The project continues Tampere’s activities in Basel in 2025, which brought the city significant international visibility among Eurovision fans. This year, the lounge is again expected to attract thousands of visitors.
- We want to support Liekinheitin as an entire city on the journey to Eurovision victory. The sauna is at the core of our lounge, as Tampere is the sauna capital of the world. The song’s message – a blend of cold and hot emotions – resonates perfectly with the sauna experience. That’s why Tampere, as a city of experiences and events, together with its partners, is participating in Eurovision in Vienna, says Saara Saarteinen, Event Manager for the City of Tampere.
AITO Sauna, a key partner in the project, also highlights the global momentum of Finnish sauna culture.
- Finnish sauna culture is currently gaining strong international interest. We are very excited about this collaboration, as demand for high-quality Finnish saunas continues to grow worldwide. Our saunas combine Finnish authenticity with modern Nordic architecture, which we believe will spark great interest in Vienna, says Jasper Pääkkönen of AITO Sauna.
Tampere is also rallying support for Liekinheitin through a new campaign video. Last year’s video supporting Erika Vikman attracted widespread attention among Eurovision fans across Europe, and this year’s edition continues that momentum.
The new video cheers on Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen to win Eurovision. The video features a wide range of well-known Finnish names, including Ilmari Nurminen, Mayor of Tampere, Tampere-based ice hockey teams Tappara and Ilves, Windows95Man, Hanna Pakarinen, as well as violinists from the Tampere Philharmonic and members of the Tampere Opera choir. The video showcases iconic locations such as Nokia Arena, Särkänniemi, Pispalanharju, and Hiedanranta.
- Tampere is attracting strong international interest right now. Alongside its vibrant urban culture, world-class events, music, and nature, sauna culture remains a defining part of the city’s identity. These elements – and the unique Tampere spirit – are central to our video. We want to inspire not only the city but all of Finland to support Liekinheitin all the way to Eurovision victory, says Tuomas Paloniemi, PR and Media Manager at Visit Tampere.
The campaign will also introduce the theme “Turn Up the Heat,” visible in Vienna, across social media, and throughout Tampere. The video was produced by Tampere-based Karu Films.
Beyond the sauna experience and artist support, the Vienna lounge will also promote Tampere’s broader tourism offering, including its recognition as a European Smart Capital of Tourism. Public sauna culture plays a key role in this distinction.
The story of the Finnish sauna is shared, for example, by the Ministry for Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Finland in Vienna, and Visit Finland. Representatives from the Finnish Sauna Society will also be present in Vienna.
- It is very important for us to be in Vienna to raise awareness of the authentic Finnish sauna experience. Promoting Finnish sauna culture internationally is a core part of our mission, says Janne Mattila from the Finnish Sauna Society.
Throughout Eurovision week, companies, communities, associations, and individuals in Tampere are encouraged to join in supporting Linda Lampenius and Pete Parkkonen. Eurovision-themed side events can be submitted to the Tampere event calendar and will also be highlighted on Visit Tampere’s website.
The Eurovision atmosphere will also be visible across Tampere during the semifinals and final through citywide lighting and video displays. People can participate on social media by tagging their posts with @VisitTampereOfficial.
