Meeting point for bus journey: Oulu City Hall, Kirkkokatu 2A, 90100 Oulu, Finland
Location: Olosauna
Address: Vaakunakyläntie 9, 90510, Oulu, Finland | Venue Information | Event Map 

This guided group session offers an opportunity to experience Finnish sauna culture through traditional sauna bathing and facilitated dialogue inspired by the Finnish Timeout method - an approach to constructive conversation that promotes participation in community discussion. 

Participants will be gently introduced to the sauna environment and given guidance on how to enjoy the heat at their own pace. In the sauna, a short, structured dialogue invites open, respectful conversation around a given theme, decided together by the group. For those who would like to, the discussion can be followed by a cold-water swim in the river.

The session balances shared reflection with time to relax and enjoy the riverside setting. The focus is on wellbeing, presence and meaningful human connection.
 

• This activity requires registration and has a maximum capacity of 25 people. Please sign up below. Sign-up deadline: Tuesday 16 June, 17.00.
• The session includes bus transportation to and from the sauna. The bus will leave Oulu City Hall (address: Kirkkokatu 2A, 90100 Oulu) at 9.45, and will leave the sauna at 12.30 to drop you back at City Hall. The journey takes approximately 15 minutes.
• No prior experience of sauna bathing is needed.
• This session takes place in swimwear - please bring your own. Otherwise you can arrive just as you are, no uniform or make-up needed.
• Separate communal showers and dressing rooms are available for men and women. If you require a more private place to change, please speak to the facilitator when you arrive.
• Towels, body wash, shampoo, conditioner and a hairdryer are provided. There will be time at the end of the session to have a shower and get dressed.
• Locker boxes are provided for your belongings.
• Drinking water is provided free of charge. A cafe and bar selling light snacks and drinks is also available.

Please note:

• You are free to step outside the sauna at any time if you begin to feel uncomfortable, overheated or no longer relaxed during the session. Please listen to your body and take breaks whenever needed.
• Sauna bathing can offer a range of wellbeing benefits when enjoyed comfortably and at your own pace.
• If you have any questions or concerns regarding your health and participation, please contact us at [email protected].

Facilitator: 

Katri Tenetz, Oulu2026 European Capital of Culture, Finland 

Sign up

Resources:

Timeout Method
Tuira Sauna project