European Sauna Marathon 2026 CITY SPRINT
1st European Sauna Marathon 2026 – CITY SPRINT
The first-ever European Sauna Marathon CITY SPRINT sauna festival will take place on 17 October 2026. It is a brand-new format alongside the legendary sauna-orienteering event. What makes this event special is its unique concept: all saunas in the program are located within the town of Otepää, set up in various exciting and unusual locations.
We will heat up saunas in surprising and extraordinary places across Otepää and its surroundings, all within walking distance. The estimated total distance for each team during the City Sprint is approximately 10 km throughout the day.
The program also includes sauna enjoyment saunas, where time is not measured and there is no rush – just pure sauna pleasure.
The hot prizes of the European Sauna Marathon City Sprint are provided by Lemmikmees OÜ and Skamet OÜ, along with numerous special prizes from sponsors. Traditionally, participants will vote for their favorite sauna, and awards will also be given for the best costumes, most spirited teams, and true sauna enthusiasts. A costume catwalk will also take place.
Team registration on-site will take place on 17 October at the Tehvandi Sports Hall from 8:30 to 10:30. The start will be given at 11:00 from Otepää Town Square, and the finish area in front of Tehvandi Sports Hall will remain open until 19:00. At the sports hall participants can wash, change clothes, enjoy snacks, and share their marathon experiences with fellow sauna lovers. Catering will be provided according to the menu ordered by each team.
The 1st European Sauna Marathon CITY SPRINT 2026 in Otepää is organized by Otepää Sport, Otepää Cultural Centres, sauna owners together with their assistants, and many volunteers.
Event partners include Lemmikmees, Skamet, Tanker, Hartwall, Sipakson, Sky Plus, Kanal 2, Vytautas, Crocs / Nordic Outdoor, Küttepuude Kuller, Aasta Auto – Škoda Tartu, 363 Agentuur, Ottenstein Eesti, and the Estonian Cultural Endowment (Eesti Kultuurkapital).
Event timeline/line-up
SATURDAY 17.10
08:30 – 10:30 – Registration at Tehvandi Sports Hall
(Teams receive wristbands, car stickers and sign the team confirmation form)
Otepää Town Square
10:00 – 16:00 – Street food area open
11:00 – 12:30 – European Sauna Marathon CITY SPRINT - STARTS
(Teams start in groups of 20 according to the official start list from Otepää Town Square)
Tehvandi Spordikeskus (in front of the sports hall)
14:00 – 18:30 – FINISH area open
19:00 – 01:00 – Official European Sauna Marathon 2026 CITY SPRINT afterparty at Tehvandi Sports Hall
✨ Famous Estonian artist (to be confirmed)
🎧 DJ playing the biggest hits
🍻 Bar open
🕺 A real disco night – only once a year in Otepää!
Entrance:
Free for marathon participants with wristband
Guests: €25 at the door
