The Art & Science of Sauna
A Week at Saunaday
April 6–13, 2026
For one week this spring, we’re exploring sauna culture as both art and science.
Behind the scenes, members of our team—and a small cohort of practitioners from across the country—will gather in Madison for advanced training with the Deutsche Sauna Akademie, the European leader in sauna education. We’re one of just two locations in the U.S. hosting this training, and are looking forward to opening up parts of this experience with our broader community.
For The Art and Science of Sauna, you’ll have an opportunity to experience a German Aufguss Ritual, lectures on sauna science, deep dive training, meditation with the Center for Healthy Minds, our ongoing artist-in-residency program, and a Finnish saunawear design pop-up.
We’ve designed this early spring week as an invitation to go a little deeper—into both the experience and the understanding of the practice. We hope you’ll join us!
Experience the Week
Aufguss Ritual
Monday, April 6 · 5:00–7:00p
A guided sauna experience where water infused with essential oils is poured over hot stones, and heat is circulated through the room in intentional waves.
Aufguss (pronounced OWF-gooss) is a German sauna ritual that emerged in the 1970s and has since evolved around the world into a uniquely place-based practice. Trained Sauna Meisters choreograph heat, aroma, sound, and timing—creating an experience that is both immersive and performative.
All you have to do is step into the sauna and let it unfold.
Sauna Science Session
Wednesday, April 8 · 6:00-7:00p
Members-only complimentary session
With Dr. Karsten Gröning and Nate Daubert
A combined lecture and guided sauna session exploring the physics and physiology of sauna bathing.
Dr. Karsten Gröning is the Director of the Deutsche Sauna Akademie in Germany, he has been the leading voice in European sauna education for over 25 years. With a background in biochemistry, his method blends tradition and relaxation with scientific rigor.
Nate Daubert is the first American to earn full certification from the Deutsche Sauna Akademie. With a background in German studies, design, data science – and having toured over 100 saunas worldwide – he brings a unique blend of global insight and technical knowledge to the American sauna culture.
Members may reserve this free event by emailing katie@sauna.day. Limited to 20 seats.
Non-members can join via Instagram Live from 6:00–6:30p.
Master of Sauna Science + Aufguss Certification
In session Monday–Thursday
Throughout the week, practitioners will be training in the Master of Sauna Science and Aufguss Certification program, hosted at Saunaday and StartingBlock Madison.
If you notice some particularly enthusiastic towel-waving, don’t be alarmed—this is part of the practice.
Please note: Saunaday will be closed Thursday, April 9 from 9:00a–5:00p for in-sauna training, with regular hours the rest of the week.
If you’ve felt the pull to go deeper into this work, this may be your invitation.
Our Saunaday community is invited to enjoy $200 off the training with code SAUNADAY.
Saunamekko Saunawear Pop-Up
Sunday, April 12th · 11:00a–1:00p
Saunamekko is a Finnish-designed, farm-to-fiber saunawear brand rooted in the natural performance of wool.
Wool plays a unique role in sauna—helping regulate heat, wick moisture, and support comfort in high temperatures—making it both functional and deeply connected to the tradition.
Meet the Saunamekko team in the lobby to talk all things sauna and saunawear.
Cold Plunge & Mindfulness
Monday, April 13th · 5:30 -7:00p
Contrast therapy is physiologically powerful. When approached mindfully, it is safe, evidence-informed, and profoundly regulating. Join us for our Guided Cold Plunge event to learn how to tap into the restorative benefits through research-backed mindfulness techniques.
Led by Scott Anderson, from Center for Healthy Minds and Director of the Madison Tergar Community, each session blends mindful awareness with physical presence to help you cultivate clarity and resilience in the water and beyond. Drop-in sessions meet at the cold plunge at 6:00, 6:30, and 7:00p. Attend one or all, no experience required.
Visual Artist-in-Residence
Evenings in the Bathhouse, 6-9p
As part of our ongoing Artist-in-Residence program, visual artist Nastia Craig brings subtle, meditative projections into the space—layering light, texture, and movement into the experience of heat and steam.
Rather than demanding attention, the work unfolds slowly—inviting a different kind of presence as you relax between rounds of sauna, steam and cold plunging.
During The Art & Science of Sauna, her work becomes part of a broader conversation: how environment, rhythm, and visual form shape the way we feel inside the ritual.
Composer-in-Residence
Quiet Hours Daily 7a-10a, with original score by Efrat Koppel
Each morning during Quiet Hours, the bathhouse is guided by an original soundscape composed by Efrat Koppel.
The music is intentionally minimal—designed to support stillness, regulate pace, and create a shared sense of calm without pulling focus.
In the context of The Art & Science of Sauna, this becomes another layer of the practice: how sound influences the nervous system, shapes your breath, and how silence becomes almost spiritual in the bathhouse.
Join us
We’re honored to host this week of art, science, and ritual at Saunaday with so many talented partners, sauna keepers, practitioners, guides and artists.
While we’re starting with just one week this April, we’re thinking about how this may become an annual rhythm. For now, we’re simply glad to share it with you. As always, let us know what you think.
If you have any questions, reach out anytime: hello@sauna.day