Estonian Sauna Culture Masterclasses 2025

For several years, we searched for the right location in Virumaa — a place where interest would be strongest and where sauna enthusiasts are most numerous. Since 2021, we have come to understand that Ida-Viru County, and especially Narva-Jõesuu and Narva, are exactly the places where we are welcomed most warmly — from the municipal level to the wonderful people who live here.

By “sauna culture masterclasses” we mean everything offered over two days — experiences we have gathered ourselves across Estonia as organisers and sauna masters, and which our partners now come to present and share. From Southern Estonia to Tallinn and Virumaa.

On 3–4 May 2025, two of Estonia’s largest mobile saunas will be waiting for our Virumaa friends at the riverside recreation area in Narva-Jõesuu. One comes from the organisers of the Võhandu Marathon and the other from the Rakvere Marathon. The first can accommodate around 100 people at a time for a sauna session; the second up to 50.

Over the course of two days, sauna rituals will take place in these saunas, where sauna masters will share their knowledge and experience. The large white sauna will focus on more traditional rituals, including whisking (vihtlemine). The black sauna will offer a more sensual and personal experience — with sound, scent and silence. Participants will experience the healing effects of honey and salt and enjoy massage with a water jet.

This is our second time in Narva-Jõesuu, and we are sincerely grateful for the excellent reception and constructive cooperation of the Narva-Jõesuu City Government, led by Mayor Maksim Iljin and the outstanding members of the cultural department. Thank you, Natalja, Jekaterina, Anna and Külli. Municipal support is the first and most important prerequisite for our activities, but without the support of the Integration Foundation (Integratsiooni SA), large-scale initiatives would not be possible. The Regional Development Support measure (Ministry of Regional Affairs and Agriculture) and the Integration Foundation support many initiatives in Ida-Viru County — from the Station Narva music festival and the Narva Opera Days to the Alutaguse Ski Marathon. Many organisers and participants of these events have reason to be grateful.

At least four large hot tubs with warm and very warm water will be available. These are especially popular among children and families. In addition, well-known favourites will join us: Orava Saun from Jõhvi, Sannamiis Sauna from Narva, the Alutaguse Defence League mobile sauna, and most likely the Narva Defence League team again with their tent sauna and displays. From Lääne-Viru County, another two or three mobile saunas on wheels will arrive. For more private sauna experiences, we will set up two smaller tent saunas. At any given moment, the saunas and hot tubs together can accommodate approximately 180–200 people, so no one needs to freeze unnecessarily.

Dress according to the weather. On site, there will be changing tents for both women and men. Sauna visits take place in swimwear. Please bring a sauna towel and, if you wish, a bathrobe. Slippers are recommended for comfort when taking breaks between sauna sessions outdoors.

Bathrobes will be available for purchase for €12. Paid luggage storage is available on site for €2. Please do not bring valuables; we can safely store and supervise other belongings.

All saunas and hot tubs are once again free of charge, except for participation in rituals in the large white and black saunas. Ritual sessions will be ticketed this year due to rising costs.

Visitors who wish to participate in rituals are asked to purchase a €5 ticket. The ticket is valid for the entire day and allows participation in as many rituals as capacity permits. Fortunately, the rituals are frequent in both saunas, so everyone should have the opportunity to enjoy the experience.

Old-age pensioners receive a reduced price of €2 per day, with unlimited access to rituals (subject to capacity). Visitors who are not interested in rituals may enjoy the saunas free of charge throughout the day. Additionally, the ritual ticket includes free luggage storage — the €2 storage fee is already covered.

Information is available in both Estonian and Russian on our website.

As the project has been supported by the Narva-Jõesuu City Government and the Integration Foundation, we have a responsibility to offer the joy of sauna and social interaction to as many people as possible. Last summer, approximately 1,000 people participated. Although the timing differs this year, we hope for at least the same number of visitors and trust that residents of Narva-Jõesuu, Narva and the surrounding areas will support us by coming to enjoy this major sauna celebration brought right to their home region.

The reality is simple: if people do not attend events, supporters have less reason to continue funding them, and organisers will not plan future events here. Narva-Jõesuu already feels like a second home to us, and we hope to bring sauna joy here every year. For that, we need the support of local residents — come and enjoy the steam, the hot tubs and the sauna celebration in your own hometown.