Banja-Sauna

The banya is the Russian version of sauna. The temperature is about 60°C to 90°C lower than in the Finnish sauna. The humidity is sometimes so high that clouds of mist form. On a stove there is a cauldron filled with water, in which the so-called weniks (bundled birch twigs), are soaked. The birch decoction is then splashed onto hot stones with the help of the weniks, and the fragrant steam is wafted with the birch tassels toward the bathers. This intensifies the diaphoretic effect, stimulates circulation and improves blood flow to the skin and blood vessels. Birch also has anti-inflammatory and cleansing effects and is said to lift the spirits.

Hints:
Air temperature: 85°C
Image: Badeland Wolfsburg