Hot air? Not at all!
The Aufguss Masters once again turn the Alpentherme Gastein into Austria's most spectacular sauna stage – and this year, for the first time, a second competition will be added: the Austrian final of the Modern Classic Cup.
Bad Hofgastein, June 11–14, 2026 – When dramatic music blends with ethereal scents, light moods dance through sauna mist, and towels swirl through the air like circus props, it’s time for the Infusion Masters at the Alpentherme Gastein again.
From June 11 to 14, 2026, Bad Hofgastein will once again become the meeting point for the local infusion scene – and this year, for the first time, also the venue for the Finals of the Modern Classic Cup, a new competition category that interprets classic sauna craftsmanship in a modern way.
Together with the Austrian Sauna Forum, the Alpentherme Gastein is bringing one of Europe’s most extraordinary wellness events back to Salzburg.
Sauna becomes a showcase
If you think of the sauna as a place for quiet relaxation, you will be surprised: At the Infusion Masters, the best infusion specialists from Austria compete in elaborately staged show infusions for qualification to the World Championship.
In the newly renovated Cascadia Event Sauna, emotional mini-shows are created in just 15 minutes from: music, light, scent composition, choreography, infusion techniques & storytelling.
Sometimes humorous, sometimes mystical, sometimes moving – the infusions range from cinematic productions to highly precise sauna craftsmanship.
New in 2026: The Finals of the Modern Classic Cup
For the first time, the Austrian Finals of the Modern Classic Cup will take place in Bad Hofgastein.
The focus here is not on the grand show, but on the "king class of classic infusion": perfect technique, elegant execution, finely tuned scents, and modern sauna craftsmanship at the highest level.
The best eight participants from the preliminary rounds in Bad Loipersdorf will now compete against each other in the Alpentherme.
International jury decides on WM tickets
The participants will be evaluated by a six-member international expert jury according to globally uniform criteria – including:
Winners secure tickets for WM
The winners in both individual and team categories at the Infusion Masters secure the coveted spot for the INFUSION WM 2026 at the Satama Resort Germany (September 10–14). The runners-up will receive a second chance in the playoffs at the thermal baths in Busloo, Netherlands (August 27–30).
The first place winner at the Modern Classic Cup will travel to the Finals in Norway, Farris Bad (October 1–4).
In addition to the competitive infusions, visitors can expect a festival of the senses: International guest infusion specialists will showcase their skills daily in additional sauna cabins and delight guests with an original side program!
