Bath tourism in St. Petersburg: from historic steam rooms to new routes

Why baths have become a separate tourist product

In recent years a trip to a bath in St. Petersburg stopped being just an add‑on to a city tour. Visitors now often schedule their whole stay around a steam session, and the mix of seasoned bather‑masters and striking interiors draws both locals and foreign tourists. According to Kristina Senotrusova, head of the Bath Industry Development Center, most guests are Russians traveling in small groups. The share of foreigners is still modest, but it is steadily growing.

How sauna formats are changing

Classic steam with a birch whisk remains popular, yet new ideas are popping up in the city’s baths: themed evenings, collective or author‑led steam rituals, and programmes that pair the heat with food. Some venues even let you tour the building purely for its architecture – you can skip the steam room entirely, which is handy for history buffs.

Historic baths that are still operating

Fonarnye Baths

Opened in 1871 and designed by architect Pavel Syuzor, they were equipped with an advanced water‑supply system, marble pools and inner courtyards – cutting‑edge for the time. After a 2021 restoration they host architectural tours; a separate ticket is required only for the steam room.

Yamskye Baths

Built in 1859 on the street now called Dostoevsky. In the 19th century they were frequented by Fyodor Dostoevsky, Modest Mussorgsky and Vladimir Lenin. Today they keep the 19th‑century atmosphere alive for guests who want an authentic slice of old‑St. Petersburg.

Mytinsky Baths

Opened in 1890, originally serving ordinary city dwellers. Water was hauled from the Neva by five bathers. Nowadays the rooms are heated with birch firewood, and you can choose a public hall or a private one.

Usachev Baths

Operating since 1883, they preserve three classes – merchant, mixed‑social and people’s – reflecting pre‑revolutionary social layers. Here you can book a bather‑master, get a massage, or use the family zone.

Degtyarnye and “Baths on Yaroslavsky"

Degtyarnye started in 1957, while the “Baths on Yaroslavsky” date back to 1938. Both offer classic Russian steam, plus body scrubs and foamy soap rubdowns.

Modern thermal and multi‑bath complexes

• Green Flow Lakhta Park – pools, saunas, aromatic steam rooms and contrast plunge pools.
• Peterland – an aqua‑park where you can try Russian, Finnish, Turkish, Japanese and other steam traditions, all woven into water rides.

Planned tour route “Bathing St. Petersburg”

The Bath Industry Development Center is drafting a new itinerary that links historic baths, contemporary complexes and city spaces tied to sauna culture. The program includes steam‑room visits, introductions to rituals and stand‑alone procedures. Both group and private options are foreseen for Russian and foreign tourists. Launch is slated for the current season.

Support from the authorities

Yevgeny Pankevich, chair of the St. Petersburg Tourism Development Committee, notes that bath tourism brings a fresh audience, especially those who schedule a sauna for the second or third day of their trip. The city’s tourist information office is preparing the first thematic guidebook “Bath Tourism”, due by year‑end.

Who should pay attention to bath tourism?

• Young people – attracted by the unusual ambience and the chance to hang out with friends.
• Older visitors – value the traditions, health benefits and a break from the urban rush.
• History lovers – architectural tours in Fonarnye and Yamskye baths showcase 19th‑century engineering.
• Those seeking variety – modern complexes and multi‑bath offers at Peterland let you sample different steam traditions.

Bath tourism in St. Petersburg has moved beyond a simple spa service and become a standalone route that can lure both history fans and seekers of new heat experiences. If you’re planning a trip to the northern capital, slot at least one of the listed baths into your agenda – it’s a chance to feel a unique blend of architecture, culture and wellbeing.

Based on materials from: atorus.ru.