German Sauna Week at the GAI

Monday, March 16 - Sunday, March 22 

The Germanic-American Institute invites you to slow down, warm up, and reconnect during German Sauna Week, a weeklong celebration of traditional German sauna culture—presented in partnership with Superior Sauna.

German Sauna week will feature open sauna sessions, including some time slots reserved for German speakers, and Aufguss sauna sessions, offering an authentic sauna experience rooted in centuries-old wellness traditions. Aufguss is a guided sauna ritual where water infused with essential oils is poured over hot stones, and warm air is rhythmically circulated using towels to create waves of heat, aroma, and deep relaxation. This cultural practice is intentional, communal, and restorative.

Whether you’re a seasoned sauna-goer or new to sauna, German Sauna Week is an invitation to experience the art of slowing down, caring for the body, and finding warmth together during late winter in Minnesota.

Traditional sauna culture often includes nude participation as part of the wellness tradition. For German Sauna week at the GAI, bathing suits or other appropriate clothing will be required to ensure comfort and accessibility for all participants.

Open Session Length: 60 minutes | $25 for non-GAI members, $20 for GAI members*
Aufguss Session Length: 90 minutes | $55 for non-GAI members, $50 for GAI members*

*Member code sent out in the most recent Überblick and Newsletter. 

Open Sessions - 60 minutes

• Mon-Thu: 4:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (4 sessions per day)
• Friday: 3:30 p.m. - 5:40 p.m. and 9:15 - 10:15 p.m. (3 sessions)
• Saturday: 5:10 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (4 sessions)
• Sunday: 2:00 p.m. - 8:30 p.m. (6 sessions)

Open Sessions for German Speakers - 60 minutes - no fluency required!

• Wednesday: 5:10 - 6:10 p.m.
• Friday: 3:30 - 4:30 p.m.
• Saturday: 5:10 - 6:10 p.m.
• Sunday: 4:00 - 5:00 p.m.

Aufguss Sessions in English - 90 minutes - enjoy a guided Aufguss session, includes 3 rounds, essential oils, and an Aufguss history lesson

• Friday: 7:45 - 9:15 p.m.
• Saturday: 1:30 - 3:00 p.m.
• Sunday: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.

Aufguss Sessions in German (auf Deutsch) - 90 minutes - Genießen Sie einen geführten Saunagang mit Aufgüssen, ätherischen Ölen, sowie einer Einführung in die Geschichte des Aufgusses – alles auf deutsch!

• Freitag: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
• Samstag: 3:30 - 5:00 p.m.
• Sonntag: 10:00 - 11:30 a.m.
  

Family Day Sessions - 60 minutes - Families with children 5 years and older are welcome to enjoy the sauna together! The sauna will be kept at a lower temperature (~140-150°F / ~60-65°C). 

• Saturday: 11:00 a.m. - 1:20 p.m. (3 sessions)

All guests must fill out a waiver form before entering the sauna. If you buy tickets for a group, each individual must fill out their own waiver. You are not allowed in the sauna unless you have signed the waiver. Parents or guardians (18+) must fill out the waiver for any guest under 18 years old. All guests (outside of family day sessions) must be at least 13 years old. Any guest under 18 years old must be accompanied by a guardian (18+).

Waiver link: https://forms.gle/7qQUyJyq5wj6XfYn6

What to bring:
Please bring a towel, sandals or slip‑on footwear, a water bottle, and a robe or warm layers for moving between sauna and outdoor spaces. Bathing suits are required. Arriving with your suit on under layers is recommended.

Additional notes:
*Outside of Family Day sessions, sauna participants must be 13+ years of age at the time of their sauna experience. Attendees under age 18 must be accompanied by an adult. 

*There is no lockable storage. GAI volunteers or staff will be onsite, but we recommend leaving valuables in your car if possible.

*Cold exposure methods will be weather dependent. If above freezing temperatures, cold water buckets and rinsing stations will be available.

*Guests may bring outside food and beverage. Food cannot be brought into the sauna.

*Water and an electrolyte mix will be available for all guests. Please bring your own water bottle.