Russian banya

It is often vaunted as an essential cultural experience during a visit to Russia and everyone who has been to Russia has heard of it, but in fact few foreigners actually experience it and consequently know little about what to expect from the banya. To try the traditional Russian banya, fired by wood or charcoal, the Siberian taiga is the ideal location. Even though there are many banyas in every city and town, which Russians regularly use for both health benefits and socializing, they are a far cry from the fairytale wooden ones in the middle of taiga forest, perched next to a lake or a stream to plunge into. Their simple and natural setting provides perfect evening relaxation after the daily hiking or excursion programme.

The banya is essentially a steam house (a specific sort of a sauna), but it also includes soap-massages and washing. An inevitable part of a complete banya experience is light beating or brushing with a bundle of leafy birch or spruce twigs, called a ‘venik’. The beating with the venik provides relief from the humidity whilst releasing natural oils from the skin. A plunge into the cold, but pure water of the nearby river or lake after the steamy pleasures is invigorating and pleasant. Without a Russian banya any trip to Central Siberia would be incomplete.

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