Playoffs of the Aufguss World Championships 2025

August 2025

Luxembourg returns to international competition: Julie Picca and Lucas Bordin will represent our country at the Playoffs of the Aufguss World Championships.

After several years of absence, the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg is making a comeback in the international Aufguss competition. Two coaches from MONDORF Domaine Thermal, Julie Picca and Lucas Bordin, will proudly carry the national colours at the Playoffs held in Germany at the end of August, ahead of the World Championships which will be held in Italy this September.

Selected among Europe’s finest sauna masters, Julie and Lucas have been training for months to deliver a performance that blends precision, creativity, and emotional intensity.

What is Aufguss?

Rooted in Nordic tradition, Aufguss – literally “infusion” in German – is a wellness ritual performed in a sauna, where a coach pours water or ice infused with essential oils onto hot stones. This gesture creates an instant surge of heat, which is then amplified by rhythmic towel movements that disperse the steam throughout the space.

But beyond the simple technical gesture, Aufguss has evolved into a full sensory experience, combining music, lighting, costumes, staging, and emotion. It is in this spectacular form that the international championships take place.

Benefits of an  Aufguss ritual

Thanks to the intense heat, the diffusion of essential oils, and the rhythmic towel choreography, this immersive moment offers numerous physiological and psychological benefits:

  • Detoxification: The heat-induced perspiration helps eliminate toxins, purifying both skin and body.
  • Improved circulation: Heat dilates the blood vessels, enhances tissue oxygenation, and strengthens the cardiovascular system (within the bounds of responsible practice).
  • Deep relaxation: The interplay of heat, silence, and music promotes intense muscular relaxation and helps release everyday tension.
  • Respiratory relief: Essential oils (mint, eucalyptus, pine, lavender, etc.) decongest and purify the air, offering beneficial effects on the respiratory tract.
  • Stress reduction and better sleep: Regular Aufguss practice helps reduce anxiety and supports improved sleep quality.
  • Immune system boost: The hot/cold alternation (stepping out of the sauna to cool down) stimulates natural defences.

Finally, when performed as an immersive spectacle, the Aufguss also enhances emotional wellbeing: music, lighting, and staging create a timeless moment that invites you to let yourself go and get refortified.

Julie & Lucas : passion and expertise in the service of well-being

  • Julie, a wellness coach with a deep love for plants and essential oils, enjoys crafting gentle, poetic sensory atmospheres.
  • Lucas, ever energetic and imaginative, designs dynamic Aufguss rituals inspired by mythological tales and cinematic worlds.

Together, they will present an original performance that fuses their respective talents, driven by a strong artistic ambition. Their Playoff show will be a true invitation to travel—designed to leave a lasting impression… and to warm the heart.

national pride

Their participation in the Playoffs of the Aufguss World Championships marks an important milestone for Luxembourg, which reclaims its place in a competition followed by thousands of enthusiasts across Europe.

MONDORF Domaine Thermal is proud to support Julie and Lucas in this adventure, a symbol of Luxembourgish excellence and expertise in wellness and preventive health.

PLAYOFFS • AUFGUSS • WM 2025

Venu: satama-saunapark.de
Dates : Wednesday 28 to Sunday  31 August 2025
Information  on the championships: aufguss-wm.com

 

Contact or Interview

Communication Department – MONDORF Domaine Thermal
ma.francois@mondorf.lu | +352 23 666-9201


Congratulations to our coaches! 
Julie and Lucas proudly represented Luxembourg at the Playoffs of the Aufguss World Championships in Germany.

After months of preparation, they put on an immersive show that combined emotion, technical mastery, and a spotlight on the genuine health benefits of this unique practice.

We are proud of their journey (14th place) and delighted to welcome them back to the Domaine Thermal. Come and enjoy their Aufguss shows in our saunas and let yourself be swept away by their passion and expertise.

Heartfelt congratulations are in order for Julie and Luca!


Experience the ritual at the Domaine Thermal