English 
Français The sauna is more than heat — it is shaped by rituals, traditions, and the way it is heated. At Sauna Genève, you can experience the gentle steam of Finnish löyly, the multisensory intensity of Aufguss, and the soft warmth of a wood-fired stove. Together, they create the atmosphere and soul of an authentic sauna session.
🌱 More Than Just Heat
Löyly is about balance: heat and cool, body and mind, tradition and modern life. It’s a moment of renewal that makes the sauna more than just a hot room — it makes it an experience.
Löyly – The Steam Spirit of the Sauna
In Finland, no sauna is complete without löyly. It’s the word for the wave of steam and heat that rises when water is poured over the hot stones of the sauna stove. But it is more than just steam — it’s considered the soul of the sauna.
🌿 Mini Löyly Rounds
In addition to the natural flow of löyly during a session, our Saunameister (sauna master) may create small steam rounds from time to time.
Typically, this means 1-3 gentle ladles of water over the stones. These mini rounds keep the atmosphere fresh and comfortable, especially for beginners getting used to the sauna cycle.
Löyly is at the heart of the Finnish sauna — the rising steam that transforms heat into atmosphere, ritual, and renewal.
🌿 What It Means
In Finnish tradition, löyly is considered almost sacred. It refers not only to the steam itself, but also to the quality of the heat and atmosphere inside the sauna. A good löyly is soft and enveloping, making you feel both relaxed and energized at the same time.
🔥 Why Löyly Feels Different in a Wood-Fired Sauna
In a wood-fired sauna, ,like Sauna Geneve, the steam heat feels noticeably gentler and softer. The wood heat warms the stones deeply, producing a smoother, more pleasant steam than many electric heaters. The natural interaction of fire and stone also adds a special depth to the atmosphere. Pouring water on the stones becomes a shared ritual — a simple act that brings sauna-goers together. At Sauna Genève, every session includes the chance to enjoy authentic löyly with our wood-fired stove.
🧉 How to Enjoy Löyly
To enjoy the warm steam , sit comfortably on your towel and, when the moment feels right, pour a small ladle of water over the stones — or let the Saunameister, the sauna master, create the steam for you. Close your eyes, breathe deeply, and allow the warm wave of steam to surround you. It’s a moment to relax fully and savor the atmosphere.
🔥 Who Creates It?
At Sauna Genève, löyly is an essential part of the experience. Sometimes the Saunameister pours the water, creating gentle, regular waves of steam. At other times, guests are invited to pour the water themselves, following true Finnish sauna tradition. This flexible approach ensures every session has the right balance of authentic atmosphere and professional guidance, while keeping the sauna safe and enjoyable for everyone.
Aufguss Rituals – A Special Sauna Experience
The Aufguss is a Central European sauna ritual that transforms heat and steam into a multi-sensory wellness experience.
A guided ritual that engages all the senses.
The Aufguss is a German and Austrian-inspired sauna tradition that elevates the Finnish löyly to a multi-sensory event.
During the ritual, the sauna master pours water mixed with essential oils onto the hot stones, releasing fragrant steam into the room. With skillful towel movements or a fan, the steam is circulated throughout the sauna, creating a rhythm of heat, scent, and atmosphere that engages every sense.
What makes Aufguss truly unique is that it is a collective experience. Unlike a simple löyly, it begins with airing out the sauna to prepare for the ritual, and it unfolds as a guided, shared moment where all participants join together.
The heat is more intense, the aromas more vivid, and the atmosphere deeply immersive. At Sauna Genève, Aufguss sessions are offered at select times depending on demand — a chance to discover a powerful ritual of wellness and connection in the heart of Geneva.
✨ Why We Offer Both
- Löyly rounds keep the sauna gently alive throughout your visit.
- Mini-AufgussTM brings a light touch of towel movement and natural scents – a refreshing movement but less intense than the full ritual.
- Aufguss rituals are a deeper, guided experience to enjoy at select times.
At Sauna Genève, we want you to feel the authentic Finnish spirit of the steam, while also experiencing the performative art of Aufguss — two traditions, side by side.
🌲 Wood vs. Electric Sauna
Not all saunas are the same. The two most common types are wood-fired and electric-heated. Both create wonderful heat, but the experience can feel different.
Wood-Fired Sauna – Tradition & Atmosphere
For centuries in Finland, the sauna has been heated with a wood-burning stove. The crackling fire, the natural scent of the wood, and the way the stones absorb and release heat create a soft, enveloping warmth that feels deeply authentic. A wood-fired sauna is more than a method of heating — it is an experience in itself, engaging the senses and preserving a connection to tradition. At Sauna Genève, our sessions are powered by fire, offering you this genuine Nordic atmosphere.
Unique atmosphere – the crackling fire, natural scent of wood, and soft heat create a deeply authentic feeling.
More preparation needed – the fire must be started and monitored, which takes time and care.
Electric Sauna – Modern Convenience
Electric heaters have made sauna more accessible worldwide, offering quick heat-up times and precise control of temperature. They are clean, quiet, and easy to operate, making them ideal for urban environments or busy wellness centers. But while electric saunas are reliable and efficient, they lack the multisensory character of a wood-fired stove.
Did You Know?
Finnish Sauna has been inscribed on to the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage Lists.