The history of the Alaskan banya is a beautiful blend of Indigenous tradition, Russian cultural influences, and the raw practicality of life in then orth.

A banya is a traditional Russian steam bath, also known as a bathouse or sauna. It’s a place where people gather to relax, cleanse, and socialize, often with ritualistic element. The banya is typically a wooden structure with a steam room and an entrance room.

For generations, the banya has been more than a bath—it’s been a sacred rhythm. Families often built them by hand. You’d fire it up once or twice a week, and everyone would take turns sweating, washing, and cooling off, sometimes with dips in snow or cold rivers. Contrast therapy has been around for ages!

The tradition is still strong especially in rural and Native villages, and now, our mobile banyas are bringing this ancient practice to new places—often fusing:

-Russian Steam Culture

-Nordic sauna influences

-Modern Wellness

-And the Alaskan wilderness experience

It’s a continuation of something old, but also something fres—bringing fire, water, wood and rest together in a way that just makes sense out here.

Taking a Banya is a part of our daily lives here in Kodiak, Alaska. Taking a banya is custom in all seasons and provides health benefits that we ourselves love to reap after cold plunging, hiking, fishing, or just after a typical day to relax & decompress.