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Photo Credit: Adam Rang/Anni Oviir

Sauna enthusiasts from around the world will be invited to the Estonian capital, Tallinn, for World Sauna Race in the summer of 2022.

Organised by the local sauna enthusiasts and entrepreneurs, Adam Rang and Anni Oviir, the race follows in the footsteps of the Otepää European Sauna Marathon that takes place annually – usually in February – in the namesake Estonian “winter capital”.

Rang, originally from the UK, and his Estonian partner, Anni Oviir, have until now been involved in sauna races around Estonia as competitors, hosts and sponsors, but decided to add their own tweaks to the format for the World Sauna Race, due to take place in Tallinn in June 2022.

tallinn_iglupark
Photo Credit: Adam Rang/Anni Oviir

A competition between the saunas

During the race, participants will be given a map of Tallinn with a list of saunas to find on it. After experiencing the leil (an Estonian word for the steam that is generated by pouring water onto hot rocks inside a sauna) inside each sauna, they must then return to the finish line and vote for their favourite ones.

The participants will also need to find the answer to a question at each sauna to help them learn about the sauna they are visiting, as well as Estonian sauna culture more broadly.

But the real competition is between the saunas – competing for titles that include the “Best Leil”, the “Most Sociable Sauna”, the “Most Entertaining Sauna”, the “Most Instagrammable Sauna”, as well as the grand title of the “Best Sauna”.

“The idea is silly and so is the name – but the benefits it can bring to Estonia are significant,” Rang told Estonian World. “We want to help fire up Estonia’s recovery by not just showing visitors some great saunas but also better promote the country internationally as both a great sauna destination for visitors and a world-class sauna exporter for people who want their own sauna abroad.”

Getting the word “leil” into English

Rang added that, although Otepää Sauna Marathon does already an “excellent job”, their tickets “sell out instantly” – and Tallinn has the potential to host a great summer sauna race. “The Finns have managed to get the word ‘sauna’ into English but the world still needs to learn what makes a good sauna – so it’s time Estonians got the word ‘leil’ into English,” he said.

Rang and Oviir said six saunas have already agreed to take part, with “more than 20 expected to be confirmed” – including inside startup offices and private homes. A former Soviet ZiL-131 army truck, now turned into a sauna and owned by the couple, will be part of the race – as will be a converted Audi 100 Avant.

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Photo Credit: Iglupark

IGLUPARK

Iglupark offers unparalleled sea views straight from the bed, sauna or the worktable. The wood burning Iglusaunas offer a rare sauna experience that is boosted by the drinks and snack provided by the Iglubars. Igluoffice is the place to infuse your work day with new inspiration and perspectives. In the Igluhuts you can spot the passing boats, observe the colorful sunsets and the changes of the sea, all from the comforts of your warm soft bed. You can arrange client meetings, team events or spend some inspired work time in solitude.

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Photo Credit: Iglupark

FIND OUT MORE

Visit Tallinn Convention Bureau
Kaarli pst1 / Roosikrantsi 2
Tallinn, 10119

T: +372 640 4414
E: convention@visittallinn.ee
W: www.visittallinn.ee

Event planners can find out everything about organising their events in Tallinn here.

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