RUSSIAN BANYA (SAUNA)

The Russian banya or sauna is known as an exotic Russian tradition. It is a combination of dry sauna, steam bath, massage and plunges into ice-cold water. It is certainly a part of Russian culture and one of the widely accepted entertainments, even among modern urban people in Russia. 

However, there is a big difference between the steam sauna and Russian banya. Both may have the same temperatures, but the difference is in steam itself — in a Russian banya it is dry and light while in a steam sauna it is usually wet and heavy. The difference comes from the temperature of the stones- in Russian banya the stones’ temperature is about 800C. 

Considering how life urbanized and changed in the last century, it is surprising how the banya survives and successfully coexists with technical progress. The reason is that the banya is much more important for Russians than hygiene. We believe that, along with the sweat one loses in the banya, one also loses psychological weight - stresses, disappointments, disillusions. Do not ask how it works- just try! You won’t regret a couple hours of hard sweat!

Banya from the inside 
Russian banya is a part of rich Russian tradition. Traditionally, there was no other way for people to clean up in Russian villages except banya. Russian banya in the form we know it now was first mentioned about 200 years ago.

To understand what is it like,let us list the stages involved in a typical banya:

-  on the way to the banya, or directly inside, there is usually a kiosk selling bunches of birch leaves tied together (called veniki).
-  Veniki usage is an acquired skill. Perhaps the best advice for banya-neophytes is to watch and learn from the natives:)
-  as people walk naked inside, there are usually two separate changing rooms for men and women. Though sometimes a family or a bunch of friends, who feel free with each other, can rent a whole place and enjoy staying there together.
-  the next room is usually the washing room (with showers and a little swimming pool)
-  the main room in the banya is a steam room, called ‘parilka’ in Russian. It’s the place where you can use your veniki. You may beat yourself or lie on the wooden bench and ask your companion to beat you. But don't make it too hard! This procedure is said to help open the pores and rid the body of toxins.
-  when you feel it is too hot to tolerate it anymore, go out and dip into a swimming pool with cold water. If there is no swimming pool, just pour a bucket of cold water over yourself. You should experience this, it’s amazing!

Tips for Banya Visitors
-  You'll need: a towel, sheet (if you wish to cover up), rubber sandals, soap, shampoo or whatever other bath products you want.
-  You won't need: a bathing suit (these are not recommended for the banya because of bacteria!)
-   If you have some health problems like heart disease or hypertension, be careful. Don’t spend much time in the hot banya and avoid alcoholic drinks! Most prefer to keep silent in the steam room, and some people stretch out on the floor, if they get too hot – the higher up in the steam room you go, the hotter it is.
-  Recommended drinks after banya: mors (berry juice), tea and beer (should be cool, not cold!) The banya is a very social experience, so it's a good idea to take food and drink with you. Usually people bring simple food, including fruit, bread, sausage and cheese to share with others in between steam-room sessions.
-  You might want to buy a veniki (birch branches with leaves attached), which is usually sold outside banyas for about 100-160 rubles. Inside prepare your veniki for usage - it must be thoroughly softened in boiling water before the beating begins. If you do not want to be beaten with the veniki, it is OK to refuse. You may also try to do it yourself for the first time. However, it does not hurt and you’ll feel good after it.
-  When it is very hot in the steam room, you would be better wearing a felt hat to protect your hair.
-  Banyas are particularly beneficial for women, as they help to preserve the skin's elasticity, smooth out wrinkles and help with weight loss.

St. Petersburg's banyas 
St. Petersburg's banyas range from deluxe to disgusting - the following, however, are some of the more popular. Call ahead to determine their hours of operation, which can vary from week to week.

-  Krugliye Bani: 29A Ulitsa Karbishyeva (550-09-85) M: Ploshchad Muzhestva. The round outdoor swimming pool provides for pleasant, evening stargazing.
-  Yamskiye Bani: 9 Ulitsa Dostoyevskogo (312-58-36) M: Dostoyevskaya. Lux banya features individual rooms, sauna, tanning, fitness centre.
-  Kazachy Bani: 11 Bolshoi Kazachy Pereulok (315-07-34) M: Pushkinskaya, daily except Monday and Tuesday. Deluxe banya, featuring billiards, ping pong, and private dressing rooms with TV, must be reserved in advance.
-  Banya 45: 12 Pereulok Makarenko (114-34-47) M: Sennaya/Sadovaya. Cold dipping pool recommended.