However, claims that aufguss detoxifies the body or provides specific medical benefits should be treated with caution.
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