First-Time Guide to Saunagus in Copenhagen

You have heard the word saunagus. Maybe someone at work mentioned it. Maybe you saw it on Instagram. You are curious, but you have no idea what to expect. This guide is for you.

What is saunagus, exactly?

Saunagus is a guided sauna experience. A trained sauna master — called a gusmaster — leads a 75-minute session that alternates between intense heat and cold water immersion. During each heat round, the gusmaster pours water mixed with essential oils over hot stones, then uses a towel to circulate the aromatic steam throughout the room. It is part wellness, part ritual, part meditation.

A session typically includes three heat rounds of 12 to 15 minutes each, with cooling breaks between them. During the breaks, you can take a cold plunge, use the cold showers, or simply sit outside and breathe.

What to bring

• —Two towels — one to sit on inside the sauna, one for drying off afterwards
• —Swimwear — required at Turban Sauna and most Copenhagen venues
• —Sandals or flip-flops — for walking between the sauna, plunge pool and rest area
• —Water or a non-alcoholic drink — you will sweat a lot
• —Optional: a sauna hat to protect your head from intense heat on the upper bench

What to expect when you arrive

Arrive 10 minutes early. You will change into your swimwear, stow your belongings, and find a spot on the bench. Lower bench is cooler. Upper bench is hotter. If you are a beginner, start low. You can always move up during a later round.

The gusmaster will explain the format before the first round starts. There is no pressure to stay the full round. If the heat feels too much, step out — no one will judge you. That is part of the experience.

The heat-cold-rest cycle

The magic of saunagus is in the contrast. After 12 to 15 minutes of intense heat, you plunge into cold water. The shock is immediate. Then you rest — sitting outside, letting your heart rate normalise, feeling the fresh air. By the third round, your body knows the rhythm. Most people describe a deep calm after the final cooling.

Is it safe for beginners?

Yes. Most guests at Turban Sauna are first-timers. The gusmaster is there to guide, not to push. Drink water. Listen to your body. If you feel dizzy or uncomfortable, step out. People with cardiovascular conditions or who are pregnant should consult their doctor first.

Where to try it in Copenhagen

Turban Sauna at Vasbygade 18 in Sydhavnen runs guided saunagus sessions every evening at 18:00 and 19:30. Price: 189 DKK per person. Max 22 guests per session. Book online at turbansauna.dk.