On October 10-12, 2025, unique saunas and welcoming local families in Rõuge Parish, Võru County, will open their doors and hearts to share the authentic joys of sauna and country life.   

Sauna unites people, heals, and reveals the genuine lifestyle of sauna-goers. The best way to connect with the locals and experience their daily culture is by going to the sauna together. 

The sauna tradition is an essential part of South Estonia's identity and cultural heritage. Every family has its own unique sauna rituals, beliefs, and customs.

A shared sauna session brings together communities, mindsets, families, tribes, and nations. SANNA! 2025 warms and opens hearts for authentic person-to-person, family-to-family, and community-to-community connections. It encourages local societies and businesses to take guests to their favorite spots amidst the wonderful nature, homes, saunas, and spiritual and cultural landscapes of Rõuge Parish.

Friday, October 10

12:00-16:00 AN EXCURSION with Sauna Traveler Pluuto We will visit, observe, and hear the stories of unique and traditional saunas around Rõuge. Our guide will be the sauna traveler Pluuto (Marko Puksand). We will set off at 12:00 from the front of the Rõuge Community Center. You can drive your own car; we will reduce the number of vehicles by pooling people into cars. The excursion will have English translation. REGISTER HERE!

17:00-22:00 WORKSHOP "Health Comes from the Sauna!" Since ancient times, the sauna has been a place for self-healing. Anubis (Anu Pahka) and Saunasuri (Eda Veeroja) will explain our indigenous beliefs and customs for healing and recovery in the sauna. The workshop is held in Estonian and English.
After the workshop, everything discussed will be experienced and practiced under guidance in a traditional smoke sauna.

Two smoke saunas will be heated: one for men and one for women. Places are limited by the capacity of the saunas. SOLD OUT!

SATURDAY, October 11 OPEN SAUNAS

Some saunas are open in the morning, others in the afternoon. Find the perfect host family from the list and enjoy the diverse home saunas and local lifestyles nestled between the rolling hills and scenic lakes of Rõuge Parish.

Information about the open saunas can be found HERE!

SUNDAY, October 12 THE GREAT WHISKING FESTIVAL on the shores of Lake Rõuge Suurjärv

The largest sauna tent in Estonia can accommodate over a hundred people whisking together.

Now that is a true experience and a powerful energy!

You will whisk yourself and enjoy being whisked by your fellow sauna-goers. In between hot steam sessions, take a refreshing dip in Estonia's deepest lake. The event is accompanied by sauna incantations, sauna drums, whisking tips, and a wonderful atmosphere. A changing tent is available next to the whisking tent. Swimwear is welcome. Please bring your own towel, drinking mug, and two sauna whisks. REGISTER TODAY!