What Is Gus? - The Complete Guide to Sauna Gus
Sauna gus is one of Copenhagen's most popular wellness experiences. But what does "gus" actually mean, and what can you expect from a session? Here's the full explanation.
Gus - From Russian Tradition to Danish Sauna Culture
The word "gus" originates from the Russian "гусь" and is closely tied to the Russian banya tradition, where a bath master (or "bannshchik") creates intense steam by pouring water over glowing stones. In Denmark, the tradition has evolved into its own unique form: sauna gus - a guided experience combining heat, scents, and community.
In recent years, sauna gus has become enormously popular in Copenhagen, where new saunas have sprung up along the harbour and throughout the city's neighbourhoods. From Nordhavn to Sydhavn, you can find gus sessions nearly every day - and interest continues to grow. If you want to experience it yourself, check out our complete guide to sauna in Copenhagen.
What Happens During a Gus Session?
A typical gus session is led by a gus master who controls the entire experience from start to finish. The session usually begins with the gus master welcoming guests and explaining the process. Then the master pours water - often infused with essential oils like eucalyptus, birch, or citrus- over the hot stones in the sauna stove.
As the steam rises, the gus master uses a large towel or birch branches to fan the hot air around the sauna. This technique is called "waving" and is what makes gus such an intense experience. The heat is distributed deliberately, and you can feel the temperature rise significantly, even while sitting still.
Between rounds, you typically take a break to cool down - either by jumping into cold water, taking a cold shower, or simply sitting outside in the fresh air. In Copenhagen, many saunas are located by the harbour, so you can jump straight into the harbour water between rounds. It's this contrast between extreme heat and cooling that makes the experience so refreshing.
The Three Rounds of a Gus Session
A classic sauna gus typically consists of three rounds, each lasting 10-15 minutes:
1. The Introduction Round
The first round is the mildest and serves as a warm-up. The gus master introduces the scents and begins gently waving steam around. The temperature rises gradually, and your body adjusts to the heat. This is where beginners discover whether they prefer the lower benches (coolest) or the upper ones (warmest).
2. The Intensity Round
The second round is more intense. The gus master uses more vigorous waving techniques and often adds new scents. Many gus sessions include a "personal waving" here, where the master comes to each guest individually and fans the heat directly toward them. It feels like a wave of hot air - a truly unique sensory experience.
3. The Final Round
The last round is often the most intense but also the most meditative. The gus master creates a climax of heat and scent before the session ends quietly. Many gus sessions finish with a shared cool-down or a quiet moment where the body is allowed to settle.
The total experience including breaks typically lasts 45-90 minutes. Want to know more about the timeline? Read our article on how long a sauna gus lasts.
Who Is Gus For?
In short: everyone. You don't need any experience to try gus. Most saunas in Copenhagen welcome beginners and offer sessions at various intensity levels. Some places have special beginner sessions with a slower pace and slightly lower temperatures.
The most important thing is to listen to your body. You can always leave the sauna if it gets too hot - that's completely normal and accepted. Many experienced sauna-goers recommend starting on the lower benches and slowly working your way up as you get used to the heat.
If you're considering trying it for the first time, our guide to preparing for gus can help you feel ready.
Health Benefits of Gus
Beyond mental relaxation, regular sauna use and gus have several documented health benefits. The heat increases blood circulation, which can help with muscle recovery and relieve tension. The intense sweating helps the body excrete waste products, and many people experience a deep sense of well-being after a session.
The combination of heat and cold cooling - like the cold harbour water in Copenhagen - also stimulates the immune system and releases endorphins. Many regular sauna-goers describe it as a natural "high" that can be felt for hours after the session.
For a deeper understanding of the difference between regular sauna and guided gus, read our article on sauna vs. sauna gus.
Find Gus in Copenhagen
Copenhagen has a rich selection of saunas offering gus - from floating harbour saunas to established wellness centres. Whether you're looking in Nordhavn, Sydhavn, Frederiksberg or Amager, there's likely a gus session within reach.
With Zauna you can search across saunas and find available times that fit your schedule. You can see all available gus sessions here or read more in our complete guide to sauna in Copenhagen.
Have questions? Check our FAQ about sauna and gus.