Tampere – The World’s Sauna Capital

Sauna is a source of wellbeing for a Finn; it is a place for relaxing and cleansing the body and for reinvigorating the mind. In the ever-changing world it seems that the sauna not only has the power to evaporate worries but it also seems to improve sleep and bring other health benefits. Since 2018 Tampere has been known as the Sauna Capital of the World. The status is based on our saunas being of high level and Tampere being home to most public saunas in Finland. The history of the sauna culture in the city goes back to the oldest public sauna still functioning: Rajaportti Sauna in the district of Pispala, Tampere.

There are over 50 public saunas in the region for anyone to relax in, throughout the year. We indulge in particular those who love hot steam and ice-cold water, as our region offers plenty of possibilities to enjoy this addictive combination. The only problem for sauna enthusiast is picking one’s favourite as there are so many options. But once you make your choice, you’re on your way to relaxation! For more options, have a look at visittampere.fi/en/see-do/sauna-capital/

Rajaportti

Our crown jewel is the 116-year-old Rajaportti sauna. It takes you on a time travel to the Finnish sauna culture. Rajaportti is a must-see-and-experience for anyone visiting the Sauna Capital.

It is also one of the three saunas in Finland for which the Finnish Heritage Agency is preparing protection by special legislation.

www.rajaportinsauna.fi

Sauna-Restaurant Kuuma at Laukontori

Kuuma is located in a central spot in the heart of Tampere, by the Laukontori market square and boat quay, and it boasts a café-restaurant, a big two-storey terrace and two saunas, open all year round. From the sauna heat, you only need to take a couple of steps to plunge into the refreshing waters of the Pyhäjärvi lake, in Kuuma’s own pool area. www.saunaravintolakuuma.com

Rauhaniemi

Rauhaniemi “public spa”, situated by the lake Näsijärvi, only a few kilometres from the Keskustori central square, it has served as the summer paradise for tampereans since 1929. The original two-meter, concrete diving tower has seen the joy of many generations and the saunas welcome you in their warmth. Definitely one of the local favorites. www.rauhaniemi.net/in-english

Kaupinoja

Some like it hot! They say Kaupinoja offers the hottest löyly in town. Good thing you can easily cool down in the lake Näsijärvi, summer or winter. There has been a sauna on the spot since 1977, but the sauna has gone through several transformations and renovations. Kaupinoja sauna is open practically always, except for occasional maintenance. www.talviuimarit.fi/kaupinojan-sauna

Top 5+1 Things to Do

1. Visit the Finlayson and Tampella areas of industrial history

Admire the city area from above on a Finlayson Area Roof Walk or stop by the old Stable Yards at Finlayson to shop for handmade chocolates. www.tallipiha.fi www.amazingcity.fi/en/adventures/roof-walk

2. Pyynikki observation tower

The best doughnuts in the universe with a view on the side!

3. Tampere Cathedral

Designed by Lars Sonck, the cathedral boasts impressive interior art including frescoes by Hugo Simberg that caused controversy back in 1907.

4. Did you know there are over 55 public saunas in Tampere?

A trip to the Sauna Capital is not complete without experiencing one of them!

5. Enjoy the historical indoor market in Tampere!

Tampere Market Hall dates back to 1901 and is full of character and atmosphere. It's the home of many restaurants, cafés, shops and artisans.

Welcome to the heart of Tampere! www.tampereenkauppahalli.fi

6. Shop for design!

Tampere has an extensive scene of local design, right in the city centre. Follow the DesignOnTampere map to make the best finds! www.designontampere.fi