From October 9th to 11th, 2026, a diverse range of saunas and local families in Rõuge Municipality, Võrumaa, will open their doors and hearts to share the authentic joys of sauna culture and the charms of rural life.  

Sauna brings people together, heals, and reveals the authentic lifestyle of sauna-goers. The very best way to truly connect with the locals and their everyday culture is to share a sauna experience with them. 

The sauna ritual and its traditions are an essential part of the identity and cultural heritage of South Estonia. Every family has their own unique sauna customs, beliefs, and rituals.

Sharing a sauna connects communities, mindsets, families, tribes, and nations. The SANNA! 2025 event warms and opens hearts for genuine person-to-person, family-to-family, and community-to-community connection. It encourages associations and local businesses to guide guests to their favorite spots amidst the breathtaking nature, homes, saunas, and soulful cultural landscapes of Rõuge Municipality.

FRIDAY, October 9th, 12:00-16:00 EXCURSION TO THE SMOKE SAUNAS of the KARULA region

 We gather at 11:55 at the Karula National Park Visitor Centre, where we will split into cars to explore the unique saunas of the Karula area, guided by Marko Puksing. Tickets are available on Fienta.

SATURDAY, October 10th, 2026 SANNA! OPEN SAUNA DAY and sauna workshops.

The list of saunas and registration links will appear as a list here.

• Ala Sarise lakeside sauna from sunrise to sunset

• Vaskna Farm morning sauna 9:00-12:00

• Ärni smoke sauna with sauna women, guided saunas at 12:00 I 15:00 I 18:00

• Mõniste Peasant Museum smoke sauna up to 8 people 14:00-16:00

• Kuutsi Farm smoke sauna and hot tub - open sauna 12:00-17:00

• Melde modern smoke sauna with a stone-pile heater - open sauna 15:00-19:00

• Ööbiksaare Farm smoke sauna - open sauna for up to 6 people at 16:00

• Telecom and Laptop Museum smoke sauna - open sauna at 16:00

• Lillemäe Farm wood-fired sauna - open sauna 16:00-20:00

• Uue-Saaluse Wine Farm smoke sauna for a group of up to 8 people 17:00-19:00

• Sauna Journeys on Suur Munamägi - open sauna 17:00-22:00

• Pallipere smoke sauna at Pärlioru Farm - open sauna at 18:00

• Suhka Farm guided smoke sauna for groups at 16:00 and late-night sauna from 20:00-22:00

• Jõeäärse Farm saunas - FULLY BOOKED

SUNDAY, October 11th, at 11:00 THE GREAT WHISKING FESTIVAL on the shores of Rõuge Suurjärv.

Buy your ticket to the whisking festival here.

Estonia's largest sauna tent can accommodate over a hundred people whisking together. Now that is a truly powerful and authentic experience!

Whisk yourself and experience being whisked by your fellow sauna-goers. In between hot steam sessions, enjoy a refreshing dip in Estonia's deepest lake. The experience is accompanied by sauna chants, sauna drums, whisking tips, and a wonderful, lively atmosphere. A changing tent is available next to the whisking tent. Swimwear is welcome. Please bring your own sauna towel, drinking mug, and two sauna whisks (viht).