Estonia Sauna Marathon: A Hot Challenge in a Cultural Tradition

Otepää, Estonia – The annual European Sauna Marathon offers a unique challenge to participants from around the globe: how long can you withstand the heat while dressed in a humorous costume? This year's 14th edition of the marathon took place in early spring in Otepää, a small town in southern Estonia known as the country's winter sports capital. With nearly 1,000 participants from 17 countries, including athletes from Australia and the United States, the event highlights the strong cultural significance of saunas in Estonia.

A Weekend of Heat

During the marathon weekend, the number of saunas in Otepää often doubles or triples. Local residents open their saunas to competitors, while mobile saunas in the form of barrels, huts, igloos, tents, and hot tubs also add to the atmosphere. Participants are tasked with visiting 21 different saunas, spending at least three minutes in each one. The event organizer, Ago Arro, explained the challenge: “Teams of four have to visit all 21 saunas. The team with the fastest strategy to complete the route wins.”

In contrast to traditional Estonian sauna practices, where participants typically are nude, the marathon encourages participants to wear playful costumes. Outfits ranged from Scottish kilts to nun habits, and even representations of political figures like Barack Obama, Donald Trump, and Vladimir Putin.

Focus on Fun

Although described as a competition, participants primarily embraced the event for its fun and camaraderie rather than fierce competition. Many seemed more focused on enjoyment than trying to improve their standing. Even seasoned competitors did not prioritize speed, as the experience aligned more closely with the traditional use of saunas as a place for relaxation and stress relief.

As Arro mentioned, “The Estonian sauna tradition builds on the UNESCO world heritage-listed smoke sauna. Here in southern Estonia, at least one in ten farms have a proper smoke sauna.”

A Rich Sauna Tradition

Estonians have a long history with saunas, dating back to the early 13th century. While modern households often have smaller, electrically heated steam saunas, the country boasts a rich variety of sauna experiences in spas and tourist farms. The 2014 inclusion of the smoke sauna in the UNESCO world heritage list has spurred interest in this ancient practice, which was further showcased in the acclaimed documentary "Smoke Sauna Sisterhood" by Anna Hints, released in cinemas in 2023. The smoke sauna, notable for its unique heating process, can take 7-8 hours to prepare. With temperatures reaching approximately 70 degrees Celsius, these saunas lack a chimney, requiring thorough ventilation once the fire has died. The heat from the stone oven continues for hours, offering a deeply relaxing experience.

Innovative Sauna Experiences

Estonians have creatively integrated saunas into various aspects of life. Innovative designs include saunas built into buses, repurposed fire truck tanks, and floating rafts—all of which provide opportunities for socializing and alternating between steaming and refreshing dips in nearby rivers or lakes. In winter, this often involves creating a hole in the ice for a quick swim.

The experience of a smoke sauna emphasizes natural cleansing and mindfulness. No soaps or shampoos are necessary; instead, participants enjoy multiple steam sessions, utilize leafy branches for whisking, and may scrub with natural substances like salt, mud, or ash. Many participants report feeling mentally revitalized after a session.

With a rich tradition and a vibrant event, the Estonia Sauna Marathon serves not only as a test of endurance but as a celebration of Estonian culture and community spirit. For those curious about the sauna experience, the warmth and engaging atmosphere invite all to give it a try.