VIDEO AND PHOTOS! The largest sauna in the Baltics in Mustamäe: rituals, art and health in Elamus SPA’s new ritual sauna

In July a new ritual sauna, unique in the Baltics, was opened at Elamus SPA in Tallinn, offering visitors unique experiences. Elamus SPA manager Margit Kurn presented details of the new sauna and shared the story of how it was built. The largest ritual sauna in the Baltics, with a capacity of one hundred people, stands out from others for its size and its varied sauna sessions.

The newly opened sauna carries detailed symbolism and a special atmosphere, and it is worth paying attention even before stepping into the sauna – the sauna door is decorated with bees and honeycombs, which refer to the family bond of the hive and to the healthiness of honey. “A beehive is one big family and honey is health. In the same way, the sauna is a source of health for people,” Kurn explains.

Although the original plan was to build an 80-seat sauna, during the project it was decided to increase the capacity. “As we know, plenty of good sheep fit into one sauna, and since people also sweat while in the sauna and lose weight, in the end more than a hundred people fit in here,” Kurn jokes.

Elamus SPA’s ritual sauna is the first of its kind in Estonia and the Baltics. Never before has such a large and technically complex sauna been built in Estonia. Construction of the sauna began in March and was completed in July. The stones around the edges of the stove were handmade by Estonian artists Vahur Agar Vako and Helena Hanni and imitate natural rock.

The new sauna is designed primarily for sauna rituals led by sauna masters. Elamus SPA’s sauna rituals have quickly gained popularity, and queues may even form at the sauna door. “In the evenings it is like one big song festival here,” Kurn describes the buzz that reigns in the ritual sauna every day.

The new sauna is designed primarily for sauna rituals led by sauna masters.

Those who wish to enjoy the sauna rituals should also keep good sauna manners in mind – conversations should be left in the spa area and during the sessions the focus should be on the sauna master alone. “Just as in a theatre or a cinema, in the sauna too one should focus and relax,” Kurn explained. This helps make the experience as enjoyable as possible. At the same time participants are encouraged to cheer the performances on with applause and shouts of encouragement, especially when the sauna masters perform impressive towel tricks.

One special ritual you can experience in Elamus SPA’s new sauna is Aufguss, a sauna technique originating in Italy, in which towels are used to direct air currents and spread aromas. For this the sauna has a four-metre-long stove, around which the whole ritual takes place. The heat of the stove is raised with ice and water, and during the rituals up to 25 litres of water are poured onto the stove to reach the perfect sauna temperature.

The heat of the stove is raised with ice and water, and during the rituals up to 25 litres of water are poured onto the stove to reach the perfect sauna temperature.

Aufguss sauna performances are a true artistic experience. The sauna masters perform in costume, supported by lighting and sound technology. According to Kurn, the sauna’s lighting and sound are a special challenge, as the high temperature and humidity require special solutions. “The heat and humidity in the sauna are very high, so heat-protected lights were needed for all of this to work,” Kurn says of the challenges of building the sauna.

According to Kurn, however, guests have received the Aufguss rituals and the new sauna very well. “Our sauna masters are constantly learning new skills, and their eyes are shining. I hope that all our guests too get to experience something new and special,” she says.