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Since its opening on Tuesday 14th of May in the Kaserne area, the lounge has welcomed hundreds of curious guests, including international media representatives. Interviews have already been conducted for outlets in Switzerland, Sweden, Germany, the UK, and Finland. Eurovision stars also made appearances at the lounge. Erika Vikman and Käärijä visited the lounge on Tuesday and KAJ on Wednesday.

“The word about the Finland Lounge has spread fast. Eurovision fans from all over the world have praised the fact that no other country or city has shown support for their contestants quite like this. We’ve received fantastic international attention. Many have expressed strong hopes for Tampere to become the host city of Eurovision 2026,” says Tuomas Paloniemi, PR and Media Manager at Visit Tampere.

The highlight of the area is an authentic, wood-heated Finnish sauna, which has been bustling with visitors. As a fun detail, many sauna-goers have taken a dip in the nearby Rhine, drawing comparisons to the cold-water swims familiar to Finns. Eurovision alumna Hanna Pakarinen, now representing the Finnish Sauna Society, is among those keeping the sauna warm.

“The sauna has sparked enormous interest and an outpouring of positive feedback. People are delighted that we brought a real Finnish sauna all the way from Finland to Switzerland – it’s something truly unique. This is exactly the kind of experience that helps shape a compelling image of Finland through the global Eurovision phenomenon. Our collaboration with Vörå and the Sauna Society has been seamless. That’s how it should be – when we work together, we make a real impact,” says Saara Saarteinen, Event Manager for the City of Tampere and project lead.

UMK Returns to Tampere in February 2026

Next year Tampere will once again be filled with the excitement of the Finnish selection format for the Eurovision Song Contest, UMK – Uuden Musiikin Kilpailu, organized by Finnish broadcaster Yle – as the event returns to Nokia Arena on February 28, 2026. Tampere is ready to embrace the UMK fever once again, with vibrant side events and activities bringing the streets of the city to life. UMK further strengthens Tampere’s profile as a dynamic music city.

“UMK plays a key role in the Finnish music scene. We’re thrilled to host the competition again, especially as Tampere is committed to supporting the development of its local music industry in the coming years,” says Maiju Viiki, Project Manager for Experience Economy at the City of Tampere.

Opening hours of Finland Lounge: https://www.basel.com/en/events-calendar/finland-lounge-with-finnish-sauna-by-tampere-and-voera-d2954d6e3b

Tampere and Vörå Bring the Finnish Sauna to Basel – Erika Vikman and KAJ to Be Cheered on All Week at Eurovision: https://visittampere.fi/en/news/tampere-and-vora-bring-the-finnish-sauna-to-basel-erika-vikman-and-kaj-to-be-cheered-on-all-week-at-eurovision/

“Ich komme aus Tampere” – Tampere cheers Erika Vikman to Eurovision victory: https://www.tampere.fi/en/current/2025/05/05/ich-komme-aus-tampere-tampere-cheers-erika-vikman-eurovision-victory