Oulu advances public sauna project at Tuiran beach ahead of 2026 culture event

For years, plans for a public sauna and associated facilities at Tuiran beach have been in the works. The proposal is now advancing through the decision-making process in Oulu. The initiative is backed by the Oulu Beach Sauna Society, with producer Katri Tenez stating the project aims for completion by 2026. “We hope the beach will be ready in time for Oulu to be a European Capital of Culture,” she noted, with the possibility of the saunas being operational by late 2026.

The development is set to include two building locations on the current beach site, offering a total of over 800 square meters of sauna, café, and terrace spaces, along with related amenities. The saunas are designed to accommodate up to 50 people, with both mixed-gender saunas featuring swimming attire as is common in many public saunas today.

The estimated cost for the Tuiran sauna project exceeds 2.5 million euros, but Tenez is optimistic about securing funding. The project is being designed by award-winning architects Teemu Kurkela and Lars-Erik Mattila, who are part of JKMM Architects, known for their successful design of the Tampere Tammela football stadium, recently honored with the Architecture Finlandia Award. Kurkela has also received accolades for the Kirkkonummi Fyyri library, while Mattila has been recognized for his work on ecological buildings, winning the Pietilä Architecture Award in 2020.

In parallel, the city plans to enhance the beach conditions, including a new pier designed to withstand winter and icy conditions. Oulu’s Urban Development Committee discussed the zoning changes on Tuesday and is recommending approval to the city council. The city is also preparing a preliminary agreement with the sauna society regarding the lease of the land and the implementation of the sauna plans.