UK Aufguss Championships 2026.

20 - 22 April 2026.

Galgorm Resort, Ballymena, Northern Ireland.

Experience world-class Aufguss performances and witness the next generation of Sauna Masters compete for international glory.

Book your ticket

Competition categories.

New for 2026 is a combined format of two competitions taking place in one event. Not only does this bring new energy to an already dynamic and exciting event, but it offers a diverse experience for guests and a richer platform for established Sauna Masters and rising talents.

Performance Aufguss.

Singles and Teams deliver immersive, theatrical performances featuring aromas, music and dazzling towel movements that manipulate the heat, delivering a heady and awe-inducing experience for the audience.

Winners: Represent the UK at the Aufguss World Championships Finals at Satama Sauna Resort, Germany (September 2026)

Runners up: Runners up: Qualify for Play-Offs at Thermen Bussloo, Netherlands (August 2026)

Modern Classic Aufguss.

A new category in the UK for 2026. Open to Singles only, this competition celebrates the roots of Aufguss with a focus on traditional technique, ritual structure, and refined heat distribution.

Winner: Qualifies for the World Finals in Farris Bad, Norway (2026)

Want to watch the competition?

Location.

Galgorm Resort.

136 Fenaghy Road
Ballymena
County Antrim
Northern Ireland
BT42 1EA

Book your place.

£85

day pass

£190

overnight stay for 2 people

Joining us for the day? You can book your place directly with Galgorm on their website. Price includes Thermal Village and Aufguss access, and lunch.

Book day pass online

If you’d like to join us for both days of the competition, Galgorm Resort are also offering discounted packages to attendees of the UK Aufguss Championships, offering a room, Thermal Village and Aufguss access, and breakfast.

To secure this rate, please call Galgorm on 028 2588 1001.

Call and book accommodation package

Getting there.

By air.

Belfast International Airport (15 miles)
George Best Belfast City Airport (25 miles)

By train.

Ballymena Railway Station (4 miles from resort)

By car.

Free parking available on site.

Recap from UK Aufguss Championships 2025.

How can I learn more about Aufguss?

Fundamental Elements of Performance Aufguss

Deborah Carr in conversation with Lay Pang Ong

A perfect introduction and overview for any Aufguss Master considering competing. All aspects of creating that special moment are discussed, from choosing a theme and storytelling, to towel techniques, music, aroma and much more.

Developing your Aufguss

Deborah Carr in conversation with professional Aufguss Masters Lay Pang Ong, Kim Pedersen and Cosmin Ciric

In this second session, key elements of the Aufguss show are discussed in more detail: choosing essential oils authentic to the theme, aspects of the judging criteria and developing advanced towel techniques.

The Final Touches

Deborah Carr in conversation with Lay Pang Ong

With just 6 weeks to the competition, this final session will discuss how to prepare in the final days, the competition schedule and what to expect on the day. A perfect opportunity for Aufguss Masters to ask any final questions as the excitement starts to build. Pang will be on hand to advise, guide and inspire.

Performance, heat & ritual: Discover the magical world of performance Aufguss

Ever wondered what happens when performance art steps into the sauna?

Jake Newport CEO, Finnmark Sauna & Council Member of the British Sauna Society, hosts this fascinating and inspiring conversation with Deborah Carr, Founder of Aufguss UK & Anada & Director of the British Sauna Society; James Grieve, theatre director and Lucy Osborne, Owner Studio Three Sixty. Together, they explore the captivating world of Performance Aufguss - a sauna ritual where heat, rhythm, and storytelling come together in a multi-sensory performance.

This unique webinar is tailored for theatre professionals, actors, dancers and performance artists curious about expanding their craft into the world of wellness, ritual, and sensory experience.
What you’ll discover:
- The origins and artistry behind the Aufguss ritual
- How theatre and dance translate naturally into sauna mastery
- What it’s like to perform in an environment where heat, scent, sound and flow are your stage partners
- How you can begin your journey as an Aufguss performer, choreographer or creative