The Sauna Heating World Championship was held on the 3rd of July in Peurunka. The day was sunny and warm – the Finnish summer at its best. There were competitors from Finland, New Zealand, and Norway. The competition was translated into English. The winning team got a spectacular prize; Harvia’s stove and Savotta’s saunateltta! Check the scores HERE.

Live-stream

For the first time, The Sauna Heating World Championship was also viewed online in addition to the traditional event. The two-hour-long live-stream followed the competition accompanied by a host of interesting comments, including the latest news from the Sauna Region Week and compelling interviews related to the Finnish sauna. The viewers also got a peek at the SaunaPark area close to the competition venue and the selection of saunas it offers. The live-stream was viewed around the world. For instance, the stream had viewers from Japan, Norway, the United States, Netherlands, Australia, Switzerland, China, and Russia. Due to the travel restrictions, the access of travelers to Peurunka was more limited, and the live-stream gave people the chance to participate no matter where they were. 

SaunaPark

As previously time, SaunaPark offered unforgettable experiences next to the competition area. In summer 2021, the saunas in the park were themed, making the sauna experience even more special. Peurunka’s traditional sauna on the shore transformed into a pampering oasis with lovely skincare products. Pohjolan Matka’s Sauna bus drove to the park offering good steams from the wood-burning sauna stove. Mini-sauna proved that also smaller saunas have good steam. The scents of the forest and the sounds of birds soothed the restless mind in the Forest sauna. A huge Party tent sauna’s music from the ’90s and the relevant disco lighting made people dance. The trailer sauna built by Löylynlyöjät association represented a mobile sauna showing the convenience of wheels. Among others, gently steams were available in the smoke sauna. The area had also many hot tubs. During the day, visitors could enjoy the relaxing sauna whisking sessions made by the traditional sauna guide -student Mari in the Forest sauna. 

A day for the whole family

Lots of activities were organized for the spectators during the day. Children had many different kinds of activities including face pantings, the saunavasta-trowing competition, and guided games  hosted by Laukaa 4H association. In addition, Finland’s sauna elf Zander visited the event. During the day, Pentti Hakala, the world champion in making a sauna whisk, taught how to make the best sauna whisk. At the sauna clinic, Pentti shared his know-how with everyone interested, whether it was building or heating a sauna, visitors got the answer from Saunamaster Pentti. The spectators got also compete at who was the best at throwing water on the sauna stove!