Oulu public sauna project faces further delay as case heads to Supreme Administrative Court

Plans to build public saunas at a popular Oulu beach have stalled again after opponents sought leave to appeal to Finland’s Supreme Administrative Court, public broadcaster Yle reports.

The project, led by the Oulu Rantasauna Association, was approved by the city council in January 2025 but immediately challenged by a nearby resident. Timo Lindborg, who lives close to Tuira beach, filed a 13-point complaint arguing the zoning change endangered local residents’ health. The Administrative Court dismissed the appeal in April 2026—over a year after it was lodged.

“We’re obviously disappointed,” said Katri Tenetz, producer for the association. Construction, originally slated for completion this year, remains on hold. “It will likely take months before the Supreme Court even considers whether to hear the case.”

Tuira beach, a year-round swimming destination, currently hosts two private saunas, Kesän Sauna and Löylykontti. The public saunas were intended to expand access at the site.