Sweden is set to turn up the heat in 2025 as it hosts its first-ever Classic Sauna Aufguss Championship, cementing its status as a global leader in wellness culture.
Taking place from 23–25 May in the coastal city of Helsingborg, the event marks a new chapter in Sweden’s rich sauna tradition, blending ancient ritual with modern competitive spirit.
Held at the historic Kallis cold bathhouse, a seaside institution renowned for its restorative experiences, the event will welcome 16 elite competitors from across the region. Each participant will demonstrate the intricate art of Aufguss — a ritual originating in German sauna culture that uses aromatic oils, precise heat distribution, and choreographed towel movements to enhance the sensory experience.
Winners will earn a place in the Nordic Championships in Copenhagen later this year, bringing together the best sauna masters from across the region.
A rising force in global wellness tourism
While saunas are deeply embedded in Swedish culture, this championship signals the country’s growing ambition to lead the global conversation on wellness tourism. The Classic Sauna Championship isn’t just a contest — it’s a celebration of community, ritual, and the therapeutic power of heat and cold.
Sweden’s top 10 sauna and cold bathing experiences
For business travellers and wellness enthusiasts inspired by the championship, Sweden offers some of the world’s most iconic sauna and cold plunge experiences — combining spectacular design, natural beauty, and a sense of cultural authenticity.
Here are ten must-visit sauna destinations across Sweden:
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Solar Egg, Kiruna – A striking, golden, egg-shaped sauna sculpture nestled in Swedish Lapland.
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Arctic Bath, Harads – A floating spa hotel on the Lule River offering immersion in both luxury and nature.
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Jubileumsparken, Gothenburg – An eco-conscious sauna made from recycled materials overlooking the Göta River.
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Äventyrsgruvan, Dalarna – An underground sauna set within a former mine, surrounded by raw rock formations.
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Kukkolaforsen, Swedish-Finnish border – A cluster of 13 traditional saunas preserving centuries-old sauna customs.
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Stocksund Floating Sauna, Stockholm – A scenic, wood-fired sauna drifting in the Stockholm archipelago.
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Landskrona Kallbadhus, Skåne – A modern cold bathhouse with stunning views of Denmark across the water.
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Cape East, Haparanda – Home to the world’s largest sauna, offering multiple heat levels and plunge pools.
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Ästad Vingård, Halland – A vineyard spa featuring an underwater sauna with panoramic views of aquatic life.
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Varberg Kallbadhus, Varberg – A Moorish-style cold bathhouse perched above the sea, rich in heritage and charm.
A wellness haven for business and leisure travellers
Sweden’s sauna culture isn’t just about relaxation — it’s fast becoming a pillar of the country’s appeal as a wellness-focused travel destination. For business travellers, the fusion of work-life balance, wellness innovation, and natural settings makes Sweden an increasingly attractive location for health-conscious professionals and MICE tourism.
Whether visiting for the championship or simply seeking rest and rejuvenation, Sweden invites travellers to discover the transformative power of heat and cold — delivered with signature Nordic style.