Modern Classic Finnish Championship will be held for the first time in Finland at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort's new UTU Sauna World on 4–5 September 2026. This two-day event will bring together Finland's top sauna masters to compete for the title of Finnish Champion in Classic Aufguss.
In the competition, success is determined by pure towel technique, heat management, the use of essential oils, and the overall quality of the sauna ritual - without theatrical performances or props. The event offers visitors a unique opportunity to experience world-class sauna rituals and discover one of the fastest-growing international sauna traditions.
This weekend marks the debut of this new classic competition format on the Finnish championship scene. A fitting place for it, wouldn't you agree, considering Finland's deep-rooted sauna culture?
The Modern Classic Cup is an international classic Aufguss competition developed by Aufguss VM. Its concept is to return to the true essence of the sauna ritual, focusing on music, essential oils, heat management, and towel techniques -without show elements such as props or theatrical storytelling.
Ikaalinen Spa & Resort is honoured to host the very first Finnish Championships in this discipline at UTU Sauna World, introducing this prestigious international competition format to Finland.
Experience world-class Aufguss rituals up close with the Modern Classic sauna ceremonies. During these approximately 15-minute sessions, skilled sauna masters combine gentle heat, high-quality essential oils, music, and exceptional towel techniques to create a deeply relaxing experience where the warmth and atmosphere build gradually from beginning to end.
The competition rituals are open to all guests of UTU Sauna World, giving you the opportunity to watch Finland's top sauna masters compete while enjoying a truly unique sauna experience. As the rituals are extremely popular, we recommend arriving at the sauna well in advance to secure your place. The rituals are very popular, so we recommend arriving at the sauna well before the ritual begins to secure your spot. The minimum age for participating in the sauna rituals is 12 years.
FRI 4.9.
15:00 Opening
15.00 Aufguss Guests Duo: Vincent & Rianne
16.00 Modern Classic: Jenna Polvi
17.00 Modern Classic: Teija Kautto
18.00 Aufguss Guest Solo: Vincent
19.00 Modern Classic: Esa Talonen
20.00 Modern Classic: Enni Järvinen
21.00 Aufguss Guests Duo: Vincent & Rianne
SAT 5.9.
11.15 Aufguss Guests Duo: Vincent & Rianne
12.15 Modern Classic: Ilona Anttila
13.15 Modern Classic: Jura Ilin
14.15 Aufguss Guest Solo: Rianne
15.15 Modern Classic: Jenna Mikkola
16.15 Modern Classic: Kristiina Kauranen
17.15 Aufguss Guests Duo: Vincent & Rianne
18.15 Results
Vincent Steenberg impressed guests at our Winter Sauna Carnival in January, and now he's returning to Ikaalinen Spa & Resort!
Vincent Steenberg is one of the Netherlands' most renowned sauna masters and an internationally respected Aufguss expert. He is best known for his technically outstanding sauna rituals, his work as an educator, and his long and successful career in international Aufguss competitions. His achievements include five Dutch Team Aufguss Championship titles and a World Team Aufguss Championship title.
Get ready to experience sauna rituals of exceptional quality and true international excellence. Vincent's performances are renowned for their expertly controlled heat, harmonious essential oil fragrances, and masterful towel techniques.
Rianne van der Mierden is a Dutch sauna master who is regarded as one of the leading professionals in the international Aufguss community. She works in the fields of wellness and sauna culture and is especially known for her natural, calming, and sensory sauna rituals. In 2021, Rianne won both the Dutch Team Aufguss Championship and the World Team Aufguss Championship. She also earned second place in the Herbal Cup in 2025.
At the Modern Classic Finnish Championships, guests can look forward to an elegant and relaxing sauna experience that combines world-class towel techniques, natural fragrances, and a deep understanding of how herbs and essential oils contribute to holistic well-being.
The Modern Classic Finnish Championships will be judged by internationally respected sauna masters and Aufguss experts. With years of experience in competitions, education, and the development of sauna culture, they represent the very highest level of expertise in the international sauna community.
Daniella M. Høstad (Norway)
A Norwegian sauna master who has worked in the sauna industry for more than 15 years. Daniella has been involved in building saunas across Norway and promoting the joy of sauna culture. She is also Norway's first female international Aufguss judge.
Deborah Carr (United Kingdom)
Director of the British Sauna Society, founder of Aufguss UK, and an international sauna industry educator. Deborah is dedicated to advancing authentic sauna culture, high-quality sauna rituals, and professional education and standards throughout the United Kingdom.
Yvan Fermyn (Belgium)
A Belgian sauna master and international Aufguss judge with more than 15 years of experience in sauna rituals. Yvan has competed successfully at the international level, won a World Championship in herbal sauna rituals, and now serves as a highly respected competition judge and instructor for sauna masters.
Teija Kautto (1 year as a sauna master)
To me, sauna is much more than just a warm room. It’s a place where you can breathe, slow down, and simply be exactly as you are in that moment.
