About Swedish Aufguss Society
Swedish Aufguss Society is a non-profit organization that brings together people with a passion for aufguss – an art form that blends heat, scent, music, and movement in the ritual space of the sauna. We are performers, organizers, judges, and enthusiasts who want to highlight the unique role of aufguss as both a wellness experience and a competitive discipline. The society was founded out of a desire to create community, knowledge, and quality around aufguss in Sweden.
Our Purpose and Goals
We work to make aufguss accessible and appreciated throughout the country. By building bridges between spas, bathhouses, and associations, we create new opportunities for collaboration and growth. We aim to spread knowledge about the history and culture of aufguss, offer training for both performers and jury members, and serve as organizers of Swedish and Nordic championships. Our goal is for Sweden to have a strong presence in international competitions – and for more people to experience the magic of aufguss.
Competition and Education
In the warm embrace of the sauna, both stillness and strength are born – and it is here that aufguss grows as an art form and competitive discipline. Swedish Aufguss Society seeks to create a space where the passion for aufguss can be nurtured, shared, and deepened. Through education and competition, we build a community rooted in knowledge and joy.
We offer training programs focused on both classical and modern classical aufguss. These programs are designed for curious beginners as well as experienced performers, providing deeper insight into technique, rhythm, presence, and audience experience. Education is not only a path to personal growth – it is also part of our mission to raise standards and establish a shared framework for aufguss in Sweden.
To organize fair and transparent competitions, it is essential to have knowledgeable and dedicated jury members. Our first step is to train a Swedish jury – with the goal of hosting Swedish Championships (SM), Nordic Championships (NM), and participating actively in international competitions. Behind the scenes, we are already working on structures and partnerships to make this possible.
But competition is not just about medals. It’s about meeting, inspiring, and growing together. We want to create space for smaller events – local qualifiers, friendly tournaments, and creative gatherings – where both new and seasoned aufguss artists can showcase their passion and learn from one another.
Through education and competition, we aim to build a vibrant aufguss culture in Sweden. A culture where warmth, respect, and curiosity flow freely – and where every sauna room can become a stage for something greater.
Would you like to learn more about our training programs or how to get involved? You’re warmly welcome to reach out via our contact page.
Collaborations in Sweden and International Relations
The society is part of a growing network within sauna and bathing culture. We collaborate with organizations such as Svenska Badbranschen, Svenska Badmästareförbundet, Bastuakademin, and Svenska Kallbadarföreningen. Through connections with cold bathing associations, bathhouses, spas, and companies, we are building a national network that strengthens the role of aufguss in Sweden – from Ystad to Kiruna.
Aufguss is a global movement, and Swedish Aufguss Society has already established partnerships with several international organizations. We are in contact with Danska Saunaselskab, Aufguss WM, Sauna Aid, among others – and we aim to connect with even more. These relationships provide us with inspiration, knowledge, and opportunities to participate in international contexts.
Committee
The society’s committee consists of dedicated individuals with diverse backgrounds in aufguss, wellness, and community leadership. Together, we guide the society forward with both heart and structure:
- Nichlas Rasmussen, Chair
- Christer Sörliden, Vice Chair
- Tojje Silden-Glemark
- Fia Wester
- Ola Aleksandra Zarzycka
- Håkan Dahlgren
- Kristina Johansson
- Jesper Save
- Marie Söderberg
- Tomas Frejarö