Glasgow has a new reason to slow down. Amberwave Sauna has officially opened in the SWG3 Community Garden, creating Glasgow’s first dedicated space for the traditional German Aufguss sauna ritual.

The sauna is the latest addition to a growing programme at the venue, which has established itself as one of Scotland's most distinctive cultural destinations, bringing together live music, visual art, studio space and community initiatives on a single site in Glasgow's West End, and now a new dimension of wellness.

Founded by Doro Weber-Passmore, Claire Spence and Kate Oldham, Amberwave Sauna is built around the centuries-old practice of Aufguss, a guided sauna ritual that has long been central to bathing culture across Germany and wider Europe. While Weber-Passmore has previously introduced Aufguss experiences to audiences across Glasgow as a travelling sauna master, Amberwave Sauna is the first dedicated venue in the city to place the ritual at the heart of its offering.

At the heart of Amberwave Sauna is Scotland's only authentic German-trained Aufguss Master. Growing up in southern Germany before making Scotland her home, Doro Weber-Passmore has experienced sauna culture as part of everyday life since childhood. Certified through the Deutscher Sauna-Bund e.V., Germany's national sauna association, she has spent years introducing Aufguss experiences to audiences across Glasgow as a travelling sauna master. Amberwave Sauna now gives the tradition a permanent home in the city, rooted in a genuine love for sauna culture, the power of good heat and the magic of Aufguss.

Tucked away within what is now a thriving 3,200 square metre garden with indigenous trees, community allotments and beehives, the purpose-built, wood-fired sauna, which seats up to 16 people is paired with temperature-controlled, filtered cold plunges, creating a space for deep rest, relaxation and recovery.

The signature offering is the Aufguss Experience with Doro: a two-hour guided session moving through five carefully curated rounds, each using water and ice infused with pure essential oils. Doro pours onto the hot stones and circulates the aromatic steam using traditional towel techniques, gradually building intensity throughout. Between rounds, guests cool down, rest and use the temperature-controlled, filtered cold plunges before returning to the heat. Heat, steam, scent, sound and movement, shared together on the bench. Priced at £35 per seat.

Alongside the guided Aufguss experience, Amberwave Sauna offers community sauna sessions of one, one and a half or two hours, giving guests the flexibility to choose what works best for them. Aufguss moments are woven into select community sessions, bringing the ritual and warmth of the tradition into a more relaxed, open setting. Private hire and special events are also available.

Speaking on the launch, Doro said: “I have made Scotland my home 20 years ago, and I always felt that proper sauna culture was the one thing missing. Which is funny, really, because we have the perfect climate for year-round sauna here, much like our Nordic neighbours. I’m so happy to see that changing, and proud that Amberwave Sauna is part of that shift. Sauna can support both physical and mental wellbeing, from rest and recovery to connection and belonging. We’ve created a space we hope people will return to often – to slow down, reset and reconnect.”

To celebrate their opening, Amberwave Sauna is offering 20% off all first sessions using the code LAUNCH at checkout.

Sessions and bookings are available now at amberwavesauna.com.