On June 4–5, the first sauna festival in the capital will take place in the Ülemiste City community park, bringing large pop-up tent saunas, hot tubs, and sauna rituals to the heart of the business district. In total, there will be more than ten different types of saunas and hot tubs at the festival. All residents of the capital are welcome to come and enjoy a sauna, and tourists visiting Estonia at that time are also warmly invited. Entry to the festival is free of charge.

“The idea of the sauna festival is to promote sauna culture and introduce the associated rituals in areas where it is not yet a widely practiced tradition. The Ülemiste City sauna festival marks a new stage in the sauna movement, where people can experience sauna culture right in the heart of the city,” says the festival organizer, Marko Torm. Torm, a promoter of Estonian sauna culture, organized Estonia’s first sauna festival in Rakvere’s central square in 2019.

A special feature of the sauna festival in the business district is the so-called “silent sauna” concept. “Astera’s large black tent sauna can accommodate more than 50 people and will function as a silent sauna during the two festival days. Sound and aroma rituals will be carried out there, during which only the sauna master is allowed to speak. The concept provides a mindful contrast to the surrounding work environment,” explains Torm.

In addition to many smaller saunas, a large white tent sauna for more than 80 people has also been set up in the business district, where traditional whisking rituals will take place.

According to Sten Pärnits, Chairman of the Management Board of Mainor Ülemiste, which develops Ülemiste City, he wants the district to offer not only offices but also opportunities to spend time together and experience something exciting. “We already have many events, a community garden, and sports facilities in the district. I believe the sauna festival will be an exciting new event for people in our district and the entire capital, as well as an exotic experience for our international employees and tourists,” added Pärnits.

The sauna festival will take place at the Ülemiste City community park, Valukoja 11. Saunas will be open on Thursday, June 4, from 16:00 to 20:00 and on Friday, June 5, from 16:00 to 20:00. Changing and washing facilities are available at the Community Building in the district. Swimwear is required when using the saunas and hot tubs. The festival is supported by Astera AS, Sipakson OÜ, Vytautas, and Mainor Ülemiste.