South Estonia — February 2026.
The first-ever International Sauna School will open its doors in South Estonia next February,
offering participants from around the world a rare opportunity to engage deeply with the ancient
Estonian smoke sauna tradition. The 7-day experiential programme is held in the historic Ärni
smoke sauna, a site whose practice represents one of Estonia’s most meaningful contributions
to global cultural heritage.
Two identical courses will be offered:
- 2–8 February 2026
- 22–28 February 2026
Rooted in Finno-Ugric heritage, the International Sauna School combines theoretical
knowledge, practical skills, ritual-based learning, herbal practices, breathwork, personal
development and community care. Participants will learn how to prepare and maintain a
traditional smoke sauna, how to guide sauna rituals for others, and how to understand the
cultural and spiritual values that make the Estonian sauna tradition unique.
“We are very happy to introduce Estonian sauna culture deeply to international participants,”
says Edina Csüllög, organiser and director of the Finno-Ugric Film Foundation.
“This course is made for people who love the sauna — and also for those who wish to take this knowledge home and eventually work as saunakeepers in their own countries.”
A Deep Cultural and Personal Journey
The programme allows participants to explore:
- Finno-Ugric sauna philosophy and spiritual practice
- Heating, preparing and upkeeping a traditional smoke sauna
- Techniques for guiding meaningful community sauna sessions
- Herbal and natural healing traditions
- Breathwork, purification and grounding techniques
- The role of sauna rituals in cultural continuity and community well-being
Led by Estonian Saunawoman Helen Moppel
The course is facilitated by Helen Moppel, an experienced saunawoman whose teaching
merges ancestral knowledge with contemporary holistic practice. Her guidance offers
participants an intimate and authentic experience of the smoke sauna tradition.
More about Helen: https://helenmoppel.ee/tutvustus/
COURSE DETAILS
Duration: 7 days
Location: South Estonia (Ärni Smoke Sauna + nearby accommodation)
Sauna: https://maps.app.goo.gl/pyRztC3NjTE5aWSY7
Accommodation: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7t4aSN2BS3LWhL259
Language: English
Participation Fee: 650 EUR (incl. accommodation, meals, materials)
Registration Fee: 100 EUR (non-refundable)
Deadline: 20 December 2025
Visa applicants: full participation fee due by 5 January 2026
Group size: max. 6 participants per course
Registration: https://forms.gle/SJbdvx4PT1PEnyyt6
If the minimum of 6 participants is not reached, all fees will be fully refunded.
WATCH VIDEOS ABOUT THE SAUNA & TRAINING
https://vimeo.com/1132545658
https://vimeo.com/1132513926
https://vimeo.com/1132519396
https://vimeo.com/1132546860
ORGANISER
MTÜ FUFF – Finno-Ugric Film Foundation
Reg. code: 80282596
SEB BANK | BIC: EEUHEE2X
IBAN: EE291010220100168010
More Information:
Email: [email protected]
Phone / WhatsApp: +372 5887 7144