In my sauna rituals, heat, scents, music, and presence come together. I want to create experiences that engage both the body and the mind – sometimes gently calming, sometimes energizing, and sometimes inviting you to simply let go and have fun.
Jenna Mikkola (2 years as a sauna master)
Born and raised in Finland, Jenna has spent the past three years living in Canada, where she has worked as an Aufguss Master for the last two years. Passionate about sharing authentic Finnish sauna culture abroad, she has introduced countless guests to Finnish sauna traditions through her rituals.
Now returning home to Finland, Jenna hopes to bring the knowledge and experience she has gained abroad into her work and introduce Aufguss to even more people in Finland.
Ilona Anttila (7 mon as a sauna master)
My sauna rituals bring together the roots of Finnish sauna culture, the atmosphere of nature, and artistic expression. The rituals can be calming or invigorating, but their purpose is always to create a meaningful experience for each guest.
My professional background is in art, culture, and environmental youth work, and my experience in the arts is reflected in the way I create immersive and memorable sauna rituals.
Jura Ilin (1 year as a sauna master)
Jura is an advocate for holistic wellbeing, combining sauna rituals with his expertise as a breathwork instructor and health-promoting practices. Nature and physical activity are important sources of inspiration for him, and this is reflected in both his presence and his rituals.
As Head Aufguss Master, Jura is responsible for developing the sauna rituals and the work of the Aufguss Master team.
Enni Järvinen (1 year as a sauna master)
As an Aufguss Master, I want to create a safe and empowering space in the sauna, where everyone is welcome to slow down, cleanse, and renew. I am also a yoga teacher, meditation instructor, herbal advisor, and natural wellness practitioner, and I draw inspiration from these areas when guiding my sauna rituals.
Kristiina Kauranen (1 year as a sauna master)
I’m Kristiina, a wellness coach from Hyvinkää. I am trained as a fitness instructor, personal trainer, and barre instructor. Through my rituals, I want to bring participants a sense of wellbeing, positivity, and renewed energy. My strong background in dance is also reflected in my performances.
Welcome to relax and enjoy the experience!
Jenna Polvi (7 months as a sauna master)
In my sauna rituals, I aim to create holistic experiences that engage all the senses and gently guide your attention back to your body. My rituals draw inspiration from my background as a dance teacher and physiotherapist, bringing together movement, presence, and body awareness.
Esa Talonen (1 year as a sauna master)
I’m Eska, and I’m one of the founders of Ikaalinen Spa. I’m a father and a husband, and wherever I go, I try to do my part in making the world just a little bit better.
I love playing the drums, rock music, and football. I’m a tourism professional, a fool for Christ, and I’ve always been fascinated by leadership and working with people.
Aufguss has opened up a whole new world for me – as an Aufguss Master, I’m a storyteller. I want everyone who joins my ritual to leave feeling a little more relaxed, a little happier, or somehow moved by the experience. The best part is seeing the smiles and grateful faces when the Aufguss is over.
The Modern Classic Finnish Championships are Finland's national championship competition for Classic Aufguss, where sauna masters compete in delivering authentic and traditional sauna rituals. The competition focuses on towel techniques, heat management, the use of essential oils, music, atmosphere, and the creation of a complete sauna experience.
The inaugural Modern Classic Finnish Championships will take place at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort on 4–5 September 2026.
The competition will take place in UTU Sauna World, which is a premium sauna experience requiring a separate admission fee. Access costs 9€ per person per day when purchased at the Spa Bar during your spa visit, or 7€ per person per day when booked in advance through our sales service. For guests staying with the UTU Plus accommodation package, access to UTU Sauna World is included in their stay.
The event is expected to attract many visitors and each sauna ritual has limited capacity.
The competition features both our own sauna masters and pre-registered competitors who are passionate about working as sauna masters.
Renowned for his distinctive style and internationally inspired cuisine, acclaimed chef Hans Välimäki will visit the à la carte Restaurant Tuomarla at Ikaalinen Spa & Resort as a guest chef on 4–5 September 2026, presenting an exclusive multi-course dining experience.
Carefully designed by Välimäki, the menu combines the elegance of French cuisine, international flavours, and the finest Finnish ingredients. Guests may also enhance their dinner with an expertly curated wine pairing selected by a professional sommelier.
Seating times:
Friday, 4 September – 6:30 PM
Saturday, 5 September – 5:00 PM and 8:00 PM
The 2026 Winter Sauna Carnival was a tremendous success, attracting nearly 1,000 visitors. Thank you to everyone who joined us and helped make the event so unforgettable!
In 2027, the Winter Sauna Carnival returns even bigger, bringing an even wider selection of mobile saunas from across Finland to Ikaalinen Spa & Resort. The previous event featured more than 40 mobile saunas, alongside Ikaalinen Spa's own sauna experiences, including the traditional smoke sauna, the spa saunas, and the saunas of UTU Sauna World.
Throughout the weekend, you can also unwind in UTU Sauna World and enjoy a variety of immersive Aufguss rituals held several times each day. With evening entertainment continuing late into the night, you'll be able to experience the unique carnival atmosphere long after sunset.