We know Estonia
16.5.2023 | Culture

2023 is the year of the sauna in Estonia

Photo Andrei Chertkov

2023 is the year of the sauna in Estonia

 

In Estonia, the year 2023 is dedicated to the sauna and the culture, customs, products, companies, and communities that have developed around it.

The idea for “Year of the Sauna” came from Estonian journalist Rein Sikk back in 2019. It was hoped that the sauna year would already come in 2021, but this was not possible because of the pandemic. However, with the help and promotion of the Estonian rural tourism authority and the Maaleht newspaper, 2023 became the “Year of the Sauna”.

The sauna year, which respects traditions, is being organised to promote a healthy and social sauna culture, spread sauna wisdom and customs, promote sauna-related scientific research and share knowledge on the history of the sauna.

To do this a number of events are being held in Estonia throughout this year, including both a national sauna day and the Kihnu sauna marathon, which will take place in June.

You can learn more about the “Year of the Sauna” on the official website here

 

 

To learn more about this and similar topics
Estonian Sauna Sauna Sauna Culture Sauna Estonia Sauna Traditions Sauna Year 2023 Year of the Sauna

12.2.2026 | Culture

Shrove Tuesday Is Days Away—What Are Your Plans?

Shrove Tuesday Is Days Away—What Are Your Plans?

More precisely, what even is Shrove Tuesday? We’ll get to that. The important thing is that it’s a popular … Read more

12.2.2026 | Culture

Two New Exhibitions Opening at the Maritime Museum

Two New Exhibitions Opening at the Maritime Museum

The Estonian Maritime Museum is opening two new exhibitions at its Tallinn sites this week and next. The Seaplane … Read more

11.2.2026 | Culture

“Our Erika” Is a Film Where Nostalgia Meets Triumph

“Our Erika” Is a Film Where Nostalgia Meets Triumph

Estonian films all too often try to focus on too many things, or focus too much on only one … Read more

10.2.2026 | Culture

This Is How Tintinnabuli Was Born 50 Years Ago

This Is How Tintinnabuli Was Born 50 Years Ago

According to composer Arvo Pärt’s spouse Nora Pärt, it was exactly 50 years ago on the morning of Saturday, … Read more

9.2.2026 | Culture

Exciting events in Estonia this week

Exciting events in Estonia this week

10 February Kim Dracula concert, Tallinn Kim Dracula live in concert in Tallinn’s Paavli Culture Factory. Originally from Tasmania, … Read more

8.2.2026 | Culture

Atmospheric Valentine’s Day Concert in Kadriorg Art Museum

Atmospheric Valentine’s Day Concert in Kadriorg Art Museum

On Valentine’s Day, Saturday 14 February at 19:00, the grand hall of the Kadriorg Art Museum will be filled … Read more

7.2.2026 | Culture

Pop Culture as Stunning Artistic Portraits

Pop Culture as Stunning Artistic Portraits

A career retrospective of Anton Corbijn, highly esteemed even as the court photographer of star artists, is on display … Read more

6.2.2026 | Culture

XIX Tallinn Winter Festival—Open Your Heart

XIX Tallinn Winter Festival—Open Your Heart

The XIX Tallinn Winter Festival, taking place from 10–22 February 2026, returns as one of Estonia’s most cherished cultural … Read more