16.5.2023 | Culture
2023 is the year of the sauna in Estonia
Photo Andrei Chertkov

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 topicsEstonian Sauna
Sauna
Sauna Culture
Sauna Estonia
Sauna Traditions
Sauna Year 2023
Year of the Sauna
4.7.2026 | Leisure
More Than 300 Farms and Manors Across Estonia Open Their Doors
This year’s Open Farm Days, or Avatud Talude Päev in Estonian, takes place on 25–26 July, offering visitors a chance … Read more
3.7.2026 | Culture
International Early Music Performers Gather in Viljandi
You don’t have to travel thousands of kilometres to experience the atmosphere of the medieval world this summer. With its … Read more
3.7.2026 | Culture
Medieval Days in Tallinn
Kolyvan, Lindanise, Reval…these are only three of the old names for Tallinn, Estonia’ capital city, which received official city rights … Read more
2.7.2026 | Culture
Tallinn Maritime Days 2026
Tallinn’s Maritime Days is one of the country’s largest celebrations of the sea, and this year’s event is dubbed … Read more
1.7.2026 | Culture
KiKuMu Festival Returns
One of Estonia’s newest summer festivals returns for its second edition from 9–12 July 2026, transforming the historic Jäneda Manor … Read more
30.6.2026 | Culture
Haapsalu White Nights Music Festival 2026
Every summer the seaside town of Haapsalu celebrates Estonia’s famous “white nights” with four days of concerts in some of … Read more
29.6.2026 | Culture
Exciting events in Estonia this week
Present–27 September, “Alice and the Land of a Million Flowers”, Taagepera Taagepera Castle’s park is adorned with more flowers than … Read more
28.6.2026 | Culture
Juu Jääb Festival 2026: 30 Years of Island Culture
Juu Jääb is a music festival celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and features jazz and contemporary music, as well … Read more