Five Traditional Finnish Saunas in Pyynikki
VARALA Sauna Evening on the Shores of Lake Pyhäjärvi
Early Bird Offer 2-hour sauna session - €28 per person. From 15 August, the regular price is €38 per person.
Experience Finnish sauna culture at Varala Sports Institute, nestled on the scenic Pyynikki Ridge just a 10-minute bus ride from the centre of Tampere. Surrounded by pine forests, rocky lakeshores and panoramic views over Lake Pyhäjärvi, Varala offers a peaceful setting to relax and enjoy one of Finland's most cherished traditions.
Your sauna evening includes access to Varala's five lakeside saunas. Between sauna sessions, take a refreshing swim in Lake Pyhäjärvi, relax in the shared lounges or enjoy the peaceful lakeside views from the terraces.
Non-alcoholic refreshments are available for purchase on site. If you wish to enjoy alcoholic beverages during the evening, you are welcome to bring your own.
Enhance your experience with pre-bookable add-ons
Traditional Finnish Sauna Ceremony ( 30 min )
Price: €19/person
Sauna ceremonies at 18:00 and 20:15
Experience a guided Finnish sauna ceremony where centuries-old traditions, wellbeing, and Finnish sauna culture come together. More than simply enjoying the warmth of the sauna, this immersive experience offers an opportunity to slow down, relax, and discover one of Finland's most cherished cultural traditions.
Led by Kata, an experienced traditional sauna guide, the ceremony combines gentle steam with carefully selected native Finnish plants, herbs, and natural aromas. As their fragrances are released by the heat, they create a calming atmosphere that gently awakens the senses while reflecting the deep connection between Finnish sauna traditions and nature.
The ceremony also includes traditional Finnish songs, runic singing, and ancient incantations preserved through Finland's rich oral tradition. These elements shape the rhythm of the ceremony while offering insight into the history and symbolism of Finnish sauna culture. According to Finnish folk tradition, incantations were believed to promote health, provide protection, and bring good fortune, making them an integral part of sauna rituals and many of life's important milestones.
The gentle warmth and peaceful atmosphere of the sauna complete the experience. This guided ceremony offers a memorable introduction to the history, symbolism, and cultural significance of the Finnish sauna.
What’s included?
✓ 30-minute guided sauna ceremony led by traditional sauna guide Kata
✓ Traditional Finnish sauna songs, runic singing and ancient incantations
✓ Gentle steam enhanced with native Finnish plants and herbs, creating a unique sensory and aromatic experience
✓ Traditional birch whisking (vihta/vasta)
✓ An authentic Finnish sauna experience rooted in centuries-old traditions
Taste of Finnish Nature - Sauna Evening Menu
Price: €38/person
Dining at 19:00 and 20:00
Prepared by an award-winning private chef, this seasonal menu brings together the finest flavours of the Finnish harvest and carefully selected ingredients from local producers.
Designed to complement the unhurried atmosphere of a Finnish sauna evening, the menu celebrates the changing seasons through forest mushrooms, root vegetables, berries, and whole grains, bringing together the timeless flavours of Finnish cuisine with a modern twist.
What’s included?
✓ Welcome non-alcoholic shot
✓ Seasonal tasting menu
✓ Freshly brewed herbal tea
✓ One non-alcoholic sauna drink (Choose from alcohol-free beer, Nokia Brewery mocktails, soft drinks or sparkling water)
✓ Still water included during the experience
Menu
Welcome shot of crowberry juice ( non-alcoholic)
Green salad with fresh Finnish sweetcorn and cherry tomatoes, dressed with sea buckthorn vinaigrette
Bean and potato salad with herb yoghurt dressing
Roasted root vegetables with whole oat grains and feta cheese
Wild mushroom tartlets with chanterelle and funnel chanterelle
Archipelago rye bites topped with smoked vendace mousse
Mini potato flatbreads with smoked reindeer, lingonberry mayonnaise and wood sorrel
Warm apple and plum crumble served with vanilla sauce
Freshly brewed herbal tea
Still water is served throughout the dining experience. A selection of non-alcoholic beverages is available for purchase.
Good to Know
Address
Varalankatu 36, FI-33240 Tampere, Finland
Facilities
- Separate changing rooms for women and men
- Shared shower facilities
- Five traditional Finnish saunas
- Spacious, shared indoor lounges with panoramic lake views
- Large lakeside terrace and covered outdoor seating areas
- Direct access to Lake Pyhäjärvi
Our recommendations for a full Finnish experience in Varala
Experience Package 1 Dinner & Sauna Evening (€85)
Begin your evening at 19:00 with a Taste of Finnish Nature dining experience. Continue with the Sauna ceremony at 20:15 followed by free sauna time until 22:00.
Experience Package 2 – Sauna & Dinner Evening (€85)
Start with a sauna session at 17:30, followed by sauna ceremony at 18:00. Afterwards, enjoy the Taste of Finnish Nature dining experience served from 20:00.